Heading to Birmingham for the 2022 July Commonwealth Games and looking for fun activities to fit into your schedule?
Birmingham in the United Kingdom is known for its fantastic art museum and galleries, with most reopening in time for the Commonwealth Games.
If you are looking for exciting art exhibitions or a visual journey into the city’s rich social history, these 14 Birmingham art gallery venues have got you covered.
| Read More: Discover everything you need to know about the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. A fan of live events? Check out these 20 Exciting Live Music Venues in Birmingham. |
This Article Covers:
The 14 Best Art Galleries in Birmingham
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
- Ikon Gallery
- RBSA Gallery
- The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
- Iron House
- Mac Birmingham
- Eastside Projects
- St Pauls Art Gallery
- Colley Ison Gallery
- Castle Fine Art Gallery
- Wolverhampton Art Gallery
- The New Art Gallery Walsall
- Centrala
- Aston Hall
14 Best Art Galleries in Birmingham
Here are 14 of the best art galleries that you can visit while in Birmingham City in the United Kingdom:
1. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has over 40 galleries featuring display art, applied art, social history, and more. The gallery is especially famous for its Pre Raphaelite paintings.
Here are some of the paintings and artist collections that you can view at the Birmingham Art Museum and Gallery.:
- The Round Room: View changing exhibitions and entertain guests with a mixture of history, display art and design. The Round Room will be brought to life by the Birmingham Music Archive, Fierce, Flatpack Projects, and Kalaboration Arts for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
- The Industrial Gallery: Also animated by the Birmingham Music Archive and Kalaboration Arts, this museum section features beautiful Victorian architecture, fine steelwork, and an eccentric glass ceiling. It’s the perfect place for special events.
- Edwardian Tearooms: Enjoy delicious snacks and beverages in a historical setting provided by the beautiful Edwardian Tea Room.
- Bridge Gallery: View a selection of gems from the civic collection.
- The Museum gift shop: Shop for cards, gifts and books related to Birmingham and the museums’ collection.
These pop-up exhibitions and shows form part of the Commonwealth Games and Birmingham City Festival, which runs from March to September 2022.
The museum received £6 million from the Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to fund the cultural festival.
What types of paintings and collections can you view at this gallery?
Aside from the iconic pre Raphaelite paintings, here are three other notable collections you can view at the Birmingham Art Museum and Gallery:
1. We are Birmingham (28 Apr – 30 Oct 2022)
This is a collaboration between six young people of colour from Don’t Settle and Birmingham Museum. The collection showcases 21st Century Birmingham City.
Open: Monday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Price: Free
2. Collection Stories (28 Apr- 30 Oct 2022)
The Collection Stories consist of different objects from all over the globe and Birmingham city. All the objects tell a unique story and encourage you to explore the storylines of the Birmingham history collections.
Open: Monday– Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Price: Free
3. Wonderland: Birmingham’s Cinema Stories (28 Apr – 30 Oct 2022)
The Wonderland collection explores how cinema has shaped the lives and dreams of Birmingham’s people.
The collection will also showcase unseen photographs and cinema memorabilia from the last 125 years.
Open: Monday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Price: Free
What antiques can be found at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery?
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery features a collection of antiquities, including ancient coins from the Middle Ages, artefacts from all over the globe, 28 pieces of Nimrud ivories, Anglo Saxon gold and historical materials from ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and Latin America.
Other antiques consist of ceramics, jewellery, metalworks, and stained glass.
Price: Free (admission charge applies for some temporary exhibitions)
Why did the Birmingham Museum and Art gallery close, and when did it reopen?
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery initially closed due to the pandemic. However, the venue remained closed for a large part of 2021 for electrical upgrades.
The venue partially reopened on the 28th of April 2022, offering you the opportunity to view 5 of the 40 art galleries while the rest is under refurbishment.
Address: Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3DH
Contact: 0121 348 8000
Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/
Opening times: Monday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Price: Free entry
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Margaret Street (Stop ES1) (4 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street (5 min walk)
Note: If you’re driving to the venue, you can park your car on the street parking located close to Chamberlain Square. Parking bays for Blue Badge Holders can be found on Margaret Street, Edmund Street and Newhall Street. The venue is also accessible to disabled visitors with a lift at the Gas Hall entrance on Edmund Street.
Nearest Attractions: Bullring and Grand Central (10 min drive and 8 min walk)
2. Ikon Gallery
Located in Birmingham city centre, The Ikon Gallery was previously a contemporary art gallery. But in 1997, it transformed into a permanent neo-gothic building in BrindleyPlace, featuring modern art pieces from artists worldwide.
The venue also has a sister art gallery – Ikon 2, located on Curzon Street, Birmingham.
Address: Oozells Square, Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2HS
Contact: 0121 248 0708
Website: www.ikon-gallery.org
Opening Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am- 5 pm
Price: Free entry
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Crescent Theatre (4 min walk)
Train: Five Ways (6 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Crescent Theatre (9 min drive and 4 min walk)
3. RBSA Gallery
In 2000, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists moved to Brook Street from Opulent Street.
This West Midland gallery features an online Members and Associates exhibition where all the artworks are available to be bought.
Address: 4 Brook Street Birmingham B3 1SA
Contact: 0121 236 4353
Website: www.rbsa.org.uk
Opening Times: Tue-Sat: 10.30 am – 5 pm
Price: Free entry
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Vittoria St (Stop NH6) (17 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter (9 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Artisan Alchemy Gallery (1 min drive and 2 min walk)
4. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
If you are looking for a moment of peace and quiet within the busy metropolis area, this art gallery provides that opportunity.
The Barber Institute of Fine Art Gallery houses some of the most delicate pieces of art, including the artworks of Van Gogh, Picasso and Rembrandt.
The gallery also occasionally features masterpieces on loan from the Birmingham Museums Trust – a registered charity that manages museums and collections owned by Birmingham City Council. The Trust is run by Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid.
Address: Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS
Contact: 0121 414 7333
Website: https://barber.org.uk
Opening Times: Monday- Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday- Sunday 11 am- 5 pm
Price: Free Entry
Nearest bus/ train station:
Bus: King Edwards High School (2 min walk)
Train: University (11 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Winterbourne House and Garden (2 min drive and 5 min walk)
5. Iron House
This unique art gallery was previously a pawn shop and an underground nightclub. Now, the venue is a multifaceted art space that offers every visitor a beautiful lounge area where they can enjoy contemporary art while sipping on drinks from its fully stocked bar.
Address: The Lambournes, 170 -174 Great Hampton Row, Brum B19 3JP
Website: www.iron-house.co.uk
Contact: 0121 517 0156
Opening Times: Open by appointment only, except for shows open to the public.
Price: ££
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Castle Meadow (Stop CC)(6 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter (9 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Blue Orange Theatre (1 min drive and 3 min walk)
6. Mac Birmingham
If you’re in the mood for live events and great theatre in the summer, the Midlands Art Centre is one for the books. The first-floor gallery displays art, touring works, and commissions done by Maitlands Artists.
Address: Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Birmingham B12 9QH
Website: www.macbirmingham.co.uk
Contact: 0121 446 3232
Opening Times: Monday-Sunday, 9 am-9 pm
Price: £
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Edgbaston Rd Midlands Arts Centre (6 min walk)
Train: Five Ways (6 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Cannon Hill Park (3 min drive and 6 min walk)
7. Eastside Projects
A warehouse turned into an art gallery, The Eastside Projects is a free art gallery that offers two exhibition spaces that host around four to five shows annually.
You can enjoy a mixture of different artworks commissioned by local artists and collective artists, including the work of artists Gavin Wade, Ruth Claxton, and even Architect Céline Condorelli.
Address: 86 Heath Mill Lane Birmingham B9 4AR
Website: www.eastsideprojects.org
Contact: 0121 771 1778
Opening Times: Wednesday- Saturday, 12 pm–5 pm
Price: Free entry
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Fazeley St (6 min walk)
Train: Bordesley (6 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Custard Factory (1 min drive and 3 min walk)
8. St Pauls Art Gallery
St Pauls is an online gallery with a signed collection of album art, including the album art of legendary artists such as Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie.
The venue also features an Investment Art Collection, which includes the iconic artworks of Picasso, Warhol and Henry Moore.
Address: 108 Northwood St. Birmingham. B3 1TH
Contact: +44 121 582 1744
Website: https://stpaulsgallery.com/
Opening times: Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Open by appointment at any other time, and closed on the first Saturday of the month
Price: £££
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Vittoria St (Stop NH6) (10 min walk)
Train: Jewellery Quarter(11 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: St Paul’s Church (2 min drive and 4 min walk)
9. Colley Ison Gallery
Previously known as the Reuben Colley Fine Art Gallery, the Colley Ison Gallery represents a hand-picked range of new artists with occasional pieces from the world’s most renowned artists.
You can catch the British Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Colley Ison Gallery, which runs until the 17th of June 2022, where you can view a wide range of artworks.
Address: 85-89 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2BB, United Kingdom
Contact: 0121 236 0920
Website: https://www.colleyisongallery.com/
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 10 am-6 pm, Saturday: 10 am-4 pm, Sunday- open by appointment only
Price: ££
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Colmore Row (Stop SH11) (8 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street station (5 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre (7 min drive and 1 min walk)
10. Castle Fine Art Gallery
Located in Birmingham city centre, the Castle Fine Art Gallery offers you a tour of the exquisite original and limited edition pieces from artists like Ronnie Wood, Bob Dylan, and more.
As a visitor, you can admire these iconic art pieces while enjoying a glass of bubbly.
Address: Level 2, The Mailbox, 5 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RD, United Kingdom
Website: www.castlegalleries.com/galleries/castle-fine-art-icc-birmingham
Contact: 0121 384 3007
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 11 am-7 pm, Sunday: 11 am-5 pm
Price: £
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Navigation Street bus stop (3 min walk)
Train: Birmingham New Street station
Nearest Attractions: Bullring and Grand Central (3 min drive and 9 min walk)
11. Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Known for its pop-up art, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is a free art gallery that creates a space for you to enjoy British and American Contemporary Art.
Address: Lichfield St Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 1DU
Website: https://www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/visit/wolves/
Contact: 0190 255 2055
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 10.30am-4.30pm Sunday: 11am-4pm.
Price: Free entry
Nearest bus/train station:
Bus: Art Gallery, Stop BC (6 min walk)
Train: Wolverhampton (8 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (2 min drive and 3 min walk)
12. The New Art Gallery Walsall
The New Art Gallery caters to various people with its wide range of art shows and collections. This West Midland gallery is open to anyone wanting to spend an afternoon enjoying an art show or just observing paintings.
Address: The New Art Gallery Walsall Gallery Square Walsall WS2 8LG
Website: https://thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk/
Contact: 0192 265 4400
Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sundays 12 pm-4 pm, closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays
Price: Free entry
Nearest bus/ train station:
Bus: The Wharf (5 min walk)
Train: Walsall (3 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Walsall Leather Museum (2 min drive and 5 minutes)
13. Centrala
Centrala is an independent exhibition space that opened in 2012 and currently celebrates Central and European artists. This is a space of two floors and features fine art displays and applied art.
You can also enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at the gallery’s cosy cafe.
Address: Unit 4 Minerva Works 158 Fazeley Street Birmingham B5 5RT United Kingdom
Website: centrala@centrala-space.org.uk
Contact: 0121 513 0240
Opening Times: Wednesday – Saturday 12 pm-6 pm
Price: £
Nearest bus/ train station:
Bus: Fazeley St (6 min walk)
Train: Birmingham Moor Street (14 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum (4 min drive and 8 min walk)
14. Aston Hall
Aston Hall is an iconic red-brick mansion in the north of Birmingham. It was the first historic building opened as a public museum in 1858 by Queen Victoria.
The community museum is now managed by the Birmingham Museums Trust and features furniture, paintings, textiles and metalwork from the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s collections.
Address: Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6JD, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston
Contact: 0121 348 8100
Opening Times: Wednesday-Friday 11 am-4 pm, and Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Price: £
Nearest bus/ train station:
Bus: Aston station bus stop (16 min walk)
Train: Witton (West Midlands) (14 min walk)
Nearest Attractions: Aston Villa Football Club Ltd (11 min walk and 2 min drive)