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Alabama Contemporary Art Center: Mobile's Hub for Contemporary Art

Experience thought-provoking contemporary art at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center in the heart of downtown Mobile.

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The Alabama Contemporary Art Center, located in downtown Mobile, is a non-profit art center committed to showcasing living artists. Founded in 1999, the center hosts 10-12 exhibitions annually, along with educational programs and community outreach. It's a space for courageous conversations, cultural production, and advocating for human dignity through art.

A brief summary to Alabama Contemporary Art Center

  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-7 pm
  • Friday 11 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Alabama Contemporary's website for current exhibitions and events before visiting.
  • Take advantage of the 'pay what you can' admission policy.
  • Explore the surrounding Cathedral Square and downtown Mobile area for dining and shopping options.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Alabama Contemporary Art Center is located in downtown Mobile, near Cathedral Square. From many downtown hotels and attractions, such as the Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District or The Admiral, it's easily accessible on foot. Head towards Cathedral Square, and you'll find the art center on the southeast side of the square, at the intersection of Jackson and Conti Streets. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit bus service has several routes that stop near the Alabama Contemporary Art Center. Routes 1, 4, 7, 9, and 12 stop at St Francis WB Past Claiborne, Government WB & Claiborne, and Government EB @ Claiborne. Check the Wave Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A ride from the Mobile cruise terminal to the Alabama Contemporary Art Center, a distance of approximately 1 mile, typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Taxi services such as Modern Transport LLC and Derek's Taxi & Transportation are also available.

  • Driving

    If driving, take I-10 East to exit 26A for Canal Street, continuing onto S Jackson Street. For I-10 West, take exit 27 for US-90/US-98 toward Government St, turning right onto S Jackson Street. From I-65 South, take exit 9 for I-165 S toward Prichard/Downtown Mobile, continuing onto N Water St, turning right onto Government St, and right again onto S Jackson Street. Limited free parking is available at 350 Government Street (corner of Govt. St and Claiborne St). From S Jackson St, turn left onto Conti St, then left onto Claiborne Street; the parking lot will be on the right. Several parking lots are also available nearby, such as the lot at 207 St. Louis St. Metered street parking is also available. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $1-2 per hour.

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Discover more about Alabama Contemporary Art Center

The Alabama Contemporary Art Center, situated in Mobile's historic downtown, is a vibrant non-profit dedicated to contemporary art and living artists. Established in 1999, the center occupies the former Press-Register building and has become a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape. Inside, visitors can explore 16,000 square feet of gallery space featuring rotating exhibitions and site-specific installations. The center is a non-collecting institution, allowing it to focus on a diverse range of contemporary works and emerging artists. Through guest curatorship, artist residencies, and commissioned pieces, the Alabama Contemporary provides sustainable opportunities for artists and curators worldwide. Beyond exhibitions, the center offers a variety of public programming, adult and children's education, and outreach initiatives. It strives to be a space free of cultural or political bias, encouraging dialogue, diverse cultural representation, and a sense of cultural identity within the community. The Alabama Contemporary Art Center actively supports cultural production, courageous conversations, and the growth of the creative economy in the region. The Alabama Contemporary Art Center acknowledges that it is located on the original homeland of the Chahta Yakni (Choctaw) indigenous peoples and west of Mvskoke (Muscogee / Creek) lands.

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