Victoria Square Tours and Activities

This central square was originally called Council House Square until being renamed Victoria Square in 1901, in honour of Queen Victoria. Ironically the Queen passed away just two weeks later. Today you can admire sculptures and an ornamental fountain and in the winter, shop at the annual Christmas market and craft fair. br />There are several buildings of note surrounding the square. On the north side of the square, you’ll find the Council House, which was built between 1874 and 1879. Today, the building houses a wing of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The clock tower is known locally as Big Brum, due to its similarity to London’s Big Ben. (Brum is an abbreviation of Brummagem, an alternative name for the city). On the west side of the square is Birmingham Town Hall with its Corinthian columns and Roman-style architecture.You can’t miss the huge ornamental found, right in the centre of the square, which was designed by the Indian sculptor Dhruva Mistry in 1993. Officially called The River, it is referred to locally as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi! As you would expect, there is a statue of Queen Victoria by Thomas Brock and a striking 6-metre tall iron man statue by contemporary sculptor Anthony Gormley.The square hosts various cultural and community-based events throughout the year. The delightful Frankfurt Christmas Market in December is the biggest of its kind outside Germany. Get a taste of delicious German fare and mulled wine while children enjoy a ride on the traditional carousel. During Birmingham’s International Jazz Festival in July, you can hear recitals by both local and internationally renowned artists. For full concert listings, visit the Live Brum events listings website.Located in the very centre of the city, Victoria Square is close several other major attractions. Both Symphony Hall and The Mailbox are both a short walk away. A pedestrianized street runs east to the Bullring Shopping Centre and west to Brindleyplace. The nearest train station, New Street, is a short walk away and several buses stop nearby.