I really love contemporary museums and this was the only contemporary one besides the Birmingham museum which has some contemporary things but there is a lot of paintings. Ikon reminds me a lot like Tate modern (if anyone hasn’t been there it’s a must, it’s massive) with the contemporary art pieces. If anyone is studying fashion design like I am, and on a budget definitely go to ikon, it’s much smaller but you can focus on each of the pieces and definitely will be able to study all the pieces around 1-2 hours depending how in-depth you want to see all the details of the pieces, etc but if you’re not someone who looks into it as detailed you’ll probably take under an hour for sure. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because they don’t have enough floors and more pieces to see, if wish to see more and a plus from the museum is it’s free to see. The elevator is really funny so much try it out, it has a funny tension effect when going up or down, even though if you aren’t disable must try it out, only if there isn’t any disabled person waiting. The walk area is slightly narrow when travelling around the stairs that pathway before you enter in to see the pieces just a heads up in case anyone who is disabled and wanted to see it. There a few piece which you have to go stairs so it’s incongruent for disabled people who really would want to see it. The ikon entrance sign is a Instagram worthy picture with the ikon lit up with each bulbs. TRAVELLING TO THERE AND BACK - I went straight from the new street train station and caught a taxi it took around 10 minutes it costed £5 or under but I used an Uber. Since it was around 20-30 minute walk and it’s very steep, wouldn’t recommend if you’re walking in platforms or heels which I did on the day. Travelling back from the museum to the train station/ city centre, you’ll need to call for a taxi. There isn’t an taxi nearby. There are small cafes around though. Also I don’t think there is a car park where I was dropped off since there was a barrier and a cross section for walking paths only. But you can probably park on other streets and walk to it.

The gallery is quite nice though not very big, there's a lift that sings and also handy in case you're not very mobile. The cafe was.. disappointing. The antipasto platter is good value for money (£12) and the teas are nice, but the service is very unprofessional. Tables weren't cleared properly and we specifically had to ask for the table itself to get cleaned. We had to ask for a menu several times and ended up grabbing one ourselves. Nobody came to take our order, it took ages to get someone to come who was all surprised we wanted to order. Then getting the bill was very confusing. All in all it took so long it messed up our schedule for the day. I would be pretty annoyed if I was the cafe manager, because there seemed to be plenty of staff so you'd expect it all to run smoothly, but maybe they're all people who've not been working in a cafe for very long. :/ It's a shame because the cafe looks nice and the food is good.

I love this art gallery. Rather than just having a variety of different artists with one or two pieces by each, it offers a space for artists to showcase a whole portfolio of work. When I visited, the work on display was mostly by Barry Flanagan. The spacing of the pieces was good, and so was the lighting. It was easily accessible, as there is a lift that stops at each floor (I recommend using the lift from the bottom floor to the top, even if you dont need to. You will have a fun suprise), foldable stools that you can carry round with you if you find it difficult to stand for too long, and there are large print versions of the artwork guides. There is a gift shop between the entrance and the gallery, and there are usually books and prints from the artist on display at the time.

I had a great time at Ikon gallery. It was my first time visiting an art studio on purpose, so I didn't know what to expect. Overall I think the ambience of the gallery is great. The exhibition on show on the day was really nice and unique. I particularly liked the exhibition done by the school kids. It was simple but impacting. It is free to see the exhibition and you can donate 5 pounds if you wish or find the work being done there as good and impactful.

A superb independent contemporary art gallery set in a converted Victorian building close to Brindley Place. We saw the John Walker exhibition inspired by the coastal landscape of Maine in the United States. There's a gift shop and a nice looking cafe too. I always find Ikon to be a welcome and nicely unpretentious space. Exhibitions are well planned and even the kids enjoyed it. One of the picture below is by my daughter, can you guess which one?

The Gallery shows modern art rotating artists on a regular basis. Your enjoyment will depend on whether you like the displays at the time you visit. We very much liked one of the artists but not so much the other. The staff in the Gallery were very helpful and explained what the artists were all about. They definitely made a difference to our visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely building beautifully restored. The relatively small size means you are not overwhelmed by too much space or too big an exhibition; so you can focus and absorb. The current Edward Lear show is an absolute revelation. How many people know that he was a prolific and wonderfully gifted landscape painter? And that he travelled extensively so that 19th century society would not discover something he was trying to hide?

It's well worth having a look round this small free gallery which I do believe is supported by charity. The staff were welcoming and friendly and it's always interesting to view modern art because I usually find that there is one piece which will make you very glad you came ❤️ The interior of the building is pretty cool too! I took our son (11) and he enjoyed it.

Although the art on show at the time did not meet my fancy, it did provide something to talk about, have fun with and discuss. The building is lovely and beautiful, the glass elevator at the side of the staircase is brilliant - definitely travel in it at least up/down one floor and the art book shop was divine, with a great curated space of brilliant stuff.

we always come to the icon gallery. Some exhibitions are hit and miss (but that's art for you), but most are outstanding! The building, with its musical lift, and ultra flat staircase, is a work of art in itself. The cafe serves lovely food and drink. Well worth a visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Birmingham is bankrupt, but can apparently afford to pay a small army of time-wasters to lurk and intermittently try to persuade gullible visitors that their granny's old tea cosy or pre-school child's scribble is "Art". Would last ten minutes if visitors actually had to pay the cost of running the place. Perhaps it's someone's idea of a practical joke?

Simply the best Modern Art gallery in Birmingham within a unique setting of an old school house designed by Martin and Chamberlain. Great exhibitions which genuinely inspire and showcase super talent. Everything from the lift to the loo's have been thought about. Don't forget to check out the uber cool cafe to get a caffeine fix.

I have been to this gallery multiple times during past 2 years and its amazing nice activity for a day.it’s nice to come in groups and alone and they also have a cafe.it’s also free so why not the art changes each time you go so your learning about different artists.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min

I value Ikon as a place where I can see contempory art . The staff are friendly , helpful and make the visitor feel valued and welcome . Good cafe for lunch or just a coffee . The building and the way it has been modified is great and the general atmosphere at Ikon is just fab . Good bookshop .. T

One of the best museums in Britain. The exhibition program is ambitious and the staff exceptionally friendly. The good bookshop and excellent cafe are a nice addition to this phenomenal place.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Art changes here every couple of months. Former Board School converted to art gallery in the 1990s. Glass lift. Exhibition space on 1st and 2nd floors. Can be used for functions.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The "art" was low effort modern art stuff. The building looks very nice from the outside. But the best thing about the building on the inside is the lift that makes a funny noise. It is free however, so maybe worth a look if you've got nothing else to do.

An absolute diamond for location! A suggested donation of £5 but honestly worth so much more! The foka wolf exhibition is thought provoking & a chance to learn something! Definitely visit this place if your in the mood for art and knowledge

It was in a good location to just pop in and the exhibitions were intriguing.! It’s worth going to look around inside when you are traveling city centre.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A compact Gallery for modern art. Very friendly and helpful staff. Don't miss using the lift between floors! Try it for both up and down the building.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Saw the exhibition of “horror in the modernist block”. The installation are really interesting and the guide books provide useful introduction and information. The stuff are friendly. Nice place to have a leisure afternoon.

Nice gallery and café, with helpful and friendly staff. However, you need to be a fan of modern art to appreciate the exhibits fully.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A great little gallery, supported by your donations. Organised and friendly don't miss this little place. I viewed the Kristof Kintera exhibition superb. Great to see the gallery supporting new and upcoming artists.

Some interesting exhibits and installations. I'm not sure I understood them, but it's good to go with an open mind.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Best gallery I have visited in Birmingham. Astonishing artist with thoughtful artworks. The curation of the exhibition is also brilliant. You could also walk beside the canal when you come visit.

A fantastic place for lovers of Avant Garde and expressionist art. Well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

A nice art gallery with great atmosphere and friendly staff. They don't charge entrance, but suggests a £3 donation. Has a nice cafe and public toilets on the ground floor.

Small but beautifully designed and not to be missed. The elevator ride alone will keep everyone in the family happy!! Stunning! Also lovely restaurant for before or after!

Lovely gallery, not too many exhibits, but a great place to spend time. Totally free.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The staff was very friendly and provided me with explanations. Thanks for their warm service. It is a small but interesting museum.