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    Ikon Gallery

    4.3 (43 reviews)
    InexpensiveArt Galleries
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Ikon Gallery Photos

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    View from the tower room
    Tom W.

    Been here twice recently. First with my colleague to see Iraqi photographer, Jamal Penjweny's: 'Saddam is here' exhibition which ran until April 21st (not too useful now). While the exhibition was excellent and moving I don't really feel qualified to comment on the art selections of the gallery. What I can say is that the old school building is an awesome place to see modern art in Birmingham, despite its proximity to Broad street everything is really relaxed, the shop has a really amazing selection of wrapping paper and the cafe is light and airy (although I haven't eaten anything there for several years during which time I think it has transitioned away from tapas). The second stop in was for the independent book fair showing that they have a commitment to local, as well as international, creative endeavours which can not be a bad thing. As far as I'm aware exhibitions are free so definitely worth checking out, it's way better than the central museum.

    Emma G.

    Encompassing a gallery on two floors, a shop and a cafe The Ikon is a great place to spend an afternoon. Established 40 years ago the gallery space has a reputation "innovation, internationalism and excellence" and recent exhibitions have included pieces reflecting on John Madin's contribution to the city landscape (Madin designed Central Library and houses on the Calthorpe estate) as well as contributions from Gillian Wearing, Hamish Fulton and Stuart Whipps. The shop not only stocks a number of niche art journals but has a lovely selection of stationery and a good collection of books including titles written by local authors and published by the Moseley based Tindal Street press. The cafe is definitely also worth a visit - offering a gorgeous array of tapas, cakes and drinks - the house wine in particular is recommended.

    Michelle B.

    Another Must in Birmingham. It's a small. but perfectly formed free gallery with a good selection and a singing elevator. This, I have to admit, is not the first time in a singing elevator - but it was thrilling still nonetheless. Three floors and full of really interesting stuff - check it out.

    Vicky O.

    I can't believe how lax I have been in not visiting this gallery before. Despite glowing recommendations from Adam S, Simon H, Tom W and Dave M - I just hadn't taken the time to visit! A lazy stroll around Birmingham on a Sunday afternoon presented the perfect opportunity to go and visit Ikon and see the highly anticipated Lee Bul exhibition that is currently on until early November. In all fairness, I have said before that I don't get to Brindley Place very often. I'm often put off of visiting after seeing what it's like in the evening, but that's pretty unfair of me as it's actually quite nice in the daytime. The Ikon gallery is easily accessible from the canals, Broad Street or via Brindley Place itself. The lovely old architecture of the building it's housed in is a fantastic juxtaposition with the glass and chrome modern interior. You enter through the main doors and head directly into the reception and gift shop area. Although there is a recommended donation of £2 (which we gladly complied with), there are no entry fees to enter the gallery. Once you're inside you're presented with 3 floors to explore. Now, we took the stairs to the first floor but as a top tip; I recommend you take the lifts on your first visit. The lifts are an art installation in themselves, but I won't give any more away than that. We headed to the second floor to work our way down from the top. I could wax lyrical about the exhibition (it really is a must see), but it has interesting stuff on all year around to go and see so I'll keep the review more general. After heading into the main room off the stairs at the top, we got chatting to the lovely helpful member of staff about the exhibit. She was full of useful information about the pieces, the artist and the connections to Birmingham that the installation had. It was lovely to learn some insider information whilst enjoying the art. There is another room directly in front of this large space which I imagine is used to house slightly smaller pieces. To the right hand side is a very large and airy space with several cavernous rooms leading off it (perfect for laying out lots of different exhibits). At the back of the large room is the "tower", which is another small room but is only accessible by stairs (not suitable for people with mobility issues). There is also a resource room on this floor where you can read more about Ikon and the artists that have shown there. The first floor is also pretty large and bright. Separated into different spaces, this would be perfect for showcasing lots of different artists in one place. Again, a member of staff was on hand to answer any questions about the different pieces and generally give you a bit more information should you want it. Back on the ground floor, you exit through the giftshop area. This is well worth a look around! They had lots of bits and pieces over a range of prices which would make great gifts for those "hard to please" people in your life. The greetings cards were fantastic too! I thoroughly recommend a visit to the Ikon (especially at the moment). It will only take you around an hour to get around and see all the spaces and if you appreciate interesting architecture is a real treat. Although this attraction is free, if you enjoy the exhibition I would urge you to pop some change into the donation pot. After all, how else can we expect to get more great art in Birmingham?

    Ashley B.

    I have always been a fan of the Ikon Gallery in the centre of Birmingham. Housed in an old school in Oozells Street in Brindley Place the Ikon slots beautifully into position juxtapose to it's surroundings of twenty-first century commercialism. The gallery proudly plays host to an impressive diary of exhibitions throughout the year and it's not just paintings hanging silently from a wall, you'll be impressed with media, sound, film, photography, sculpture and installation. I was particularly taken in by an exhibition by Yto Barrada called RIFFS on until the 8th July. I'm often of the opinion that it's the people that make a place not the building and that is certainly true of the staff at the Ikon. Through a variety of talks, tours, seminars and workshops the enthusiastic staff called "the learning team" build a relationship with visitors enabling a novice like me to engage, discuss and reflect on contemporary art. There are plans for an Ikon 2 opening in the Eastside area of the city centre soon, it's my hope it's as good as Ikon 1.

    Sparkly!
    Caroline C.

    This gallery is situated just off Broad Street/Brindley Place. The building itself is really interesting architecturally and has been converted into a gallery with full respect to the original building. The art work displayed is very modern and not always too my taste, but always thought-provoking. I also like the little shop there-good for gifts. There is also Café Opus, which has outdoor seating over the little Oozells square (?) Worth popping in on a Sunday afternoon I think. Free entry too:)

    Inside
    Keri H.

    Really enjoyed the tour around the ikon gallery. It was good to hear about the artist and their background. I don't know much about art but the guide was really interesting. Amazing location hidden away just off Broad street. Took a while to find!

    Entrance to Ikon Gallery Birmingham
    Jonathan P.

    With regularly updated exhibitions, friendly staff and its own coffee shop to boot, Birmingham's Ikon Gallery is a must-do for lovers of contemporary art and hot refreshments. Ikon's diverse events programme nearly always seems to have something interesting on offer and the museum benefits from enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, always willing to answer any questions. Situated in the heart of Brindley Place, just off Broad Street, Ikon is easy to find and within short walking distance of several car parks and bus stops. The gallery does not charge an entry fee, but does ask visitors to drop a £2 donation into a collection box upon exit. The museum's café is a little on the pricey side, yet the staff are still welcoming and provide a good level of customer service.

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    Review Highlights - Ikon Gallery

    The Oozells Street School was at one point the only building in the area that is now known as Brindley Place.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Ana Rocha Bar and Gallery

    Ana Rocha Bar and Gallery

    4.8(12 reviews)
    0.6 miHistorical Quarter - Jewellery Quarter, Jewellery Quarter
    ££

    Wow, what a great venue. I was suitably impressed when I entered Ana Rocha last week. It is such an…read moreincredible place. Firstly the décor - As it is also a gallery, there's a lot of art on display. There is also a great selection of vintage furniture, props and other items scattered around the space.. As we entered we were told that everything that you see is available to buy. There is so much to see in this place it would be hard to get bored. Next, the bar - The staff on the bar are incredible. They obviously knew what they were doing - they are friendly, professional and the cocktails taste amazing. Finally, the food - Again, simply incredible. I don't think I have ever had Chorizo like the meat that they serve here (it just melted in my mouth). I don't think that this was the most authentic tapas that I have tasted, and it has more of a cultured feel, but it was great all the same. Overall, I absolutely loved this place and can't wait to go back.

    Hidden Jewellery Quarter treasure alert......I have a new spot for drinks when I am in the area…read more I was initially put off by the bouncer on the door of this place as to me it gives a bit of a stuck up vibe but when you actually take the time to go up and have a chat you realise why....this place has some seriously beautiful art, watches and antiques everywhere from the minute you walk in. You also realise the bouncer is SO nice and helpful!! This is a classic case of dont judge a book by its cover.....my bad.... At first you walk down a corridor of artwork then through a reception room filled floor to cealing with beautiful items. You go through one more door to the bar and resturant space which has a higher ceiling bit is still filled with beautiful goods, some of which are for sale of you have the $$. We went to the bar at the back of the space and chatted with both the bar man and the owner of the place....again two lovely people that were more than happy to chat us through the idea of the venue and the ideas they have for its use moving forward. Drinks wise there are a lot of spirits and cocktails to choose from . As I was with LIv from Licor 43 we went for a signature serve with pineapple and 43. It was really smooth and balanced I would definately recommend it. We didnt have the food other than a cracker with some pate to sample (free of charge....very nice of them) but the menu is tapas....expect a review soon! If you havent been here yet.....do it....asap. Its a really beautiful and welcoming place with a lot to offer the area. You can be a lover of good drink, art or just bars in the area to appreciate somewhere of this quality :D Obviously.....5*

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    Ana Rocha Bar and Gallery
    Ana Rocha Bar and Gallery - Very well stocked bar.

    Very well stocked bar.

    Ana Rocha Bar and Gallery

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    St Pauls Gallery

    St Pauls Gallery

    3.8(4 reviews)
    0.6 miJewellery Quarter, Historical Quarter - Jewellery Quarter
    £££

    I just have no idea how to survive after visiting this gallery without taking any of its pieces…read moreback home with me. Yes, St. Pauls Gallery (without apostrophes) is just as it's advertised: "music for the eyes". It's also a hidden kind of space, so make sure you take note of this address: Northwood Street, Jewellery Quarter! Love art and music? Love it all mixed together? So you can't miss this gallery! Their collections of posters signed by legends such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Oasis, among others just blew your mind off. As well as the prices, but who cares, when you can have an original Pulse Eyeballs art signed by Pink Floyd members for just £15 grand. For most of music enthusiasts - like me- St. Pauls Gallery is more like a temple of stunning art to contemplate and it worth visiting, but if you have some pounds to spend on it, fair play to you. There are some original signed portraits from Rick Wakeman and Paul Weller available as well! Some much to catching up with that you just don't know where to look at first. Other "bits" like drum kits, guitars and even a piano, all signed, are part of the gallery's collection as well. Take a look at their website and feel inspired! This gallery is JUST unbelievable.

    This museum is hidden down a backstreet, but it's just a stones throw away from St Paul's Square…read more If you are into your music, definitely make time to visit this time capsule of rock memorabilia. Home to the world's largest exhibition of signed album cover art from greats such as Pink Floyd as well as and a unique range of graphic 'soundwave' depictions. The staff are really relaxed and clued up - they are more than happy to wax lyrical about the artwork and the bands they've met. Visits to the gallery are free of charge, however prints can be very pricey! It can be difficult not to talk yourself into buying something, but there is no pressure from the staff at the gallery who are just more than happy to share their knowledge and experience!

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    St Pauls Gallery
    St Pauls Gallery
    St Pauls Gallery

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    Studio4 Gallery

    Studio4 Gallery

    4.0(3 reviews)
    1.2 miDigbeth
    ££

    I LOVE the art that is showcased here. As a base for local artists, you'll see work by the likes…read moreof Lucy McLauchlan displayed alongside work by more unusual artists such as Jamie Hewlett of Gorrillaz fame. The gallery itself is tiny, but the walls are always full from floor to ceiling with beautiful works available to buy. They tend to show a lot of streetart inspired work, or more print-based pieces which helps to keep costs lower than if they were selling original oils. Alongside the framed works there's always a selection of unframed options available, and small pieces displayed in cabinets which accompany the exhibitions - anything from cross-stitched computer programmer jewellery to mini toys and zines. If you're visiting the Custard Factory and want to grab a few little presents for friends, this is always a good place to pop into.

    The custard factory is renowned for its creative fashion, arts and culture so it only seems fitting…read morethat the Studio4 Gallery is situated here. Although only a small space, you'll be surprised by the amount of art work available to view and buy. When you first walk in you will be overwhelmed by the variety of modern art available. From the floor to the ceiling you will find art by a varied collection of British artists, some recognised and some undiscovered which makes the shopping experience even more special and intriguing. There's lots of cool what I call 'poster art', which would look great in any swanky city centre apartment of stylish home alike. There really is something for everyone from classic remakes to fresh and funky one-offs, next time you're in Digbeth I recommend you go and check it out.

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    Studio4 Gallery

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    Ikon Gallery - galleries - Updated May 2026

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