
Whether it’s great masters of the past or cutting-edge artists working on the vanguard, there are few UK cities better for art lovers than Birmingham. You can see everything in the Second City, with exhibitions ranging from Birmingham’s world-famous collection of Pre-Raphaelite art to contemporary photography showcases – and even those breaking new ground in DIY spaces. You must check out all of the incredible art galleries in Birmingham.
1. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
You can’t talk bout the best art galleries without first mentioning Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. It’s over a hundred years old – and you could find anything from Birmingham’s world-famous collection of pre-Raphaelite art to Benjamin Zephaniah’s typewriter here. Having recently reopened, there are several exhibitions throughout this Birmingham art gallery, most of which you see for free – although major exhibitions in the Gas Hall may incur an entrance fee.
The Round Room is the museum’s main room and showcases the city’s incredible and important art collection – featuring everyone from David Cox to Jittish Kallat, Joan Eardley to Cold War Steve. Meanwhile, the Industrial Gallery houses a ‘Made in Birmingham’ display, featuring people who were born here, or came here, and made the city their home – and includes the HP Sauce factory sign and Ginny Lemon’s costume.
Elsewhere, you’ll find two new galleries. Wild City is dedicated to children and families, while Pixel Studio is a new digital gallery and activity space for more immersive work. If nothing else, pop into the popular Edwardian tearoom to fuel up on food and drink. To see what exhibitions are on at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery head here.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH
2. Ikon
Only one other of Birmingham’s art galleries can rival BM&AG in influence, and that’s Ikon. This free, internationally acclaimed gallery is much more focused on contemporary art, however. Housed in an old school building, you’ll find works from world-famous artists in everything from painting and photography to sound, film and sculpture.
The gallery features temporary exhibitions over two floors, alongside a beloved bookshop and Yorks café. Head over in spring to see the blossom come alive outside in Oozells Square, but whenever you visit, you’ll always find forward-thinking and inspirational exhibitions, as well as regular events and workshops to get involved with. To see what’s on at Ikon head here.
Ikon, 1 Brindley Pl, Oozells Sq, Birmingham B1 2HS
3. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Located on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus, The Grade-I listed Barber Institute boasts one of the finest collections in Birmingham and beyond. You can see masterpieces from Botticelli, Turner, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and many more. Plus, it houses Europe’s most significant coin collection of Roman, Byzantine and medieval coins. Keep an eye out for music events in the Art-Deco concert hall too! You can learn more here.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TS
4. Midlands Arts Centre
It’s a gallery, cinema, theatre, music venue, education centre and so much more. For over 60 years, the Midlands Arts Centre has been a hub of creativity. You’ll find many exhibitions here, often supporting local artists with a particular focus on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. There’s also the incredible Cannon Hill Park right outside for you to enjoy!
Midlands Art Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH
5. RBSA Gallery
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists has been around for nearly 200 years. It’s an artist-led charity supporting artists through exhibitions, events and workshops – with the RBSA Gallery located in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. Showcasing over 20 exhibitions every year, the RBSA Gallery is home to contemporary art from both local and international artists.
RBSA Gallery, 4 Brook St, Birmingham B3 1SA
6. Centrala
Minerva Works is home to several of Birmingham’s best art galleries in Digbeth – including Centrala, which focuses on Central and Eastern European migrant communities in England – the only publicly-funded gallery of its kind. On top of various community-building exhibitions and workshops, Centrala doubles as a hub for the Midlands’ experimental and DIY music scene – from improv Jazz to electronic club nights.
Centrala, Unit 4, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley St, Birmingham B5 5RT
7. Grand Union
Also found within Minerva Works is Grand Union, with its emphasis on collaboration – as such, you’ll find many of its projects spread throughout Birmingham. This includes The Growing Project “a transformative community programme using art-making, gardening, cooking and simply being together as a way of offering support and friendship to people passing through difficult times.” You can learn more about on of the best art galleries in Birmingham here.
Grand Union, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley St, Birmingham B5 5RS
8. Eastside Projects
Eastside Projects is a cutting-edge, artist-run gallery that’s free to visit. This is art to make you think, build communities and relationships, and create the future. It’s not only built a reputation for challenging art, but challenging what an art gallery should be – describing itself as a “multiverse” with community workshops, online events, public art projects, talent development, and, of course, numerous exhibitions.
Eastside Projects, 86 Heath Mill Ln, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AR
9. Castle Fine Art
The UK’s online limited edition print and original art retailer also has two art galleries in Birmingham – showcasing works from modern masters and famed contemporary artists. Head to either the ICC or The Mailbox for exhibitions from some of the country’s leading artists.
Castle Fine Art, International Convention Centre, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA
Castle Fine Art, Level 2, The Mailbox, 5 Wharfside, Birmingham B1 1RD
10. Vivid Projects
Born out of the Vivid art collective, Vivid Projects showcases diverse and intersectional works from under-represented artists, contemporary practices and cultures. It’s recently relocated to The Warehouse in Digbeth and opened the Vivid Lab in January 2025, a creative hub for early to mid-career artists to develop projects that explore new processes, ideas, techniques, and critical thinking. You can learn more here.
Vivid Project, The Warehouse, 54-57 Allison St, Birmingham B5 5TH
11. Stryx
With art galleries in Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter, Stryx is a female artist-led space in Birmingham (with studios and exhibition spaces) showcasing female talent, although not exclusively. Many of its exhibitions are the product of its own residencies – like the recent Mothership exhibition, highlighting work by mothers and their children – while others shine the spotlight on rising stars from the West Midlands. You can see what’s on here.
Stryx, 13, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley St, Birmingham B5 5RS
Stryx, 90 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6JZ