Selfridges Building Birmingham
A futuristic architectural marvel and a premier shopping destination, the Selfridges Building is an iconic landmark in Birmingham.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Selfridges Building Birmingham
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A futuristic architectural marvel and a premier shopping destination, the Selfridges Building is an iconic landmark in Birmingham.
"One of the most beautiful buildings in Birmingham centre. I found it amazing."
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's unique facade is a photographer's dream. Experiment with different angles!
🛍️ Discover Unique Brands
Beyond mainstream luxury, find niche fragrances and exclusive merchandise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Futuristic Facade
Exterior of the building
Admire the iconic, disc-covered exterior, a true symbol of modern architectural innovation.
Interior Shopping Experience
Inside the department store
Explore a wide range of luxury brands, unique pop-ups, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Osman Yousefzada Hoarding
Exterior (during upgrade works)
See the temporary, colorful hoarding by artist Osman Yousefzada, a unique art installation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Architectural Marvel & Shopping Hub
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's unique facade is a photographer's dream. Experiment with different angles! 
🛍️ Discover Unique Brands
Beyond mainstream luxury, find niche fragrances and exclusive merchandise. +1
☕ Enjoy In-Store Cafes
Refuel at the Medicine Bakery for delicious treats and coffee.
🎁 Gift Wrapping Available
Perfect for last-minute gifts, with convenient wrapping services.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
The building's unique facade is a photographer's dream. Experiment with different angles!
🛍️ Discover Unique Brands
Beyond mainstream luxury, find niche fragrances and exclusive merchandise. +1
☕ Enjoy In-Store Cafes
Refuel at the Medicine Bakery for delicious treats and coffee.
🎁 Gift Wrapping Available
Perfect for last-minute gifts, with convenient wrapping services.
📅 Check for Events
Look out for special events, pop-ups, and seasonal displays. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Selfridges Building in Birmingham is widely praised for its stunning, futuristic architecture, often described as a marvel and a gem of modern design. While the building itself garners significant admiration, some shoppers have reported disappointing customer service experiences regarding returns and exchanges, leading to frustration.
"Extremely Disappointing Customer Service
I bought a fragrance from Selfridges as a gift, only to later discover (when it was finally opened) that not only was it the wrong fragrance, but even the bottle was different. Unfortunately, this wasn’t noticed until after the 30-day return period had passed.
I contacted Selfridges multiple times asking for a simple exchange for the correct item, but was repeatedly stonewalled and offered no help whatsoever. All I wanted was to get the correct product, not a refund. Instead, I was forced to purchase the right fragrance separately and spend an extra £175.
For a store with Selfridges’ reputation, I expected far better service, especially when the issue was so clear. Very disappointing experience — I’ll think twice before shopping here again."
Taiyub Ali
"One of the most beautiful buildings in Birmingham centre. I found it amazing. The architecture of this building is so beautiful that anyone who sees it for the first time will look at it for few minutes. It’s a marvellous construction.
I was amused and wanted to see closer. It big shopping centre inside the building, it’s two things in one go. Visit a to see this wonderful modern building aesthetic and also getting shopping cart full."
Alphy Thomas
"This huge bubble-like building was constructed in Birmingham in 1999 and is part of the Bullring shopping centre that's widely considered to have kickstarted the city's regeneration. The iconic Selfridges building is currently under wraps – a giant colourful hoarding designed by Osman Yousefzada – while it undergoes upgrade works in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2022"
Asad Ziar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Selfridges Birmingham is centrally located within the Bullring shopping centre. You can easily reach it by public transport, with Moor Street and New Street train stations nearby. Numerous bus routes also serve the area.
Yes, the Bullring & Grand Central car park is adjacent to Selfridges and offers ample parking. It's accessible from St. Martin's Queensway.
Absolutely! Birmingham New Street station is a short walk (about 5-10 minutes) to the Bullring and Selfridges. Follow the signs for the shopping centre.
Moor Street and New Street train stations are within walking distance. Numerous bus services stop directly at or near the Bullring.
Yes, Selfridges and the Bullring shopping centre are generally accessible for wheelchairs, with lifts and accessible facilities available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Selfridges building and the Bullring shopping centre is free. You only pay for purchases made inside.
Opening hours can vary, especially on Sundays and bank holidays. It's best to check the official Selfridges website or the Bullring & Grand Central website for the most up-to-date times.
There is no admission fee to enter the Selfridges building itself. It functions as a department store.
Yes, Selfridges offers personal shopping services and beauty appointments. You can book these via the Selfridges website.
Selfridges often hosts pop-up shops, seasonal events, and brand launches. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements. +1
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Brands
Selfridges Birmingham offers a wide selection of designer fashion, beauty products, accessories, and homeware from both luxury and contemporary brands. You can also find niche fragrances and exclusive merchandise. +3
Yes, Selfridges Birmingham houses one of the UK's largest Jellycat stores, offering a vast collection of their plush toys.
Yes, Selfridges is renowned for its extensive beauty hall, featuring a wide array of makeup, skincare, and fragrance brands, including niche options.
Exclusive Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne merchandise is available at Selfridges Birmingham.
Yes, Selfridges provides gift wrapping services, making it convenient for purchasing gifts.
📸 📸 Photography & Architecture
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the store, but be mindful of other shoppers and avoid intrusive shots.
The Selfridges Building is celebrated for its futuristic and innovative design, often described as organic or bubble-like, featuring a distinctive facade of shimmering aluminum discs.
The Selfridges Building in Birmingham was designed by the innovative firm Future Systems, led by architect Jan Kaplický.
The building has undergone upgrade works, including a distinctive hoarding by Osman Yousefzada, particularly in preparation for events like the Commonwealth Games.
The exterior offers numerous angles. Try from across the street for a full view, or get closer to capture the detail of the aluminum discs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Selfridges Birmingham features dining options, including the popular Medicine Bakery, known for its croissants and hot chocolate.
The Medicine Bakery offers a range of delicious items, including butter croissants, mouthwatering hot chocolate, and other baked goods.
While not directly inside Selfridges, San Carlo is a well-known restaurant in Birmingham, and some visitors mention it in conjunction with their Selfridges visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a break, the Medicine Bakery offers kid-friendly treats like croissants and hot chocolate.
📸 Architecture Enthusiasts
+1Take your time to walk around the entire building, observing how the light plays off the aluminum discs at different times of the day. The surrounding Bullring shopping centre also offers a contrast in architectural styles, providing a broader urban context for your photographic explorations.
+1🛍️ Shoppers & Fashionistas
Don't miss the opportunity to explore specialized sections like the extensive Jellycat store
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Icon: Future Systems' Vision
+1The building's organic shape and unique facade have garnered international attention and numerous accolades. It's not just a department store; it's a piece of art that invites admiration and contemplation. Even when undergoing upgrades, such as the temporary, colorful hoarding designed by Osman Yousefzada for the Commonwealth Games, the building continues to be a focal point, blending art and commerce.
For architecture enthusiasts, the Selfridges Building offers a fascinating study in modern architectural design. Its construction, materials, and the sheer audacity of its form make it a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary buildings. The way it interacts with light throughout the day, changing its appearance, is particularly captivating.
+1A Premium Shopping Destination
The store is also known for its unique pop-ups and special collections. For instance, it has hosted exclusive merchandise for bands like Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, and boasts one of the UK's largest Jellycat stores, a delight for collectors and families alike.
Selfridges also offers a range of services to enhance the shopping experience, including personal shopping appointments and beauty consultations. The in-store dining options, such as the popular Medicine Bakery, provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a treat amidst the shopping spree.
Photography Opportunities
+1When exploring the exterior, experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the full sweep of the building's curves, or use a telephoto lens to focus on the intricate details of the disc cladding. The surrounding urban landscape of Birmingham also provides interesting backdrops and foregrounds for your shots.
While the exterior is the main draw for architectural photography, the interior also offers opportunities, particularly in the well-lit beauty halls or during special displays. However, always be mindful of other shoppers and store policies regarding photography inside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit