Ikon Gallery

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 Unilocalers 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.

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!

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 café attached.

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:)

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 première, 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!

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.