The Vegan Society is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a major new vegan exhibition in Birmingham, UK. The exhibition, which the society says is the ‘world’s biggest’, lets visitors dive into the history of veganism and explore what the future might hold.

Marking 80 years since the charity’s founding, Veganism: Past, Present and Future is now open at the Library of Birmingham and runs until 23 August. This free, family-friendly exhibition traces the evolution of the vegan movement over the decades, from its wartime roots to today’s growing global presence.

As part of the experience, guests can try on a headset for a free vegan VR experience available every Saturday afternoon. This immersive journey transports visitors into a fully vegan future, with Vegan Society founder Donald Watson as their virtual guide.

The exhibition includes rare items from the society’s archive, including Watson’s original ration book and letters exchanged with George Bernard Shaw. Dr Sam Calvert from The Vegan Society called it a chance to “share our history, current work and future plans with the people of Birmingham and beyond.”

One of the most talked-about features of the exhibition is The Future is Vegan campaign, which forms the basis of the vegan VR experience. This new initiative from The Vegan Society invites visitors to explore a future where plant-based living is the norm, not the exception.

The vegan VR experience (available every Saturday from 2 pm to 4.30 pm) is free and open to visitors aged 13 and over. With support from on-site staff, users can immerse themselves in a world where animals are no longer exploited, and issues like deforestation and habitat loss are things of the past.

The campaign aims to spark imagination and action by showing what could be possible if society moves towards a fully vegan future. In the society’s words, it offers “a positive visualisation that helps people envision all of the benefits that would come with a vegan world.”

From environmental impact to ethical choices, The Future Is Vegan encourages us all to consider what comes next and how everyday actions might shape the decades ahead.

The exhibition features key figures in the vegan movement, like Benjamin Zephaniah. Photo © The Vegan Society

You can find the Veganism: Past, Present and Future exhibition on the third floor of the Library of Birmingham. It’s open from 11 am, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays). Entry is completely free, and no booking is required.

Alongside historical artefacts, the exhibition shines a spotlight on Birmingham’s early links to the vegan movement, honouring local figures like the late poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, a well-loved Vegan Society Ambassador.

There’s plenty to engage children too, with interactive displays, a play kitchen, a food facts treasure hunt and lift-the-flap panels designed to make learning about plant-based food fun and accessible. That said, the organisers recommend parental guidance for all children attending this vegan exhibition in Birmingham.

Visitors also have the chance to learn more about the Vegan Trademark, which offers a great starting point for vegan newbies hunting out new plant-based products and peace of mind for vegan veterans who want to know their purchases are cruelty-free.

Featured images © The Vegan Society