Ikon Gallery: Contemporary Art in a Historic Birmingham Landmark
Discover contemporary art in a stunning Victorian neo-gothic building at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery, a hub for innovative exhibitions and community creativity.
Ikon Gallery is a renowned contemporary art venue located in central Birmingham, housed within a striking Grade II listed Victorian neo-gothic former school building. It offers free entry to diverse temporary exhibitions showcasing international artists across various media including painting, sculpture, film, and installation. The gallery also features a specialist art bookshop and hosts community-focused programs, making it a vibrant cultural hub in Brindleyplace.
A brief summary to Ikon Gallery
- 1 Brindley Pl, Oozells Sq, Birmingham, B1 2HS, GB
- +441212480708
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit between Tuesday and Sunday, 11am to 5pm, and enjoy free entry to all exhibitions.
- Explore the Ikon Shop for unique art books, prints, and gifts that support the gallery’s educational programs.
- Check for special late-night openings on summer Wednesdays for extended viewing hours.
- Take time to appreciate the gallery’s historic architecture alongside its contemporary art displays.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the West Midlands Metro tram to Brindleyplace stop, located approximately 10 minutes from Birmingham New Street Station. Trams run frequently with tickets costing around £2.50 one way. From the stop, it’s a short walk to Ikon Gallery through pedestrian-friendly paths.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Brindleyplace, including numbers 1, 8, and 11 from central Birmingham. Travel time from the city center is about 15 minutes. Buses operate regularly throughout the day with single fares around £2.00.
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Car
Driving to Ikon Gallery is possible with nearby parking facilities at Brindleyplace multi-storey car parks. Parking fees vary but expect around £3-£5 per hour. Note that traffic can be busy during peak hours and the area is best accessed outside rush times.
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Walking
If staying in Birmingham city center, Ikon Gallery is reachable on foot within 20-30 minutes via flat, well-signposted routes along canals and pedestrian zones, suitable for most visitors.
Ikon Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Ikon Gallery
A Historic Venue with a Contemporary Vision
Ikon Gallery is situated in the beautifully preserved Grade II listed Oozells Street Board School, a neo-gothic Victorian building that lends a distinctive architectural character to the gallery. This historic setting contrasts with the cutting-edge contemporary art displayed within its walls, creating a unique fusion of past and present. The building’s spacious two floors provide an ideal backdrop for a rotating program of temporary exhibitions.Diverse Artistic Expressions on Display
The gallery showcases a wide range of contemporary art forms, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture, and installation. Artists from around the world are featured, reflecting a global perspective and encouraging visitors to engage with innovative and thought-provoking works. Exhibitions change regularly, ensuring fresh experiences for repeat visitors.Community Engagement and Educational Programs
Beyond exhibitions, Ikon is deeply involved in community and educational initiatives. It runs programs such as Art in Prisons, which places artist residencies in correctional facilities to explore art’s transformative potential. The Ikon Youth Programme collaborates with local creative thinkers to reimagine art education, notably through projects like the Slow Boat narrowboat art school. These efforts underscore Ikon’s commitment to social impact through art.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors enjoy free entry to the gallery, which is open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 11am to 5pm, with extended hours on summer Wednesdays. The Ikon Shop offers a curated selection of art books, prints, stationery, and gifts, supporting the gallery’s charitable mission. Accessibility is a priority, with facilities and friendly staff available to assist all visitors.Environmental and Cultural Responsibility
Ikon Gallery is dedicated to environmental sustainability, striving to minimize its ecological footprint in operations and exhibitions. It also benefits from public funding, including support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, which helps sustain its role as a vital cultural institution in Birmingham.Location and Surroundings
Located at 1 Brindley Place in Oozells Square, Ikon sits within Birmingham’s vibrant Brindleyplace district, an area known for its canals, dining, and cultural venues. The gallery’s position makes it a key destination for art lovers exploring the city’s rich creative landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic England
0.3 km
Uncover Birmingham's rich history and heritage at Historic England, a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in the heart of the city.
Chamberlain Memorial
0.6 km
A striking neo-Gothic monument in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square honoring Joseph Chamberlain’s legacy of public service and city transformation.
The Best of Birmingham Trail
0.7 km
Explore Birmingham’s rich heritage through 20 iconic sites on this free, immersive city centre trail blending history, art, and urban renewal.
The River
0.7 km
Iconic bronze fountain sculpture in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, blending art, poetry, and urban life since 1994.
Chamberlain Clock
1.0 km
An elegant Edwardian clock tower at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, built in 1903 as a memorial to Joseph Chamberlain and recently restored to its former glory.
Workers Memorial
1.1 km
A solemn landmark in Birmingham honoring workers lost to workplace tragedy and inspiring the fight for safer labor conditions.
The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
1.1 km
Birmingham's glittering historic heart where Victorian workshops craft timeless jewels amid cobblestone charm and creative revival.
Bullring & Grand Central
1.2 km
Explore Birmingham's Bullring & Grand Central: a shopping and dining paradise that blends modern architecture with an unforgettable experience.
The Jewellery Quarter
1.3 km
Explore Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, a vibrant district filled with artisan shops, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.
St Chad's Catholic Cathedral
1.3 km
Discover Birmingham’s first post-Reformation Catholic cathedral, a Gothic Revival masterpiece rich in history, art, and spiritual heritage.
St. Martin's
1.3 km
Explore St. Martin's Church, a serene Anglican landmark in Birmingham, where architectural beauty and rich history await every visitor.
Perrott's Folly
1.3 km
An 18th-century tower in Birmingham, steeped in history and Tolkien lore, now a cultural beacon for art and community.
The Selfridges Building
1.4 km
A shimmering silver landmark in Birmingham’s Bullring, where shopping meets futuristic architecture and luxury retail in a sculptural masterpiece.
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
1.4 km
Step into a perfectly preserved jewellery workshop and discover Birmingham’s sparkling heritage through immersive guided tours and rich craftsmanship history.
Edgbaston Waterworks Tower
1.5 km
Discover Birmingham’s Victorian Waterworks Tower, a striking industrial landmark and rumored inspiration for Tolkien’s legendary Two Towers.
Unmissable attractions to see
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
0.1 km
Dive into the UK's only 360° Ocean Tunnel and meet playful penguins, rescued sea otters, and thousands of marine creatures at Birmingham’s premier aquarium.
Birmingham Walk of Stars
0.1 km
Discover Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage through a vibrant walk of fame honoring its legendary icons along Broad Street.
Eleven Brindley Place
0.2 km
A prestigious Grade A office building in Birmingham’s vibrant canalside Brindleyplace, blending modern workspaces with cultural and transport connectivity.
Regency Wharf
0.2 km
Scenic canals, vibrant dining, and cultural events converge at Birmingham’s dynamic Regency Wharf.
Symphony Hall
0.2 km
Experience world-class acoustics and vibrant live performances at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall on Broad Street.
Gas Street Basin
0.2 km
Historic canal basin at Birmingham’s heart blending industrial heritage with vibrant waterside leisure and scenic urban charm.
The Roundhouse
0.2 km
Explore Birmingham’s iconic 19th-century horseshoe-shaped Roundhouse, a vibrant hub of heritage, culture, and canal adventures by the waterside.
Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
0.2 km
Iconic gilded bronze statue celebrating Birmingham’s industrial pioneers Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch on Broad Street.
Centenary Winter Carousels
0.3 km
Experience festive joy and colorful carousels in Birmingham’s vibrant Centenary Square during the magical winter season.
Library of Birmingham
0.3 km
Discover the Library of Birmingham: a modern architectural gem with vast collections, rooftop gardens, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s heart.
The Secret Garden
0.3 km
Discover a peaceful rooftop oasis with stunning city views atop Birmingham’s iconic Library of Birmingham.
Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.4 km
Historic flight of 13 canal locks showcasing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and vibrant urban waterways.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham
0.4 km
An indoor LEGO playground in Birmingham with rides, Miniland, 4D cinema, and endless building fun for children aged 3–10 and their families.
Hall of Memory
0.4 km
Discover the Hall of Memory in Birmingham, a significant memorial dedicated to the bravery of those who served in the World Wars amidst serene gardens.
Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks
0.4 km
Discover the historic Lock 3 within Birmingham’s iconic Farmers Bridge Locks, a captivating canal engineering marvel in the city centre.
Essential places to dine
Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill
0.1 km
Sophisticated grill classics and fresh seafood in a stylish Brindleyplace setting with scenic canal terraces and vibrant atmosphere.
The Coconut Tree Birmingham
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and unique island Cocotails in a lively, colorful setting at The Coconut Tree Birmingham.
Bistrot Pierre - Birmingham
0.2 km
Authentic French bistro on Birmingham's canalside, serving traditional cuisine at accessible prices in a Grade II listed building.
Aria Restaurant
0.2 km
Glass-roofed fine dining sanctuary serving seasonal British cuisine in Birmingham's city centre.
Noel’s Bar and Restaurant
0.4 km
Mediterranean charm meets Birmingham's waterfront—where fresh pasta, charcoal grills, and craft cocktails create unforgettable canalside dining.
Opheem
0.5 km
Experience Michelin-starred Indian cuisine reimagined with British seasonal flair in Birmingham’s elegant Opheem.
Dishoom Birmingham
0.6 km
A vibrant 1960s Bombay café in central Birmingham, serving bold Indian street food and classics in a theatrical, nostalgic setting with a large outdoor terrace.
The Birmingham Stable
0.7 km
A lively Birmingham pizza and cider bar with thin-crust sourdough, craft ciders, and a buzzing industrial-chic vibe – perfect for casual dinners and bottomless brunches.
Turtle Bay Birmingham
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours, lively reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
The ARK Birmingham
0.8 km
A vibrant fusion of authentic Indian cuisine and dynamic nightlife in Birmingham’s city center.
La Galleria
0.8 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Birmingham at La Galleria, where tradition meets generous portions and cozy charm.
Adam's Restaurant
0.8 km
Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in Birmingham with creative cuisine, elegant Art Deco style, and impeccable service.
Orelle
0.8 km
Sophisticated French fine dining on the 24th floor with panoramic views across Birmingham’s skyline.
Tiger Bites Pig
0.8 km
Experience Birmingham’s vibrant Taiwanese bao culture with fresh, flavorful buns and rice bowls in a cozy, lively city centre spot.
The Lost & Found Birmingham
0.8 km
A Victorian botanical haven in Birmingham offering creative British cuisine and inventive cocktails in a quirky, vintage-inspired setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Harvey Nichols
0.5 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and gourmet delights at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, a premier designer department store in The Mailbox.
Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service
0.8 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where custom gems and fine collections craft heirlooms with personal stories etched in gold.
Miniso
0.9 km
Bright, affordable design and collectable character goods — a family-friendly stop for pocket-money treats in Grand Central.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.0 km
Discover quirky, affordable Scandinavian gifts and everyday essentials that bring joy and creativity to Birmingham’s city center.
Urban Outfitters
1.0 km
Discover stylish apparel, unique homewares, and a vibrant shopping vibe at Urban Outfitters Birmingham in the city centre.
Beauty & the Button
1.1 km
Discover personalised gifts and colourful button frames at Beauty & the Button, Birmingham’s charming shop for meaningful celebrations.
SACET
1.1 km
Ethical elegance awaits at SACET, Birmingham's sustainable jewellery gem in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter—where timeless craft meets modern conscience.
Buff Jewellery
1.1 km
Timeless minimalist jewellery handcrafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—personalised birthstone designs blending sentiment, subtlety, and modern British elegance for everyday sparkle.
Artfull Expression
1.1 km
Discover independent jewelry artistry in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Artfull Expression, where unique handcrafted designs blend historic craft with modern flair.
Top Jewellery UK
1.1 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Top Jewellery, where family expertise crafts diamonds, gold, and silver into timeless treasures.
Quarter Jewellery
1.1 km
Independent jeweller on Warstone Lane offering commissions, valuations and attentive, workshop‑minded service in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
The Works
1.1 km
Discover affordable arts, crafts, books, and stationery in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant New Street shopping district.
Ivy and Rose Gift Shop
1.1 km
Discover handmade UK treasures at Ivy and Rose, Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter boutique for unique jewelry, candles, and artisanal gifts from local makers. (162 characters)
Community Gift Shop
1.1 km
Discover unique products and support diverse entrepreneurs at Birmingham’s Black Pounds Project Community Gift Shop in the historic Great Western Arcade.
Adamas Antique Jewellery
1.1 km
A boutique Jewellery Quarter shop offering curated antique and estate jewels with specialist appraisal and bespoke care.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
0.0 km
Vibrant waterside bar with retro charm, scenic canal views, and lively brunches in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace.
Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham
0.0 km
Lively cocktail bar in Birmingham’s Brindley Place offering extensive drinks, vibrant atmosphere, and expert bartenders for unforgettable nights.
Slug & Lettuce - Birmingham
0.1 km
Lively cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindley Place offering vibrant drinks, tasty bites, and late-night fun in Birmingham’s city centre.
The Alchemist Brindleyplace
0.1 km
Experience Birmingham’s theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant at Brindleyplace, where molecular mixology meets creative cuisine above the canal.
All Bar One Brindleyplace
0.1 km
Stylish canal-side wine bar and cocktail lounge in Birmingham’s vibrant Westside, perfect for bottomless brunches and lively evenings.
Malt House
0.2 km
A vibrant British pub in Birmingham city centre offering classic dishes, lively atmosphere, and a great spot for social gatherings near the arena.
The Botanist Gas Street Basin
0.2 km
A lush botanical bar and restaurant with canal views, seasonal menus, and live music in Birmingham’s vibrant Gas Street Basin.
Boom Battle Bar Birmingham Broad Street
0.4 km
A lively Broad Street bar mixing axe throwing, karaoke, and games with cocktails for unforgettable nights out in Birmingham.
The Distillery
0.4 km
Birmingham's canal-side gin distillery pub: rotisserie feasts, wood-fired pizzas, house gins, and terrace vibes from brunch to late-night drinks.
Aluna
0.5 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and pan-Asian dining in a stylish canalside setting at Birmingham's Aluna, the Mailbox's premier cocktail bar.
Gas Street Social
0.5 km
Canalside brasserie and cocktail bar at Birmingham’s Mailbox—known for bottomless brunches, sharers and a lively waterside atmosphere.
BrewDog Birmingham
0.7 km
Discover Birmingham’s craft beer haven with bold brews, industrial vibes, and lively events at BrewDog on John Bright Street.
Fox and Chance
0.7 km
An award-winning independent cocktail bar in Birmingham, blending creative drinks with a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
Theatrix Birmingham
0.8 km
Historic charm meets vibrant nightlife at Theatrix Birmingham, a stylish multi-floor bar and entertainment venue in the city centre.
Purecraft Bar & Kitchen
0.8 km
A vibrant gastropub in Birmingham blending craft beer culture with modern British cuisine in a spacious, welcoming setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
