Rotunda

The Rotunda is a prominent cylindrical tower located on New Street in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Completed in 1965, it stands 81 meters tall with 25 floors, making it one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Originally designed as an office block, the building's unique circular shape was inspired by the need to maximize natural light and floor space. In the 2000s, it was converted into luxury apartments, with the lower floors housing retail and commercial spaces. The Rotunda's facade features a distinctive grid of concrete and glass, giving it a modernist appearance that contrasts with the surrounding Victorian architecture. Visitors can admire the building from the outside, and the ground floor often hosts pop-up shops and cafes. While the upper floors are residential and not open to the public, the building's sheer presence makes it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Its location in the heart of Birmingham's shopping district makes it a convenient meeting point.

Don't miss

• Photograph the building's cylindrical form from Chamberlain Square
• Explore the ground-floor shops and cafes
• View the building's illuminated facade at night
• Walk along New Street to appreciate its scale
• Visit nearby Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for context

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Rotunda

Cheapest way inBirmingham Ghost Hunt: Haunted City Escape Game4.5★ · 37 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$7 per personSee dates →Most bookedBirmingham Civil Rights Tour- Riding & Walking5★ · 833 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$70 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleThe Birmingham Downtown Ghost Self-Guided Walking Tour4.4★ · 12 travelers~1 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Best photo spot is from the corner of New Street and Corporation Street.
• Grab a coffee at a nearby café and enjoy the view.
• Combine with a walk through the Birmingham city centre.
• Read about the building's history on the blue plaque outside.

A bit of history

Designed by architect James A. Roberts, the Rotunda was completed in 1965 as part of Birmingham's postwar redevelopment. It was originally an office block for the Ministry of Public Building and Works, and later became a symbol of the city's modernist ambitions.