Listings for O2 Institute Birmingham

78 Digbeth High Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DY, Birmingham

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Description
Capacity and Seating
Contact and Opening Times
Getting there
Access
History
Facilities and Age Restrictions
Images & Videos

Description

Considered one of Birmingham’s most legendary venues, the O2 Institute Birmingham, which was formerly known as the Digbeth Institute, has hosted a variety of famous artists and bands over the past 30 years such as Pink Floyd, Joni Mictchell, the Human League, the Pigeon Detectives, Arctic Monkeys, Chase and Status, the Cure, Matt Corby, Paul Simon, Pete Seeger, Lapsey and many more. The O2 Institute is known for providing an incredible, immersive atmosphere. As well as hosting live music events, the venue has a history of showcasing rave music and drum ‘n’ bass, many club brands including the Godskitchen, Atomic Jam, Uproar and Ramshackle held residency at the venue, making it a favourite venue for Birmingham’s nightlife. Today, the venue still hosts DJs and club nights and particularly at the weekend.

Located in the very heart of the city, the O2 Institute Birmingham boasts a beautiful building which is a locally listed Grade B building and on the exterior, there are six, huge figures, which either hold a book, a purse or a musical instrument. Originally an institutional church which opened in 1908, the venue has served many purposes in its lifetime and is currently a part of the O2 Academy Group, after it was bought by Livenation in 2015 and rebranded the O2 Institute Birmingham.

Capacity and Seating

The O2 Institute Birmingham is divided into three sections: The Institute, the O2 Institute 2 and the O2 Institute 3.

In the main auditorium, the Institute, there is a capacity of 2000 people and this space is often for the biggests shows.

The O2 institute 2 has a capacity of 600 people, which was formerly the ‘The Library’ when the building was an institutional church associated with Carrs Lane Congregational Church.

The third section of the building, the O2 Institute 3, has a smaller capacity of 250 and was known as the ‘the temple’.

In the building’s cellar, there is an intimate club venue called ‘Unplug’, which has a capacity of 400.

Contact and Opening Times

The O2 Institute Birmingham Contact

For general enquiries please call +44 (0)121 437 4150 which is open 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Ticketmaster is the official booking partner for the O2 Institute Birmingham and they can be contacted on 0844 477 2000 to book or you can book online.

The O2 Institute Birmingham access line is 0844 477 2000 or email access@o2institutebirmingham.co.uk.

Box Office Opening times

The O2 Institute Birmingham opening times are from 12 noon - 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

Getting there

Located only half a mile away from Birmingham New Street Station, the O2 Institute Birmingham is very central and easily accessible by both public transport and by car. The O2 Institute Birmingham address is:

78 Digbeth High Street

Birmingham

B5 6DY

United Kingdom

Bus: many bus routes stop near the O2 Institute Birmingham and they stop at Digbeth High Street. You can take bus routes , 17, 37, 58, 59, 60, 73, 97, 900, 957 and X20.

Train: there are several train stations near the o2 Institute Birmingham but Birmingham New Street Station, which has many national rail services, is only half a mile away so you can easily reach the venue on foot.

Car: if you are driving to the O2 Institute, you can easily reach the venue using all major approach roads, including the M6, M5 and A38. With regards to the O2 Institute Birmingham parking, you can park locally on the street or use the Bullring car park which has many spaces. The Mailbox car park is another option and this is very close to Wharfside Street, the postcode for this car park is B1 1RD.

Access

The O2 Institute Birmingham access number is 0844 477 2000 or email access@o2institutebirmingham.co.uk. Please contact either of these if you have any questions prior to your visit or need to make any access requirements.

The O2 Institute Birmingham provides one free companion ticket available per customer. Please note that you will have to prove your eligibility for this ticket.

The Access Card is also accepted at the O2 Institute Birmingham, making it easier for your next visit as we will already have your information. You can easily find the O2 Institute Birmingham’s online booking forms on the official website.

Getting there

Car: if you are driving to the O2 Institute Birmingham, then you can find access bays on level 2 for Blue Badge holders. There is also parking near to the venue which could be easier to access.

Train: Birmingham New Street station has step free access, lifts, low level counters, indication loops and access toilets. Please see the station website for more information.

Wheelchair Spaces

There are wheelchair spaces in the O2 Institute Birmingham but please note that these are available on a first come and first served basis. There are viewing areas available for access customers along with one companion.

Assistance and Guide Dogs

Guide dogs and Assistance dogs can join you in the venue and can be looked after in another area of the venue if necessary. Please let the theatre know beforehand if you require this service.

History

The O2 Institute Birmingham was designed by Arthur Harrison, and officially opened its doors on the 16th January 1908 by the wife of the Pastor of Carrs Lane Church. This was an institutional church associated with Carrs Lane Congregational Church. The building was then bought by Birmingham City Council in 1955 for £65,000 and was used as a Civic Hall. In 1988, the venue was refurbished and opened as ‘The Sanctuary’ and began hosting a range of club events, such as Godskitchen, Atomic Jame, Uproar and Sundissential.

The MAMA Group took over the lease of the whole building in 2008 and the building was renovated. The building changed hands again, and was bought by HMV who opened it as the HMV Institute on 18th September 2010. When the venue was acquired by Live Nation in 2015, it became the O2 Institute Birmingham, which is still remains to this day.

Facilities and Age Restrictions

Facilities

There are several bars and cloakrooms available. However, please note that there is limited space in the cloakroom, so it is better to bring smaller bags.

Age restrictions

O2 Institute Birmingham Agre restrictions vary depending on the event but there are a few general regulations:

All shows are 14+

Young people aged between 14 and 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult.