Arts
Our art collection is as wide as it is impressive. From the masters to the new wave of contemporary artists sweeping Britain, Birmingham has inspiring and controversial in equal measure. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelites in the world. The Ikon is one of Europe's leading contemporary art galleries. And the Barber Institute of Fine Arts has a balance between old and new. Add in our Artsfest event and public art like Anthony Gormley’s Iron man to see Birmingham truly has art at its heart.
Galleries
Housed in a spectacular Victorian Building, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelites in the world as well as collections of silver, sculpture, ceramics and ancient and social history. The newly opened Waterhall Gallery houses modern art and the Gas Hall Gallery a constantly changing round of temporary exhibitions. Entrance is free except to some Gas Hall exhibitions.
One of Europe's leading contemporary art galleries, Ikon is stylish, progressive and recognised for its individuality. The Ikon exhibits the best international and British art in a changing programme of exhibitions and events. Admission is free.
At Birmingham's unique Jewellery Quarter, you can admire artists
and craftsmen of a different sort. You can even commission your own
unique piece from one of the many artists' workshops, with the
Birmingham Anchor Hallmark.
Barber Institute of Fine Arts has an outstanding collection of Old Masters alongside and modern classics. You’ll see works by Bellini, Poussin, Rubens, Gainsborough, Rossetti, Monet, Degas and Magritte. They also have a regular programme of exhibitions, concerts, lectures and events - all open to the public. The Good Britain Guide 2004 declared it 'Gallery of the Year'.
Festivals
Artsfest is a specially constructed glass pavilion that hosts up to 55 galleries to exhibit and sell work from Birmingham and West Midlands artists and galleries.