Explore contemporary art exhibitions and creative programmes in a free-entry Victorian gallery with family-friendly events and activities.

Ikon Gallery is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art venue located in Birmingham, housed in a beautiful Victorian building. The gallery offers free entry to visitors and showcases rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artists and innovative art practices. Families can enjoy curated exhibitions, guided spotlight tours, and engaging events throughout the year. Beyond traditional gallery experiences, Ikon offers diverse creative programmes suitable for various ages and interests. The Ikon Youth Programme utilizes a converted narrow boat called Slow Boat as a mobile art school, encouraging young people to engage with art on the waterways. The venue also runs educational workshops, family events, and off-site collaborations with creative partners and institutions. The gallery's commitment extends to exploring art's broader impact through initiatives like Creative Health, which examines connections between art, health and wellbeing. With an on-site shop offering art books, prints, and gifts, plus food available on-site and dog-friendly policies, Ikon provides a welcoming environment for families to discover contemporary art and participate in creative learning experiences.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Keren Dale

a month ago

I thought I was being filmed for candid camera. It was like the Emperors new clothes where people wandered around admiring the work and I had no idea what they could see that I couldn’t!! It is a lovely building but the “art” was not to my taste - I have the same pokes of stuff in my garage. I know they rotate exhibits so maybe next time will be more my thing. It states to give 1-2 hours, walking slowly I managed about 7 minutes!!

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RAY SUNG

a month ago

It’s quite tiny in the art gallery but the building itself is brilliant the vibe inside is nice. Free to visit and staffs or volunteers are very nice.

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Chloé

2 months ago

The building is lovely and I loved the way the gallery is integrated into the old building. Amazing staircase. The staff is nice and explains really well and patiently. Few exhibitions (one per levels). Small gallery though. I recommend checking it out!

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Umer Khaliq

5 months ago

Wonderful building. Nice place for art lovers. Medicine bakery in the ground floor is good.

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Jamie O'Donnell

9 months ago

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

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026