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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
Located a short walk from the city center, Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street offers a quiet yet convenient stay. The public parking is spacious and very easy to use—just pay £15 per day at reception, and you can come and go freely until noon the next day. I was greeted by a gentleman from Hong Kong during check-in—he spoke fluent Mandarin with a clear accent and provided exceptionally warm, attentive service. The room size is just right for a comfortable night’s rest, though the air conditioning could be better; it tends to run a bit too cold at times. That said, the overall experience was excellent—great value, friendly staff, and hassle-free parking make this a top choice for travelers looking for reliability and comfort in Birmingham.
Staying at this penthouse suite in Birmingham was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and surrounded by great restaurants and shops. The private parking was a huge plus, especially if you're driving. The room itself is spacious and beautifully designed, with a lovely balcony offering a quiet retreat after a long day. The only minor issue was the shower water pressure, which could be stronger, but it didn’t ruin the overall experience. Everything else—from the comfortable bed to the modern amenities—was top-notch. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it for anyone visiting Birmingham.
Staying at the Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - City Centre was a great experience. The hotel is perfectly located right across from the library, just behind HSBC Bank—third building on the street, with another entrance conveniently tucked away down a side street near the hillside. Breakfast was served from 7 to 11 AM, offering a good variety and a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The room itself was modern and well-maintained, with excellent air conditioning and a fantastic view from the 16th floor—high ceilings and spacious feel are rare in the UK, so it felt really special. I loved that the amenities were thoughtful: Dove body wash, shampoo, and hand soap—quality products that made the stay more luxurious. Everything about this place felt fresh, efficient, and comfortable. Highly recommend for travelers looking for a smart, no-fuss stay in the heart of Birmingham.
Staying at this property was a perfect blend of city convenience and quiet comfort. Just a 5-minute walk from bustling restaurants and lively bars, yet the room remained remarkably peaceful—definitely surprising for such a central location. The modern amenities and thoughtful touches made it feel like home, and I’d happily return without hesitation.
Staying at the Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - Snow Hill was an absolute breeze thanks to its prime location right in the heart of Birmingham's city centre. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, one of the UK’s busiest rail hubs, making travel into and out of the city effortless. The hotel sits directly beside Snow Hill Station, which offers frequent train services not only to nearby towns but also direct connections to London Marylebone—perfect for weekend trips or business travel. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with friendly staff who made every interaction pleasant. With excellent transport links and a welcoming atmosphere, this is a top choice if you're looking for convenience and value in a central Birmingham location.
Staying at ibis Birmingham New Street Station was an excellent choice for my trip to the city. Located right in the heart of Birmingham, it's just a short walk from the train station—perfect for quick commutes. Check-in was smooth and friendly, with staff who were helpful and efficient. The room was clean, spacious, and had a window that let in natural light, making it feel airy and welcoming. I especially appreciated the breakfast selection—it offered a good variety of options, from fresh pastries and fruit to hot dishes, all served with great taste. Everything felt well-organized and thoughtfully done. This hotel delivers on comfort, convenience, and value. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to any traveler visiting Birmingham.
Staying at the Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter was a fantastic experience. The room was spotless, modern, and well-equipped with everything I needed. Even though it’s a bit outside the city center, the tram stop is literally right behind the hotel—just four stops to get into town, making it super convenient. I especially appreciated the quiet surroundings; it’s a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and even early morning cleaning staff were respectful of quiet hours—no noise at all. Unfortunately, I missed breakfast because I slept in, but that just shows how restful the sleep was! The price was excellent for what you get, and the overall value is unbeatable. I’d definitely come back again.
The staff were absolutely fantastic—friendly, helpful, and always smiling. The location is perfect for getting to the Utilita Arena; it's just a 5-minute walk away, which made everything so convenient. Breakfast offered a great variety, and free hot drinks throughout the day was a nice touch. My only minor issue (which I didn’t report) was that my room had a slightly musty smell—nothing pleasant—but since I wasn’t spending much time inside, I decided not to mention it. Otherwise, the room was clean and well-maintained. Overall, an excellent stay with a great balance of comfort, convenience, and value. Definitely would recommend and return.
Staying at The Moseley Arms was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. The location is excellent—just a short walk from Birmingham's city center and close to public transit, making it easy to explore the area. My room was clean, cozy, and well-appointed, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, always smiling and ready to help. What stood out most was the genuine charm and local character of the place—feels more like staying with friends than in a hotel. It’s rare to find such a great balance between comfort, convenience, and authenticity. Highly recommend this gem for anyone visiting Birmingham.
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.
Staying at BLOC Apartment was a great experience overall. The place was incredibly clean and the room, while compact, felt cozy and well-maintained. I stayed in a windowless room, but it didn’t bother me at all—comfort was still top-notch. Everything in the room felt fresh and brand new, from the bedding to the furnishings. The only downside was the wet-room bathroom design—showering tends to splash water all over the sink, toilet, and even the floor, making it tricky to keep things dry. It’s definitely something to be mindful of if you’re not used to this setup. That said, the pros far outweigh the cons: excellent cleanliness, modern vibe, and super convenient location near public transit. I’d happily return and would recommend this place for travelers looking for a stylish, budget-friendly stay in Birmingham.
Staying at B&B Hotel Birmingham Centre was a fantastic experience. The location is incredibly convenient—just an 8-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, making it easy to reach Victoria Square and Bullring Shopping Centre without hassle. The room was spotless, comfortable, and well-maintained, with everything you’d expect from a clean, modern hotel. Breakfast was outstanding—especially the fish and chips, which were fresh, crispy, and full of flavor. It felt like a real value for money deal. For such a central, well-kept property with great amenities and friendly service, this place deserves every single point. I’d definitely book here again on my next visit to Birmingham.
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