Ikon Gallery

Housed in beautiful building near the city center, Ikon Gallery has 2 floors of exhibition space. Entry is free, but donations are always welcome. The current installation is a survey of works by Donald Locke called Resistant Forms. The artist worked in painting, ceramics, mixed media and more. Upper levels are accessible by elevator (lift). Accessible washroom on the ground floor. Staff are very friendly! Nov 26, 25

I think that this gallery probably has a relatively small collection and their reliant on visiting artist exhibitions for the majority of what they show. Arts are very personalized and you may really enjoy the current exhibit. It wasn’t a very good match for me. I would recommend that you. Check the website before you make the trip to make sure it’s going to be something that you’ll enjoy. There is a lot of construction in downtown. Birmingham and parking is really a bit of a nuisance. The gallery is free

Donald Locke exhibition at the Ikon Gallery 😁 First time at a his cool gallery 😁 Easy trip getting to and great design with both old and modern architecture 😁 The exhibits really stand out on the white walls 😁 Knowledgeable people in attendance who were willing to discuss the artwork. Fascinating exhibition 😁 Great little bookshop too. Free entry but donations gratefully accepted 😁

Ikon Gallery stands out as Birmingham's premier contemporary art venue, featuring beautiful, functional modern design complemented by a charming old-fashioned private school aesthetic With a stunning curation. Worth a visit, definitely!

A short tram ride out of the city center, but this is a wonderful little contemporary art space. The choice of shows is always at the very least interesting, and the staff are helpful and friendly.

Fab gallery a must visit. The building is amazing too. Outside in!

Loved it ! The (free entrance) space is really great with two floors of exhibition including a social space which has that giant drawing social table which is filled with so much of the visitors drawings. Peaceful place. Access by stairs and elevator possible. Nice little souvenir shop at the ground floor. Very friendly staff. The exhibition on at the moment on friendship is very interesting (brace yourself some pieces can be challenging to grasp) with varied media types.

A beautiful, iconic building with a lovely atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and the space is unique, but I personally found the collection a bit sparse—I was expecting more items to see. Still a nice, quick stop if you're in Brindleyplace!

I am basing this review on the establishment and not in the art inside. It would be unfair to as when I went it didn't seem have anywhere near as cool stuff that other yelpers photos suggest. It's free to get in but you are heavily encouraged to drop a fiver in the donations box slap in the middle of the entrance way. Going immediately upstairs to what is usually the main exhibit and the top floor holds between another 1 and 2 exhibitions with a small media room. You go upstairs then down half stairs to move around the building - but there is a glass elevator too. Gift shop is customary as usual but this holds some quirkier items, to be honest we spent the most time here. In the case of what was to offer when I was there we got around the gallery within the hour easily. I would go again as it is free but some of what was on show wasn't my thing last time.

For an small contemporary art gallery IKON is "As good as it gets". Situated in Brindley Place, it's easily within reach from all directions within the City Core. My personal favourite is the walk along the canal from the Mailbox direction, though you can just as easily reach it via Centenary Square through the ICC. IKON started in the 60s in a small kiosk in the old Bullring has come along way to the magnificent neo-gothic School building in which it now resides. The Oozells Street School was at one point the only building in the area that is now known as Brindley Place. As you walk into the gallery the brightly lit IKON lettering on the concrete wall is a visually striking welcome and an idea into the feel of what it is about. Contemporary art and in particular, installations. I have been to many of the exhibitions at IKON and no two are alike. Each has their own unique feel, message or story to tell. IKON is great at displaying wow pieces as well as some very abstract pieces. Don't worry though, I recommend you pick up the free guides before you go in, usually in a container on the wall. They can be very helpful in giving you a rundown of who the artist is and some of the meaning behind their work. Artists from all over the world have displayed here and currently Korean artist Lee Bul's exhibition is his first in UK, a premiere, and one definitely worth visiting! Why not make an afternoon of it? Café Opus is located on the ground floor and has some really great food and drink at affordable prices. There is also a shop where you can buy cards, books etc of the artist on display or general art paraphernalia. Oh and IKON is a FREE gallery so you have no excuse! Get cultural, Birmingham!

This gallery is miles apart from any other in the city. Its contemporary and forward thinking policy on art make it a real one off in the city centre and as far as I am aware in the whole city! Because a lot of the pieces here are the height of modernism and very I know it will not be to everybody's taste, but if this is your bag you will be in your element. Each floor is dedicated to artists that are pushing the envelope and challenging peoples views on modern art. Although I am not the biggest fan of some of the exhibitions I have been to here I find it really interesting to see how the different artists use the very blank space to display their works and installations. A huge plus to the Ikon is that it is always free entry, if you go in and whats on is not your thing you have lost nothing...nil....zero. If you have not been here before why not go and experience something a little bit different!

My first 5 Star Rating! Ikon is a converted school that has now become a modern space for art installation. Upstairs there are two main installation areas of similar size, a resource room for schools and groups. Then on the top level down some stairs there is the circular tower room providing an intimate space for a 3rd exhibit. The lift has its own unique musical vocals which you have to experience to understand. On the ground floor is a small art book store and gift shop usually with work relating to the exhibitors. In February 2013 Opus opened a Cafe but I've yet to visit this so cannot report.. yet. The exhibitions change every 4-6 weeks and while it feels like you should be quiet round the exhibitions its always worth talking to the staff who are watching the rooms. They have useful information on the artists and their work.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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:)

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.

Sat just behind the loud, brash clubs of Broad St is a calm oasis of smart restaurants and the chic Ikon Gallery. Free entry gives it a big tick. The exhibitions we saw were varied, original and thought-provoking. As Helen says, it'd be nice to know more about each work, though there's a printed sheet with info about the artists. Great gift shop selling some puntastic/cat greetings cards - my fave.

I'm a big fan of the Ikon Gallery, just going to have a look at the building and go in the lift is worth the trip (seriously, go in the lift it's really fun), it's a beautiful space that melds the old and the new together perfectly. The gallery itself is in a constant state of change, they really work hard to change the exhibitions every few months and you never quite know what to expect. That can mean sometimes it just won't hit the mark with you, especially with some of the more opaque side of the modern art scale, but hey, it's free so no big loss there and at the end of the day having somewhere that is happy to take risks is a vital part of the city. It's only a fairly small place so is good for a morning visit, take the opportunity to go to Café Opus downstairs as well, it has some really nice, relaxed seating outside. Oh and the shop sells some funny alternative cards.

Ikon has been in Birmingham since the 60s but in its current location in Brindley Place since 1998 so it's a bit of a Brum institution. I remember going with my mum and my cousin in the late 90s and seeing all sorts of bizarre things like a room full of parrot toys. I was about eleven so I found the whole thing hilarious. But the fact that we could wander in(for free!) and giggle at parrots without anyone batting an eyelid speaks wonders for their casual attitude. As an adult I've been round a few times. I think modern art has changed a lot since the 90s and I've always seen quite serious and thought provoking pieces. Or perhaps I've just grown up. What I would appreciate is more information. You get a brief over view of what the artist wanted to achieve but it would be good to have more about each specific piece. What I've learnt since is that there are curators tours. However, as a casual observer I would appreciate a bit more input. I should point out that the building is beautiful and works amazingly as a backdrop to the modern art. Staff are always friendly, there is a super gift shop and Cafe Opus is great for brunch too.

I joined fellow Yelpers for a private tour of the Ikon gallery this week. The tour consisted of guidance through the Dan Flavin's latest exhibition using light. The tour guide was very knowledgable and explained each piece in detail. The exhibition was interesting and we were allowed time to admire the works and take photo's. This is a great modern art gallery set inside a quirky building. They have various exhibitions throughout the year and hold regular events, including set times for children. The shop at the gallery is stocked with interesting books and cool cards and gifts. Definitely worth a visit.

As always the IKON gallery in Oozells Sq didn't fail to impress this weekend! Looking for something to do in Brum? Then walk along the canals near the NIA and pop into the IKON gallery- there's always a great exhibition and free too. And if you are with children (well, and adults too), they will all love the singing lift with voices from Birmingham's Ex Cathedra choir! Current exhibition is Lee Bul: http://ikon-gallery.org/event/8091/ - definitely worth a look!

Based in Brindley place this beautiful building (which is quite the mix of old and new) is home to some of the best contemporary art in Birmingham! They focus quite a lot on local history/ photographers/ artists now and again including Janet Mendelsohn. The gallery has one of the best gift shops too, with various items in association with the current exhibitions (books, tote bags, novelty quirky gifts). When you take the lift an operatic style of vocal ranges can be heard over the built in speakers! Very cool

I find myself in Ikon Gallery about twice a year which probably isn't enough really! It's tucked between broad st and brindley place on a beautiful square surrounded by good restaurants and even has is own delicious Cafe Opus inside. My favourite thing about it is that it's an old Victorian building and reasonably unusual in its styling. I think it's somewhere I tend to take visitors to Birmingham to show them some of the pretty parts of the city! It has a fantastic outdoor seating area where I have had meals and listened to music on a summer evening. The exhibition space itself is over a number of levels but manageable as its not too large so it's also great for those discovering art as you can explore within 30 mins and has changing exhibitions over the year. Try and get to one of the tours by the Director Jonathan Watkins. And it's free! Often after the tours, cafe opus provided some free nibs in the bar. There are an array of events at the gallery including children s events so there is something for everyone and if shopping is more your thing, there is a shop selling lovely cards & gifts for your loved ones.

I really love the Ikon it is one of the jewels of birmingham that is so often overlooked by people that live here. When you compare it to the larger museums or the barber institute it is totally different very modern and edgy and not afraid to experiment. I will be the first to admit that sometimes i don't get the exhibits but if you read the brochure it does help and the one thing I have learnt is to find someone and ask questions. More often than not they are willing to help, the ever changing exhibits are great as they mean every 6 weeks this place is completely different. Well worth checking out.

Small but substantial, Ikon gallery always has something interesting and sometimes outright beautiful to offer. Above all, it's free entry, so it's an invaluable resource for bringing culture to the community. Often showcasing lesser known artists, the building itself is a work of art--a former school, one of the highlights for me is the glass elevator which also features a delightful auditory surprise!

Sometimes crazy, mostly 'out there' but generally amazing, the @ikongallery is always worth a visit. I love Birmingham exhibit they had a year or two ago with great photography of the city in the 1970s so that remains my favourite. Apart from exhibits, Ikon also run workshops and talks plus have a great book shop on your way in. Housed in a beautiful old school building, inside the Ikon is as modern as you'd expect. Having said all of that, I've visited the Ikon Cafe (also reviewed) far more often that the gallery! A great place for a coffee or a meal if you want to avoid Broad Street!

I'm not crazy about modern art, I just don't understand it. But I imagine that if I was...I'd ruddy love the Ikon Gallery. And therefore I won't let my artistic prejudices cloud my judgement. For starters, it's right at home in the modern chic of Brindley Place. Fits in there as well as a noodle bar would fit in Chinatown. Plus it also means that there's other stuff to do nearby before/after you visit. Ample opportunity for an impromptu mug of coffee or nibble of food, or a romantic stroll down the canal. On entry there is a café to your right, which I think is a lovely addition. I adore it when museums and galleries have cafés. Admittedly, I rarely use them, but I like to know that they are there. My logic baffles me sometimes, but there you go. Just past the café, also on your right, is the gallery shop. Now I do like this gallery shop. They have a quirky collection of books, magazines, postcards, cards, stickers, badges, stationary and arty goodies. Albeit the prices are at full RRP, but they DO provide you with fabulous inspiration which you can then go away and look up same items on Amazon and eBay.... As for the gallery itself...I quite like that it's set across two different floors (which are accessible by both stairs and lift). The rooms are large and white and spacious, which are brilliant for appreciating (or 'trying' to appreciate in my case) the art inside them. Just make sure you don't wear noisy shoes, as they WILL clack across the wooden & glass floors, disturbing all the people around you. There are also a couple of rooms where you can watch films too, about the artist or the type of collection on show. On top of this there is also a learning area for children where sessions are held. Though I think adults can use this room too as there is a decent selection of reference books on the shelves which deserve perusing. Despite not liking modern art, I do like the Ikon. And when the collection changes, I reckon I'll be back, it IS free entry after all. Who knows, maybe I'll find some modern art I actually like...

The IKON gallery is one of my favourite places to visit in the city centre. Exhibitions change frequently and there is always something new and interesting to see, from audio visual installations to photography to sculpture and the odd performance art piece- for a while there was a room in which it rained along with a 'thunder and lightning machine'. The building is beautiful and the gallery spaces are well designed. IKON is a great testament to both local and international contemporary art, and the best part: the gallery is 100% free to visit! A lovely bookshop and cafe attached.

As a design student sometimes I can be up for a contemporary art gallery and the IKON is actually pretty great! The building first things first is like a mix between old and modern with a few quirky additions, a small cafe at the front, a shop and some great views of the square. What I like about Ikon is they are constantly updating their gallery space, each month or few months a new exhibition is in place which is a great thing because it gives me something to continue to visit back too to take a look. Always so clean and staff are always polite and know their stuff. The best thing about this place is the elevator!! If you have never been and never used this elevator get to it now! They had a vocal choir record them changing tones from low to high, as you go up levels in the elevator so does the vocal choir, giving you a sort of royal welcome as you reach your destination on the elevator. Its honestly great! Free to enter but you can donate if you wish, as a student, it may sound stingy, but I dont donate. I need my money for food! Great place, great atmosphere and the best elevator I have ever been on.

Ikon gallery is a great space to see well curated exhibitions, for free, whether you're a fan of modern art or not if you feel a reaction to it then it's done its job. The team really offer a diverse programme with each year and plenty of time to get to see shows of interest without feeling like they've been running forever. The building alone and its conversion to a gallery is stunning if you've never been before. How they utilise the tower room to showcase a single work of art is brilliant. It has a great little shop that also champions local publications as well. The staff at Ikon from the front of house to the teams that bring you the exhibitions and events are always helpful and friendly. It's not a day trip but it's a good diversion for the afternoon and welcomes families. Also the Sea Life centre is just a stones throw away as well as lots of bars and restaurants.

The Ikon (not to be confused with the South Korean band) has been Birmingham's premier space for contemporary art for the past half a century. Yes, the Ikon Gallery is 50 years old this year! It was started as four artists response to what they felt was a lack of support from Birmingham's existing art institutions for contemporary art. In 1965 they opened an octagonal kiosk outside of the newly built Bullring Shopping Centre. Since then they moved to units in Swallow Street, what is now the Pallasades, and John Bright Street before moving to it's current location in Oozells Square in 1997. Its latest incarnation is a Grade II listed, neo-gothic former boarding school building, designed by JH Camberlain in 1877. It was restored/refurbished using a National Lottery grant, and a glass lift was to the side. I have frequented the Ikon for the past 15 years. In that time I have seen too many shows to mention. Installation work features heavily, which rarely gets a look in at many other Birmingham art venues. I find the space similar to that of Whitechapel Gallery, and feel that the calibre of work is reflected also. Most of the shows tend to be either dual artists with each one occupying a floor each, or one artist taking over the whole space. I used to enjoy taking advantage of the free wine at their exhibition launches. Recently however, they have started charging a reasonable £2 per glass of wine or bottle of beer. Friends visiting from other cities are shocked to find that the alcohol isn't still free at these events. In 2006 they launched 'Ikon Eastside' as a former warehouse space in trendy upcoming Digbeth. An industrial space for upcoming and established artists to showcase their work, outside of a white cube. Ikon Eastside was relatively short-lived, closing its doors for the final time in 2011. Since 2009 the team at Ikon have been campaigning for a Birmingham Museum of Contemporary Art, to house a permanent collection. A central site was identified and the plans were supported by the council. Unfortunately, central government's economic austerity plans have resulted in significant cutbacks to the city, making the plans fruition unlikely in the foreseeable future. Last year (or was it the year before?) Opus group took over the cafe at Ikon, bringing their some great food to the gallery space. These days Cafe Opus at Ikon is a destination in itself. I try to visit every exhibition at the Ikon at least three times; firstly at the exhibition launch to have a quick look around with a drink; I visit again on my to see the work without so many people around and to spend more time with the pieces; I also visit with my five-year-old daughter so as she can see the exhibition too. If you've not visited before make sure you take the lift, so as to experience Martin Creed's permanent 'singing lift' installation. Entrance to the Ikon is free, but they do suggest a £3 donation if you can afford it.

One of my favourite places at Brindley Place. The gallery shows a great combination of various styles of art and you can always be confident of finding something new and unique with every visit. The gallery shop has some really cool gift ideas, postcards and art books. The restaurant is rumoured to be rather good (especially their tapas), but I haven't had the pleasure of dining there yet.

Lovely, free art gallery which has interesting exhibitions. Take your time in wandering round to observe, reflect and pause to admire the eclectic programme of shows they curate. It's internationally renowned so you can expect to see some special work. There is an education room if you are interested in finding out more about the works or if you are going with children. The gift shop on the ground floor is well stocked with interesting cards, art books and quirky gifts for special occasions. Once you have your fill of the shop and exhibitions you can make your way to the cafe for cake and a drink. Great way to while away an hour or so

From its beginnings in a small kiosk in Birmingham's Bull Ring, Ikon's reputation for innovation, internationalism and excellence has developed over 40 years. The Gallery features temporary exhibitions over two floors totalling 450 square metres . A variety of media are represented, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and installation. A good place to take the kids, in fact a fun day out for all the family! Prepare to be bemused, frustrated and intrigued, well thats contemporary art for you!

I love this gallary and used to be a regular visiter when i was at university studying Art. The gallery is very typically a blank canvass so adaptable to the exhibition that is showing. It is ultra modern and very like White Cube in London (but bigger). They show a range of artists, intillations, sculpture, film and also live performances. There is a small cafe to the side of the gallery which is ideal for a drink and some lunch, this is also very popular in the evenings with young artists. The cafe is contemporary, bright and airy. The gallery is just off Broad Street, down the side of Flares nightclub.

Situated in this buzzing area of Birmingham, just off Broad street and close to symphony Hall, Birmingham Rep, ICC, Gas Street Canal basin and the library, it is a vibrant and atmospheric part of the city. This place has great combination of old and new architecture. It has a modern style gallery with modern art. Its a great place if you like seeing various exhibitions of photographs and art work.

So I've never been to the Ikon Gallery and to be very honest I don't often go to Museums. I'm glad that I had to opportunity to go yesterday with Dan and the other Elites as I had a chance to experience modern art by the fantastic artist Dan Flavin. I wasn't sure what to expect really as I didn't research it before but it was interesting how the artist used different arrangements and colours of fluorescent tubes. I was blown away by the glass lift, you must try it. If you are travelling to a higher floor then you will hear a choir sign in ascending semitones (I think!). Conversely when you travel downwards you will hear descending semitones. Slightly eerie, very cool!.

Great little art gallery in a lovely chilled area of birmingham. Shows can be hit and miss so make sure you check what's on first. Excellent little cafe outside for afterwards as well.

I didn't even realise we had the Ikon Gallery until the other day! Unfortunately I didn't have much time to explore the place, however, it didn't seem like there was much to explore anyway apart from two floors of not a very wide range of art pieces. The art pieces were very abstract and perhaps held a lot of thought behind them making my short experience deep and quite intense. There was a particular piece that I really enjoyed and it was a igloo shaped figurine made out of clay which gave off a warm mood and feeling to those within its presence. If you're a fan of abstract art I would definitely recommend checking out the Ikon Gallery as you may find some of their art pieces of fascinating value. Also, the gallery provides the funniest lift you will ever get into!!

The exhibitions are always really unusual and I like having my mind questioned about what I have come to expect of an art gallery. Modern art is often queen here but I like that free guides are offered to give information about the pieces.

The other reviews say it all about how great this gallery is but I think the lift deserves a special mention. A glass sided lift on the outside of the building it has been fitted with the sound of multiple human voices in chorus which go up the scale when the lift goes up and down when it goes down. Heavenly and then strangely spooky. Don't miss the staircases either if possible, because it all adds to the gallery experience but the lift is a must. Great for the whole family, they give away well designed crayons too.

A really unique space, with an amazingly stocked book shop.If you're interested in contemporary art then this is the place in Birmingham to visit. And IT'S FREE!! always a plus.

We have been here twice when we have been to Birmingham and found it to be a really nice place to eat and very good value. It is very close to Broad Street in Brindley Place and very close to the NIA.

One of my favourite places to get away from everything. The atmosphere is laidback and you feel at ease looking at exhibitions, browsing the store or getting a drink in the cafe. They sell some great counter culture, art and photography magazines and there are usually some really cool posters and prints on sale. I visit at least once a month.

This is a really cool and inovative place to discover some unique art. I really like the mix of contemporary and fine art. They change things over regularly which is cool so you can go fairly often and discover something new

Contemporary art is not my favourite; however, Ikon is a great gallery if you are into it. The exhibits and installations are thoughtfully curated, and the building (a converted school) is a great space. The restaurant is a very nice tapas bar, a little expensive by Birmingham prices, but normally worth it.

lots of the older classics in the this gallery mixed with more radical modern takes of todays art scene. a fresh gallery in the city, to while away a few hours. the exhibitions are updated regulary, enough to keep this gallery somewhere to retuirn again and again