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Museums #6 in Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Museum of Art

4.8 · 2,909 reviews
Reflective and intellectually stimulating
Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum's Wedgwood collection contains over 10,000 pieces, making it the largest outside the United Kingdom.

2

The building was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and opened at its current location in 1986.

3

The museum features a specific gallery dedicated to the art of the American West.

4

It houses a notable collection of Vietnamese ceramics dating back to the 13th century.

5

The outdoor sculpture garden includes works by notable artists such as Dale Chihuly.

6

The institution was established in 1951 and was originally housed in the Birmingham City Hall.

7

The collection includes significant examples of Iron Age and Bronze Age metalwork from various global regions.

Overview

The Birmingham Museum of Art houses a collection of over 27,000 objects representing a diverse range of cultures and historical periods. It is recognized for possessing one of the most significant collections of Wedgwood ceramics outside of England. The museum features a notable collection of Asian art, particularly Korean ceramics and Japanese prints. Visitors can explore extensive holdings of African, American, and European art within a facility that anchors the city's cultural district. The sculpture garden, designed by landscape architect E. Fay Jones, serves as a prominent outdoor component of the museum campus. The institution holds a substantial array of Pre-Columbian artifacts and contemporary works. Rotating exhibitions frequently utilize its expansive permanent collection to provide context for historical movements.

Photo spot

The glass-enclosed atrium area which provides natural light and views of the museum's architectural structure.

Insider tips

Check the museum's website for the current calendar of docent-led tours before arriving.

Visit the Oscar Wells Memorial Collection to view European paintings from the 14th through the 19th centuries.

Allocate time to walk through the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden adjacent to the main gallery building.

What to avoid

Skipping the outdoor sculpture garden, which is often overlooked by visitors focusing exclusively on indoor galleries.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major holidays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume, refrain from touching artwork, and do not use flash photography inside the galleries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, as the galleries are significantly less crowded than on weekends.
Address
Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States
33.522, -86.810
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsWedgwood Ceramics, Asian Art Collection, African Art, American West Art

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as the galleries are significantly less crowded than on weekends..

The glass-enclosed atrium area which provides natural light and views of the museum's architectural structure.

Close by you'll find McWane Science Center, Alabama Theatre, Railroad Park Foundation.