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Birmingham Museum of Art: A Cultural Gem in the Heart of Alabama

Explore 27,000+ artworks spanning cultures & centuries at the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Southeast's largest municipal art museum. Free admission!

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The Birmingham Museum of Art, founded in 1951, stands as the largest municipal art museum in the Southeast, boasting a collection of over 27,000 artworks. With free admission, it offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, from Asian art to Renaissance masterpieces, making it a must-visit destination in Birmingham.

A brief summary to Birmingham Museum of Art

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the museum's diverse collections at your own pace.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions, events, and educational programs.
  • Visit the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden for a relaxing outdoor experience.
  • Explore the children's spaces for interactive and hands-on art experiences.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Birmingham Museum of Art is easily accessible by public transport. Several bus routes, including numbers 9, X10, 82, 87, 120, 127, and 128, stop near the museum on Colmore Row. From Birmingham New Street Station, take the West Midlands Metro tram to the Town Hall stop, a short walk from the museum. A single tram fare is approximately £2.40. From the Town Hall tram stop, walk towards Chamberlain Square; the museum will be on your right. Alternatively, from Snow Hill Station, it's a 10-minute walk. Exit the station, turn right onto Colmore Row, walk to Victoria Square, and turn right into Chamberlain Square.

  • Walking

    From Birmingham New Street Station, the Birmingham Museum of Art is approximately an 8-minute walk. Head up Lower Temple Street, turn onto New Street, and you'll see the museum near Victoria Square. From the Birmingham Public Library, walk north on 8th Avenue North (Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard) for about 5 minutes. The museum will be on your left.

  • Rideshare

    If using a rideshare service, input 'Birmingham Museum of Art' as your destination. The driver will likely drop you off near the main entrance on Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard. Expect to pay around $8-$12 for a ride from popular downtown locations. Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours.

  • Parking

    Free parking is available in the Museum's lot, located behind the Museum off Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard. Additional parking is available in nearby Boutwell Auditorium Parking Deck and metered street parking. The Museum cannot validate parking in areas other than our attached lot. Several parking lots are also available within a 10-15 minute walk, with rates ranging from $6-$10 for a few hours. Check SpotHero for reservations and rates.

Unlock the Best of Birmingham Museum of Art

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Discover more about Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art, located in the heart of Birmingham's cultural district, has been a cornerstone of the city's artistic landscape since its founding in 1951. The museum's collection spans a vast array of cultures and time periods, featuring over 27,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. The museum is particularly renowned for its Asian art collection, considered the finest and most comprehensive in the Southeast. Highlights include Vietnamese ceramics, Chinese lacquerware, and Buddhist sculptures. The Kress Collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts offers a glimpse into European artistry from the 13th to the 18th centuries. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of 18th-century European decorative arts, including English ceramics and French furniture. Visitors can explore American, African, Pre-Columbian, and Native American art, providing a rich panorama of human creativity. The museum is also home to the world-renowned Wedgwood collection, the largest outside of England, and the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found. The Birmingham Museum of Art is committed to education and community engagement, offering a variety of programs and exhibitions designed to connect visitors with art. The museum's central location, free admission, and diverse collection make it an accessible and enriching experience for all.

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