The gallery was originally established in 1964 as a small artist-led space in the Bull Ring shopping centre before moving to its current location.
The building was designed by architect J.H. Chamberlain and dates back to 1877, formerly serving as Oozells Street Board School.
The gallery's name is derived from the Greek word 'eikon', meaning image or likeness.
The institution has been a recipient of Arts Council England National Portfolio status.
The top floor houses a dedicated education and research space for workshops and lectures.
Ikon Gallery is a contemporary art institution housed in a converted Victorian school building in the heart of Brindleyplace. It hosts a rotating program of international exhibitions spanning diverse media, including installation, sound, film, and photography. The gallery occupies four floors of exhibition space designed to accommodate large-scale site-specific commissions. It is a charitable organization that functions as a key cultural hub for Birmingham’s canal-side district. The building's neo-Gothic exterior contrasts with the minimalist, white-cube aesthetic of the interior galleries. Visitors can access a range of interpretive materials that contextualize the current artistic focus. The site remains a focal point for experimental creative practices and community-led programming.
The red brick Victorian school facade set against the modern glass architecture of Brindleyplace.
Check the official website for current exhibition dates, as the gallery frequently closes for installation periods between shows.
Combine your visit with a walk along the surrounding canal network for a complete view of the Brindleyplace regeneration area.
Visit the gallery shop, which stocks a curated selection of independent art journals and publications.
Do not assume the galleries remain the same year-round; the content changes frequently and entire floors may be closed for installation.
Closed on Mondays.
