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Woods Quad Sculpture Garden: An Oasis of Art and History

Discover art and history in a tranquil garden setting at the University of Alabama's Woods Quad Sculpture Garden in Tuscaloosa.

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Located in the heart of the University of Alabama's campus, Woods Quad Sculpture Garden offers a serene escape with a blend of art and history. This green space, surrounded by the university's oldest buildings, showcases a diverse collection of sculptures created by students, alumni, and faculty, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors and the university community.

A brief summary to Woods Quad

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting to view the sculptures and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
  • Check for local art events or exhibitions that may be hosted in the garden to enhance your visit.
  • Take your time to explore each sculpture, as many have unique stories and were created by local artists.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the University of Alabama Student Center, walk east towards the campus entrance on 7th Avenue. Continue straight until you reach Woods Quad, which will be on your left after crossing the quad. The garden is centrally located and easily accessible from most campus landmarks.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus via the Tuscaloosa Transit Center, transfer to the Crimson Ride bus service towards the University of Alabama. Disembark at the stop closest to the Student Center. Walk east towards the campus entrance on 7th Avenue, proceeding straight to Woods Quad on your left. A single bus ride typically costs $1-$2.

  • Car

    When driving, navigate towards the University of Alabama campus. Free parking is available on campus after business hours and on weekends. During business hours, visitor parking is available at the Campus Drive Parking Deck at the corner of Hackberry Lane and Campus Drive for a nominal fee. From the parking deck, walk southwest across Hackberry Lane to Margaret Drive, then follow Margaret Drive to Capstone Drive. Follow Capstone Drive to Garland Hall, and Woods Quad will be nearby.

Unlock the Best of Woods Quad

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Discover more about Woods Quad

Woods Quad, also known as the "Old Quadrangle," is a historic green space at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Surrounded by Manly Hall, Woods Hall, Garland Hall, and Clark Hall, it represents the heart of the campus. These buildings were among the first to be rebuilt after the Civil War, giving Woods Quad a significant place in the university's history. In the mid-1990s, Woods Quad transformed into a sculpture garden, adding a new layer of interest to the space. Officially dedicated in August 2014, the garden features a variety of artworks from students, alumni, and faculty. The sculptures range from the abstract to the representational, offering a diverse collection of styles and themes. Notable sculptures include "Flourish" by Ringo Lisko, a crescent moon made of cast camellias, the state flower of Alabama. "Goldie 1971" by Joe McCreary, commemorates Birmingham's industrial past with a piece inspired by Sloss Furnaces. Billy Lee's "Homage to Brancusi" has been a fixture since winning the 1993 Alabama Biennial Purchase Award. Visitors can also find Craig Wedderspoon's "Quilted Vessel" and "Montgomery Marker". The "Fibonacci Spiral" by Lindsay Jones Lindsey reflects mathematical concepts in its design. Woods Quad is more than just a display of art; it's a space where students, faculty, and visitors can gather, relax, and reflect. The garden is open to the public and provides a unique opportunity to experience art in an outdoor setting.

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