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Museums #9 in Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville Museum of Art

4.6 · 596 reviews
Quiet and contemplative with expansive natural light views.
Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum holds a permanent collection of over 3,200 pieces, with a strong emphasis on works by artists from the Southeastern United States.

2

The facility houses one of the most comprehensive collections of 19th and 20th-century silver in the region.

3

The museum building was designed by architect Oscar Harris and sits directly on the edge of the historic Big Spring.

4

It is home to the Boathouse Gallery, which offers a unique architectural perspective overlooking the water.

5

The institution features a rotating schedule of studio glass exhibitions, highlighting the technical evolution of the medium.

Overview

The Huntsville Museum of Art is a 75,000-square-foot facility situated in Big Spring Park, featuring a collection of over 3,200 works of art. Its permanent collection emphasizes American art, with a focus on 19th and 20th-century Southern regional artists. The museum hosts major traveling exhibitions from international sources throughout the year. It serves as a community cultural hub, offering art education programs, studio classes, and outreach initiatives. The museum building features 14 galleries dedicated to rotating displays and permanent installations. A prominent focus includes glass art, notably the museum’s significant collection of 19th and 20th-century silver and its holdings of studio glass. It provides space for lectures, workshops, and community events within the downtown cultural district.

Photo spot

The second-floor balcony overlooking Big Spring Park offers the best vantage point for photos of the water and the surrounding park landscape.

Insider tips

Walk through Big Spring Park before or after your visit to see the bronze sculpture collection located on the museum grounds.

Check the museum's exhibition calendar online before visiting, as entire gallery floors are often refreshed during installation transitions.

Visit the Museum Store, which specializes in jewelry and crafts produced by regional Alabama artists.

What to avoid

Attempting to see the entire museum in under an hour, as the layout across multiple floors requires a steady pace to appreciate the depth of the permanent collection.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Etiquette

No flash photography is permitted in the galleries; touching artwork is strictly prohibited.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, as the galleries are quieter and provide more space to view detailed works.
Address
Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, United States
34.727, -86.587
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits19th and 20th-century Southern regional art, extensive studio glass collection, and 19th-century silver.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as the galleries are quieter and provide more space to view detailed works..

The second-floor balcony overlooking Big Spring Park offers the best vantage point for photos of the water and the surrounding park landscape.

Close by you'll find Big Spring International Park, Brahan Spring Park, Huntsville Depot Museum.