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Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (Birmingham, UAB Campus)
- AEIVA hosts three galleries that feature rotating exhibits and student artworks. Exhibits are often multi-media experiences, and tend toward modern and even avant-garde offerings. The facility also hosts a wide variety of events including music, poetry readings, and much more.
A.G. Gaston Motel (Birmingham, downtown)
- This one is more than just a museum. The A.G. Gaston Motel is a landmark in the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. This hotel played host to prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Now jointly run by the city of Birmingham and the National Park Service, the exterior has been refurbished, and interior work is ongoing. Park rangers are on hand to provide tours and information. There’s also a small cafe on site. Note the A.G. Gaston Motel is only open Thursday through Saturday.
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (Birmingham, downtown)
- To find the Jazz HoF, go to the Carver Theater. It’s just off the lobby. From Clarence “Pinetop” Smith to Sun Ra, and many in between, Alabama has produced its share of jazz greats. You can enjoy interactive audio and video exhibits in this recently-remodeled art-deco inspired space.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum (Birmingham, Leeds area)
- Nestled in a small dot of Birmingham adjacent to the city of Leeds, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum has extensive displays of motorcycles and cars, with a focus on racing. The setting is perfect: from the museum’s exhibits, you can look out over part of the racetrack at the Barber Motorsports Park. Premium tours (available on weekends) provide a docent-led experience that will also take you into the areas of the museum where vehicles are restored.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (Birmingham, downtown)
- The Birmingham Civils Right Institute (BCRI) has permanent exhibit dedicated to the struggle for civil rights in Alabama and around the nation. It also has exhibits dedicated to wider human rights issues. Be sure to allot plenty of time for the extensive displays.
Birmingham Museum of Art (Birmingham, downtown)
- The Birmingham Museum of Art’s collections feature more than 24,000 works of art from all over the globe. Look for permanent displays, rotating exhibits, and a sculpture garden.
McWane Science Center (Birmingham, downtown)
- It’s almost a disservice to McWane to list it as a museum. It’s an experience. There are interactive displays of all kinds of science concepts, that are enjoyable to children AND adults. There are permanent and rotating exhibits, plus an IMAX theater.