Best Museums & Art Galleries in Birmingham, United States

1. Birmingham Museum of Art

Houses over 27,000 works from African, American, Asian, European and Native American cultures.

Diverse Collection: Offers a wide range of art pieces that cover various cultures and time periods.
Free Admission: Admission to the museum is always free, making it accessible for everyone.
Rotating Exhibitions: Regularly showcases new exhibits to keep the content fresh and engaging.

Features over 1,400 motorcycles and racing memorabilia from various eras.

Unique Motorcycle Collection: Holds the world's largest collection of vintage motorcycles in one place.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive displays to immerse visitors in the history and culture of motorcycling.
Temporary Displays: Rotates temporary exhibitions focused on different themes or periods, enhancing the overall experience.

Dedicated to contemporary art with a focus on digital and computer-generated work.

Digital Art Focus: Specializes in showcasing art that is created using digital tools or technologies.
Changing Exhibitions: Regularly presents new and innovative artwork from emerging and established artists.
Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and discussions to educate visitors about contemporary art trends.

Explores the American Civil Rights Movement with interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Historical Significance: Offers a comprehensive look at the Civil Rights Movement, its leaders, and its impact on society.
Interactive Experience: Uses interactive exhibits to engage visitors in learning about the movement's history.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs and workshops for students and adults alike.

Celebrates the rich history of jazz music in Alabama through exhibits, performances, and education.

Jazz Music Focus: Highlights the contributions of Alabama musicians to the genre of jazz.
Performances: Hosts live performances by local and national artists, adding to the overall experience.
Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to teach visitors about jazz music, its history, and its cultural impact.

Honors the state's sports legends with exhibits featuring memorabilia, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Sports Legends Honored: Recognizes Alabama athletes who have made significant contributions to their respective sports.
Interactive Experience: Uses interactive exhibits to engage visitors in learning about the legends' careers and accomplishments.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs to inspire future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Explores the natural world through exhibits focusing on geology, zoology, botany, and archaeology.

Natural World Focus: Dedicated to showcasing the wonders of the natural world and its many facets.
Interactive Exhibits: Uses interactive displays to engage visitors in learning about various aspects of nature.
Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops for both adults and children.

A 67-acre oasis featuring over 12,000 different plants from around the world.

Diverse Plant Life: Showcases a wide variety of plant species from various climates and ecosystems.
Beautiful Gardens: Features beautiful, well-maintained gardens that offer tranquility and relaxation.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs to teach visitors about plant conservation and gardening techniques.

An outdoor park offering hiking trails, historical sites, and stunning city views.

Outdoor Adventure: Offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
Historical Significance: Features several historical sites related to Birmingham's iron and steel industry.
Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding landscapes.

Dedicated to celebrating Birmingham's industrial heritage with a massive statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire.

Industrial History: Honors Birmingham's rich history as an iron and steel city.
Iconic Statue: Features the world's largest cast-iron statue, standing at over 167 feet tall.
Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to teach visitors about Birmingham's industrial past and the significance of Vulcan.

An industrial site that tells the story of Birmingham's iron and steel industry through its remaining blast furnaces.

Industrial Heritage: Showcases the role Birmingham played in the iron and steel industry during the Industrial Revolution.
Historical Significance: Offers a glimpse into the harsh working conditions of the early 20th century.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs to teach visitors about the industrial history and its impact on society.

A 122-acre zoological park with over 900 animals representing more than 230 species.

Diverse Animal Life: Features a wide variety of animal species from around the world.
Animal Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for endangered species through breeding programs and educational initiatives.
Family-Friendly Activities: Offers interactive exhibits, shows, and experiences to engage families with children of all ages.

A historic theater that showcases films, live performances, and educational programs.

Historic Architecture: Features ornate Art Deco architecture from the 1920s.
Live Performances: Hosts live performances by musicians, comedians, and other entertainers.
Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to teach visitors about the theater's history and the art of filmmaking.

A professional children's theater that offers productions, classes, and workshops for young audiences.

Children-focused Entertainment: Provides engaging and educational entertainment specifically designed for children.
Performance Opportunities: Offers classes, workshops, and auditions to help children develop their acting skills.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs to teach young audiences about the art of theater and its history.

A hands-on science museum with exhibits focusing on energy, health, transportation, and more.

Hands-On Learning: Provides interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to learn through exploration.
Permanent and Temporary Exhibits: Offers both permanent exhibits focused on various scientific topics and temporary exhibits focusing on current events or specific subjects.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for students, families, and adults to enhance their understanding of science concepts.