Ikon Gallery
Ikon Gallery
4
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Ikon Gallery is a contemporary art gallery, housed in the Grade II listed, neo-gothic former Oozells Street Board School. The Ikon Gallery features temporary exhibitions over two floors showcasing works by artists from around the world, representing a variety of media, including sound, film, mixed media, photography, painting, sculpture and installations.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Ladywood
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4.0
234 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
83
Average
28
Poor
9
Terrible
9
Neil K
Liverpool, UK829,679 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
Although I never visited the Ikon Gallery I was absolutely impressed with the look of the building.
My twin brother Stephen and I were heading to The Figure Of Eight Pub and passed Ikon Gallery, I took a few photos and while enjoying a bottle of Devils Backbone Brewing Co "ipa " in the pub I checked on the origins of the building, it turns out that this building housing the gallery was constructed in 1877 by architectural firm Chamberlain & Martin as Oozells Street School , the architecture looks awesome, a beautiful red brick facade ,if you walk to Margaret Street, the School Of Art Building is very similar as it was constructed by the same architectural firm
It was granted Grade II listed building status in 1981 and with the regeneration of Brindleyplace in the 1980's and 1990's was converted to Ikon Gallery in 1998 .
I love the look of the building, Victorian architecture is a particular favourite of mine, very photogenic, makes for some great photographic opportunities, its a buildings easy to locate on Oozells Square, most definitely well worth a visit if you're in the area.
My twin brother Stephen and I were heading to The Figure Of Eight Pub and passed Ikon Gallery, I took a few photos and while enjoying a bottle of Devils Backbone Brewing Co "ipa " in the pub I checked on the origins of the building, it turns out that this building housing the gallery was constructed in 1877 by architectural firm Chamberlain & Martin as Oozells Street School , the architecture looks awesome, a beautiful red brick facade ,if you walk to Margaret Street, the School Of Art Building is very similar as it was constructed by the same architectural firm
It was granted Grade II listed building status in 1981 and with the regeneration of Brindleyplace in the 1980's and 1990's was converted to Ikon Gallery in 1998 .
I love the look of the building, Victorian architecture is a particular favourite of mine, very photogenic, makes for some great photographic opportunities, its a buildings easy to locate on Oozells Square, most definitely well worth a visit if you're in the area.
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShaunH290
London, UK2,912 contributions
May 2022
We saw a review of the Carlo Crivelli - Shadows on the Sky in the Sunday Times and, being a great fan of the The Annunciation, with Saint Emidius (1486), we decided to visit the first UK exhibition devoted to the artist. Being in Birmingham, it meant a day off work, but, as a chance to see several of the Renaissance master's works together in one place, we decided to combine it with a visit to the rest of England's second city.
Director Jonathan Watkins has scored an amazing win: a contemporary art gallery in an impressive Victorian school building showing a British first of a Renaissance master who defies classification! It was great to see the works up close and even to photograph them. It was good for us that there were so few people around, but a shame for the gallery which had managed to assemble paintings from the Vatican, the National Gallery and elsewhere.
My wife also liked the other exhibition which was on at the same time, though I was not enamoured. However, Crivelli was the reason for going and we were not disappointed.
Director Jonathan Watkins has scored an amazing win: a contemporary art gallery in an impressive Victorian school building showing a British first of a Renaissance master who defies classification! It was great to see the works up close and even to photograph them. It was good for us that there were so few people around, but a shame for the gallery which had managed to assemble paintings from the Vatican, the National Gallery and elsewhere.
My wife also liked the other exhibition which was on at the same time, though I was not enamoured. However, Crivelli was the reason for going and we were not disappointed.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cole
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK6 contributions
Nov 2022
The issue with many art galleries, for me, is that they try to do too much. Less is often more with art galleries, and I felt that the Ikon gallery was brilliant for just that reason.
The Edward Lear exhibition was beautiful and calming, and the gallery has a fab little bookshop. The interior is contemporary and beautiful, and the staff members at the café were incredibly friendly.
There isn't that much here, and you'll probably be done after an hour's visit. But this is a lovely gem of a gallery nevertheless.
The Edward Lear exhibition was beautiful and calming, and the gallery has a fab little bookshop. The interior is contemporary and beautiful, and the staff members at the café were incredibly friendly.
There isn't that much here, and you'll probably be done after an hour's visit. But this is a lovely gem of a gallery nevertheless.
Written 4 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland64,675 contributions
Jun 2023
Melati Suryodarmo’s Passionate Pilgrim exhibition features works by the Indonesian artist.
A performance artist, this series comprises sculptural pieces and live performances portrayed by audiovisual.
They cover many themes including refugees and matters affecting the heath of societies and the planet.
A performance artist, this series comprises sculptural pieces and live performances portrayed by audiovisual.
They cover many themes including refugees and matters affecting the heath of societies and the planet.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
The contemporary art showcased here is both thought-provoking and diverse. The gallery's minimalist ambiance complements the exhibits, creating a serene atmosphere. However, I would appreciate more interactive elements to enhance the visitor experience. The staff's enthusiasm and knowledge contribute to the overall positive impression. Ikon Gallery is a must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking a refined cultural experience in the heart of Birmingham.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay W
38 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We went specifically to see the Gentileschi on loan, s-elf portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria (of Catherine Wheel fame).
The painting was as wonderful as expected, but the experience was heightened by seeing it in a dark room, the portrait beautifully illuminated and quite rightly the focal point.
Don't be tempted to take the stairs. The lift is its own artwork, which will delight you. Ity would spoil it to say more.
The friendly, enthusiastic staff were lovely and the coffee shop attached to the gallery was great.
The painting was as wonderful as expected, but the experience was heightened by seeing it in a dark room, the portrait beautifully illuminated and quite rightly the focal point.
Don't be tempted to take the stairs. The lift is its own artwork, which will delight you. Ity would spoil it to say more.
The friendly, enthusiastic staff were lovely and the coffee shop attached to the gallery was great.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albert Z
Petersfield, UK261 contributions
Jan 2022
At least it was free and well located no special trip taken. I know Art is subjective and contemporary art particularly installations arouse strong views. However it was a 10 min waste of our time to see and hear pretentious rubbish of failed artists. A level students can be more thought proving and skilled.
Maybe we were unlucky with the exhibits but doesn't feel like worth another pot luck visit
Maybe we were unlucky with the exhibits but doesn't feel like worth another pot luck visit
Written 17 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penelope
43 contributions
Feb 2023
Top tip for this gallery - take the lift! It can sing!
The rest of the gallery is quite small and can be done in about half an hour. Decent place to drop in and take a quick look around, especially considering that it's free. The building itself is really beautiful too.
The rest of the gallery is quite small and can be done in about half an hour. Decent place to drop in and take a quick look around, especially considering that it's free. The building itself is really beautiful too.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah_Hampshire69
Romsey, UK180 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I was keen to search this gallery out having heard from my dad that the lift was a bit special. And indeed it put a big smile on my face when I took it from ground to second floor. I also enjoyed the art exhibitions and the atmosphere overall. Great place, friendly, helpful staff.
Written 29 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK22,659 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
A week before we were due to stay in Birmingham, there was a review in one of the National newspapers of the Hew Locke exhibition at this gallery which looked fascinating, and we decided our visit was meant to be. The gallery is run by an educational charity and is housed in an impressive neo-gothic school building. Entry is free. The exhibition was superb, a new name whose future work we will follow with interest and we will also check out the gallery future presentations when we next visit the City. A special mention should be made of the excellent staff who were keen to engage with the public visitors, and in our case, highlighted several details we may otherwise have missed.
Written 30 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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