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The Gallery of Icons beats with the quiet soul of Birmingham—step inside and it feels like turning the pages of a living poem written in light and color. Home to countless breathtaking masterpieces, each painting whispers stories of history and inspiration. Whether you’re an art lover or simply seeking a moment of peace, this place invites you to pause and connect with beauty. Pro tip: free guided tours often happen on weekends—worth every minute!
Everything you need to know about Ikon Gallery
Birmingham Square Hotel is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the Museum of the History of Art. The hotel blends modern architecture with historical charm, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city’s green spaces and cultural landmarks. Its rooftop lounge bar serves local craft beers and innovative cuisine, perfect for enjoying the skyline. Nearby attractions include the Birmingham Museum and The Elizabeth Theatre, ideal for a full-day cultural itinerary. The hotel is directly across from Birmingham New Street Station, providing seamless access to trains and buses throughout the UK.
Take the Midland Metro light rail, alighting at the "Museum of the History of Art" stop—just a 10-minute ride with no traffic delays. Alternatively, bus routes 96 or 237 connect via New Street or Grosvenor Road stops, taking about 15 minutes. For drivers, the hotel offers parking discounts; use GPS navigation to "Art Gallery Road" entrance. The gallery is surrounded by a pedestrian-only zone, ideal for strolling through nearby art boutiques and cafés.
Don’t miss weekend art workshops led by local artists, teaching watercolor and sketching techniques for just £15. Book a private evening tour to enjoy the "Interwoven Light" exhibition in quiet, candlelit ambiance with champagne and canapés. The adjacent Birmingham Arts Plaza hosts seasonal outdoor sculpture exhibitions blending street art and interactive installations—perfect for photos. Nearby, Victoria Books features rare manuscripts and limited-edition prints, making it a must-visit for collectors and bibliophiles.
Stay at The Jewellery Quarter Hotel, a boutique property nestled in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, just a 10-minute walk from the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. This beautifully restored Victorian building blends period charm with modern comforts, featuring luxurious bedding, smart climate control, and select rooms with views of lush courtyard gardens. The hotel also hosts rotating exhibitions by local artists, offering guests an immersive cultural experience. Nearby, you'll find charming independent cafés and artisan boutiques perfect for morning coffee or evening strolls.
For transportation, it’s a 15-minute walk to the museum, or take the Midland Metro light rail to the "Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery" stop—just a 5-minute ride—making access both convenient and scenic.
Head to The Library Café, located within Birmingham Central Library adjacent to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Renowned for its soaring domed ceilings and abundant natural light, this serene café offers comfortable seating, artisanal pastries, specialty coffee, and healthy light bites. Its walls frequently feature rotating displays of contemporary mini-artworks, allowing visitors to enjoy culture while sipping a drink.
The café is free to enter, with complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets—ideal for travelers needing a quiet space to recharge or plan their day. Just a 2-minute walk from the museum, it’s perfectly positioned for a post-exhibition pause. Weekends often include live acoustic sets or author talks, adding a dynamic cultural touch to your visit.
Yes, access to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts is excellent. The Midland Metro light rail stops directly at "Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery" station, just a 3-minute walk away. Additionally, bus routes 5, 8, and 46 serve nearby stops, connecting to major attractions across the city. For drivers, the museum offers an underground parking garage with capacity for 80 vehicles and smartphone HopeGoo via the official app.
The city center features a free pedestrian zone, linking key cultural sites. From Birmingham New Street Station, a 15-minute walk along dedicated footpaths takes you through shopping districts and historic buildings, combining convenience with scenic exploration. With seamless transit options, visiting the institute is effortless for all travelers.
Weekends at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts feature special programs including themed exhibitions and interactive workshops. Every Saturday afternoon, the "Creative Art Workshop" invites local artists to lead hands-on sessions in printmaking and sketching for children and adults—affordable and require advance HopeGoo.
Temporary exhibitions are also regularly featured; recent highlights include "Pioneers of British Impressionism," showcasing rarely displayed early oil paintings. On Sundays, the museum hosts guided night tours extending until 9 PM, with ambient lighting and soft background music creating an immersive atmosphere. Some galleries offer tactile models and audio guides, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired visitors.
Check the official website for up-to-date schedules to plan your visit. These events enrich the exhibition experience and make art more inclusive and engaging for all audiences.
See what other travelers say about Ikon Gallery
We recently stayed at the Premier Inn Birmingham (Great Barr/M6 J7) for a family celebration and couldn’t be happier with our experience. The hotel was spotless, well-maintained, and perfectly located for our needs—easy access to the M6 and just minutes from local attractions. The rooms were simple but clean and cozy, with exceptionally comfortable beds that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, professional, and always willing to help. A special thanks to Lisa, who served us a delicious hot breakfast and made the whole morning feel extra special. Her warmth and attention to detail truly made our stay memorable. Overall, this was excellent value for money, and we’ll definitely be returning soon.
We’ve always had a fantastic stay at the Premier Inn Birmingham City (Waterloo St), and this visit was no exception. The staff went above and beyond—special thanks to Raji and Pauline for their incredible support with an additional booking. Their professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail made all the difference. The location is excellent, just steps away from public transit and close to downtown attractions. Clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere make this hotel a top choice. We’re already looking forward to our next trip here.
Staying at this hotel was a great experience—perfectly located in the heart of Birmingham. The moment I stepped in, I felt at home. The room was clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The best part? The view from the window—it overlooks the canal, offering peaceful, scenic views especially in the morning when the water glistens under the sun. It’s such a nice touch to wake up to. The staff were friendly and helpful, and everything about the stay felt seamless. For a central location, great value, and a relaxing atmosphere, this place really delivers. Would definitely recommend and book again if I’m back in Birmingham.
Staying at Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (New St Station) was an absolute highlight of my trip. The location couldn’t be better—right next to Grand Central shopping centre and just steps from the train station, with McDonald’s conveniently nearby. While the hotel doesn’t provide bottled water, there’s a Tesco just a 3-minute walk away, making it easy to grab drinks or snacks. I did notice some people sleeping outside during both day and night, but the hotel requires a key card for entry, which definitely adds peace of mind when it comes to safety. The room itself is brand new, spotless, and well-maintained—really impressive for the price. I’ve stayed at another Premier Inn near the river before, and my friend mentioned no air conditioning and constant traffic noise, but this one has excellent AC, and even though it faces the railway line, there’s absolutely no noise disturbance. It’s quiet, comfortable, and perfect for a stress-free stay in Birmingham.
Staying at Premier Inn Birmingham City - Aston was a truly delightful experience. The hotel is perfectly located—just a short walk from the city center and easily accessible by metro, making it ideal for exploring all that Birmingham has to offer. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and impressively quiet, which made for a restful night’s sleep. Common areas are thoughtfully designed with a calm, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after a busy day. What really stood out was the dining experience. The food was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned, with a diverse menu that balanced local favorites with creative touches. Service was consistently warm and attentive. A special thanks to Fern Ana—her friendly smile and genuine care made us feel right at home. She went above and beyond to ensure our stay was comfortable and memorable. Overall, this is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a thoughtful, human-centered experience. If you’re looking for a clean, quiet, and genuinely welcoming base in Birmingham, this hotel is an excellent choice.
Staying at Premier Inn Birmingham Central Hagley Road was a great experience overall. The hotel offers the usual high standard you’d expect from the brand—clean, well-maintained, and comfortable. I especially appreciated the attached Beefeater restaurant; it’s a nice spot for a relaxed meal with good food and friendly service. Free parking is a definite plus, especially if you're driving. Getting into town is super easy—just a 10 to 15-minute bus ride from the stop right on Hagley Road. The staff were helpful and welcoming throughout my stay. My room was spacious, the shower pressure was excellent, and having a proper bath was such a welcome treat after a long day. It’s rare to find a hotel that nails both comfort and convenience, but this one does. Highly recommend for travelers looking for a reliable, no-fuss stay in Birmingham.
Staying at Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre Broad Street was an absolutely delightful experience. The hotel is perfectly located just a short walk from the city center, with easy access to public transit—just a 15-minute ride to major attractions. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet and peaceful the surroundings were, making it ideal for a good night’s sleep after a long day of exploring. The room was clean, spacious, and well-appointed with comfortable bedding and excellent soundproofing. Breakfast was a real highlight—freshly prepared, with a wide variety of options including traditional English breakfast, fresh fruit, hot beverages, and plenty of choices for all dietary preferences. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly, professional service—always smiling, helpful, and attentive to details. From the welcome drink to the thoughtful in-room amenities, every touch showed care. It’s rare to find such a high level of comfort and value in a city hotel. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Birmingham.
Staying at The Saltley Inn was an absolute delight. Just £22 from Birmingham Airport, this cozy guesthouse offers incredible value for money. The room was spotlessly clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep after a long journey. The host and staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful, making the entire experience feel personal and friendly. Located just a short ride from the city center, it’s ideal for travelers looking for convenience without the high price tag. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Birmingham—great quality, great location, and even better hospitality.
My stay at 100 Dale Road Studios in Guest House was absolutely delightful. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and close to public transit, making it easy to explore Birmingham without hassle. The studio was clean, well-designed, and surprisingly spacious for the price. The bed was comfortable, and the quiet atmosphere made for a restful night's sleep. What really stood out was the warm hospitality—the staff were friendly, helpful, and offered great local tips that enhanced our experience. It felt more like staying with friends than a typical hotel. For anyone looking for a cozy, convenient, and affordable base in Birmingham, this place is a must-try.
Stayed here with a group of teenagers for a weekend getaway, and it was an excellent experience overall. The apartments were clean, spacious, and well-maintained—perfect for a group. The staff, especially Magda, Mavis, and Samia, went above and beyond during breakfast service; their friendliness and attention to detail made the meal enjoyable. The lobby and breakfast area had a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, ideal for unwinding in the evenings. The vibe was chill but welcoming, making it easy to connect as a group. If you're traveling with friends or family, this is a great choice. Highly recommend for group stays.
This stay was absolutely delightful! Located just steps away from QE and UOB, the convenience of transportation couldn’t be better—everything is within easy reach via public transit. The studio itself is clean, well-designed, and fully equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable and relaxing trip. What stood out most was the incredible value for money—this level of quality at such a reasonable rate is hard to find. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. Overall, it was a perfect experience from start to finish. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Birmingham and highly recommend this place to fellow travelers.
Staying here was a great experience overall. The location is super convenient—just a short walk to QE and UOB, making it easy to get around the city. The room itself is compact but well-designed, with a fridge for storing drinks and snacks, which was a nice touch. Having a private bathroom was a big plus—it felt clean, private, and very functional. The bed was comfortable, and I slept really well, waking up feeling refreshed. The place is spotless, and the staff were friendly and helpful whenever I needed something. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for comfort, cleanliness, and value in Birmingham. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to others.
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