Ikon Gallery, Birmingham: A Contemporary Art Beacon in a Historic Setting
Discover cutting-edge contemporary art in a stunning Victorian building at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery, with free entry and dynamic exhibitions.
Ikon Gallery is a renowned contemporary art venue located in central Birmingham, housed in a striking Grade II listed Victorian school building. It showcases temporary exhibitions featuring diverse media including painting, sculpture, film, and installation art from international artists. With free entry and a specialist art bookshop, Ikon encourages public engagement with contemporary art through dynamic exhibitions and educational programs.
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
- Visit on a Wednesday during summer months for extended evening hours and special events.
- Explore the Ikon Shop for unique art books, prints, and gifts supporting the gallery’s programs.
- Plan for 1 to 2 hours to fully experience the diverse exhibitions across two floors.
- Check accessibility options in advance; the gallery is fully wheelchair accessible.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the West Midlands Metro tram to Brindleyplace stop, located approximately 500 meters from Ikon Gallery. The tram runs frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £2.50 one-way. From the stop, it is a flat 6-8 minute walk to the gallery entrance.
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Train and Walk
Arrive at Birmingham New Street Station, a major rail hub with connections across the UK. From there, it is a 20-minute walk through the city centre to Ikon Gallery, passing landmarks like the Bullring shopping centre. The route is mostly flat and accessible.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve stops near Brindleyplace, including numbers 50 and 63. The nearest stop is about 300 meters from the gallery. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £3. Services run frequently but check schedules for evenings and weekends.
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 Mission
Ikon Gallery is situated in the beautifully preserved neo-Gothic former Oozells Street Board School, a Grade II listed Victorian building in Birmingham’s city centre. Established in 1964 by a group of artists, the gallery has evolved into a leading contemporary art space while maintaining its historic architectural charm. The building’s grand Victorian features provide a striking contrast to the cutting-edge artworks displayed within, creating a unique dialogue between past and present.Diverse and Dynamic Exhibitions
The gallery hosts temporary exhibitions across two floors, showcasing a wide range of media such as sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture, and installation. Ikon’s program highlights both emerging and established artists from around the world, fostering an environment of artistic innovation and cultural exchange. Exhibitions often engage with contemporary social and political themes, inviting visitors to experience art as a catalyst for conversation and reflection.Engagement Through Education and Community
Ikon Gallery operates as an educational charity, emphasizing public engagement through its exhibitions and outreach programs. It supports initiatives like the Ikon Youth Programme, which collaborates with creative communities, and the Art in Prisons project, placing artist residencies in correctional facilities to explore art’s transformative power. The gallery also explores intersections between art and wellbeing through its Creative Health program, partnering with healthcare and academic institutions.Visitor Experience and Facilities
Entry to Ikon is free, welcoming a broad audience to explore contemporary art without barriers. The gallery includes the Ikon Shop, Birmingham’s only specialist art bookshop, offering books, prints, stationery, and unique gifts that support the gallery’s charitable work. While the onsite Yorks Café is currently closed, the gallery’s central location in Brindleyplace places visitors near numerous dining options. Accessibility is a priority, with full wheelchair access and helpful information assistants available.Special Events and Extended Hours
During the summer months, Ikon offers late-night openings every Wednesday until 8pm, providing additional opportunities to experience exhibitions and visit the shop. These evenings often feature talks and events with artists and cultural figures, enriching the visitor experience. The gallery’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its efforts to minimize environmental impact across operations and exhibitions.Artistic Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
Celebrating over six decades of artistic innovation, Ikon Gallery remains a vital cultural institution in Birmingham. It bridges historical architecture and contemporary art practice, fostering a vibrant space for artistic dialogue. Its exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives continue to inspire and challenge audiences, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural explorers alike.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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Birmingham
0.1 km
Broad Street's ultimate pop party hub: 90s-00s hits, neon dance floors, cocktails, and celebration packages until 3am.
Rosies - Birmingham
0.1 km
Birmingham's ultimate super club: five themed rooms, killer cocktails, and non-stop beats on Broad Street for epic nights out.
Reflex - Birmingham
0.1 km
Spin into 80s-00s nostalgia at Reflex Birmingham: revolving dance floor, karaoke booths, neon vibes, and epic sing-alongs on Broad Street's party strip.
Snobs
0.3 km
Birmingham's 40-year indie-retro nightclub legend: cheap drinks, themed dance floors, and non-stop beats on Broad Street.
King of clubs
0.8 km
Compact late‑night Birmingham club for high‑energy R&B, hip‑hop and DJ nights, pulsing into the small hours with neon, bass and bar-driven parties.
What do you mean
0.9 km
Dive into Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife at What Do You Mean, a premier nightclub known for electrifying music, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable party vibe.
PAVO Birmingham
1.0 km
Vibrant African fusion lounge and nightclub in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where bold flavors meet electrifying beats until 4am on weekends.
Mango Night Club
1.1 km
A high‑energy Bristol Street nightclub serving Afrobeats, hip‑hop and R&B for late‑night dancers and party crowds in central Birmingham.
Bambu Nightclub
1.1 km
Experience Birmingham’s chic nightlife hotspot with stylish vibes, eclectic music, and late-night dancing at Bambu Nightclub.
101 Night Club
1.1 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 101 Night Club, Birmingham's vibrant center for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Tunnel Club Birmingham
1.1 km
Dive under Birmingham's arches into Tunnel Club's seven-room warehouse wonderland, where house, techno, and hip-hop fuel all-night dances amid pounding bass and vivid lights.
Sobar
1.1 km
Dive into Birmingham's electric nightlife at Sobar, where R&B beats, masterful cocktails, and inclusive vibes fuel unforgettable weekend revelry in the heart of the Arcadian.
Nightingale Club
1.3 km
Birmingham's legendary LGBTQIA+ superclub: three floors of pulsating beats, go-go glamour, and five decades of unapologetic queer joy in the Gay Village.
Dreams Night club and Shisha
1.4 km
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter gem fusing aromatic shisha clouds with thumping club beats until 5am—pure late-night energy on Barr Street.
suki10c
1.6 km
Quirky Digbeth nightclub with local art, sustainable vibes, and eclectic beats in an intimate 180-capacity space powered by wind energy.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- 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
