Explore Birmingham’s Hidden Creative Corners with the Colmore BID Art Walk
Birmingham is a city that wears its history – and its creativity – on its sleeve, with art around almost every corner. But how often do we stop and take it in? If you’re anything like me, you might pass through Victoria Square, eyes on your next destination, barely noticing the towering Iron:Man sculpture keeping watch over the city.
That’s what makes the Colmore Business District Art Walk such a brilliant reminder of what’s on our doorstep – a celebration of the public art and architectural beauty that’s woven into the fabric of the city centre. From iconic sculptures to hidden murals, historic buildings to tranquil squares, these are just some of the artistic and cultural highlights you’ll find within a short walk of each other.
Cover image credit: Paradise Birmingham
1. Iron:Man by Antony Gormley
We start with a Birmingham icon. Leaning slightly, feet rooted firmly in Victoria Square, Gormley’s Iron:Man has stood here since 1993. It’s a tribute to the city’s industrial past – and a question for its future. Gormley himself described it as a symbol of Birmingham’s incredible legacy of making, inventing, and engineering. Fun fact: this was his first permanent public work in the UK – five years before the Angel of the North.
2. Thomas Attwood in Chamberlain Square
Next up is a statue that doesn’t feel like a statue. Reformist Thomas Attwood isn’t stuck on a plinth – he’s stepped down and is lounging on the steps with his papers scattered beside him. Created by Sioban Coppinger and Fiona Peever, this piece invites you to sit with him and reflect on ideas of Reform, The Vote, and Prosperity. It’s a thoughtful nod to Birmingham’s radical political heritage.
3. Birmingham School of Art
A work of art in its own right, the Birmingham School of Art is a stunning Venetian Gothic building with stained glass and a rose window by John Chamberlain. It played a central role in the Arts and Crafts Movement, with figures like William Morris, May Morris and Edward Burne-Jones closely linked to its history. Inside, mosaic floors and creative heritage echo through the corridors.
4. Birmingham and Midland Institute (BMI)
Across the road is the BMI – a cultural cornerstone since 1854. Founded for the “Diffusion and Advancement of Science, Literature and Art,” it was once presided over by Charles Dickens and attended by Kathleen Garman, muse to several 20th-century artists. Pop into the café and you’ll find murals of monkeys by local artist Jean Willis – a hidden treat in this creative hub.
5. Tree-lined Boulevard, Colmore Row
Colmore Row is one of Birmingham’s most elegant streets, but it wasn’t always the business centre we know today. Once a grand residential avenue leading to the Colmore family’s mansion, it evolved into a showcase of Georgian and Victorian architecture. With 23 listed buildings, this Conservation Area captures the evolving story of the city’s urban style.
6. Umbra at Church Street Square
Step off the beaten path into the calm of Church Street Square, where Umbra, a sculpture by Wolfgang Buttress, reflects the light and your thoughts. Inspired by the darkest part of an eclipse, the piece shifts colour through the day. Surrounded by trees and seating, it’s a perfect spot for a moment of stillness in the middle of the city.
7. Birmingham Cathedral (St Philip’s)
Known affectionately as Pigeon Park, the grounds of St Philip’s Cathedral offer more than a green space – inside, you’ll find some of the world’s most important Pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows. Designed by Edward Burne-Jones and produced by William Morris, the windows depict scenes of Christ’s life in rich, vibrant colour. They’re currently being restored as part of the Divine Beauty project, ensuring they shine for generations to come.
8. Clarendon Fine Art
Inside Clarendon Fine Art, discover everything from Warhol to Hirst, Dalí to Lowry. Alongside big-name contemporary artists, the gallery features playful works by street artist Mr. Brainwash, known for his pop culture mashups. Whether you’re browsing or buying, it’s a great place to experience global and local art in the heart of the city.
9. BLF Legacy Piece Alright Bab!
The “Alright Bab!” light installation celebrates Birmingham’s warmth, inclusivity, and creative spirit. Made in partnership with Brumbox and Taylex Group, it shines a light on the city’s community values and the power of local collaboration. This piece was commissioned as part of the Birmingham Light Festival.
10. Livery Street Mural
This bold, energetic mural by Window Artists (Luke and Anna Davies) brings a burst of colour to Livery Street. Inspired by Brutalist forms and the work of William Mitchell, the mural celebrates Birmingham’s green spaces and urban wildlife. It’s designed to be interactive and engaging – art you don’t just look at, but experience.
11. Snow Hill Mural
In 2013, artist Oliver Budd recreated a piece of family history, remaking his father’s mural destroyed during redevelopment. This mosaic version captures everyday scenes of commuting, connecting Birmingham’s past and present through public transport. Small but significant, it’s a nod to the city’s evolving identity.
Bonus: The Commuter at Snow Hill Station
And just before you hop on your train, look out for The Commuter by John McKenna on Platform 1. Standing calmly by the waiting room, this bronze figure is a reminder that even the most ordinary moments can be transformed by public art – if you just take the time to notice.
Look Up, Look Around
The Colmore BID Art Walk reveals just how much creativity is hidden in plain sight throughout Birmingham’s business district. Whether you’re passing through on your lunch break or planning an afternoon of discovery, these 11 (plus one!) stops show off the city’s artistic soul. You might never walk the same route again.