Birmingham Museum of Art 🇺🇸

Located in Birmingham, Alabama's cultural district, the Birmingham Museum of Art offers an extraordinary journey through global creativity across its expansive 180,000-square-foot facility and outdoor sculpture garden. Owned by the city and part of the Monuments Men and Women Museum Network, the institution holds more than 24,000 works representing diverse cultures across continents and eras. When you visit, you will encounter impressive collections ranging from African ritual objects and pre-Columbian gold to Native American beadwork and Asian ceramics.

Admire Albert Bierstadt’s iconic 1865 masterpiece, Looking Down Yosemite Valley, California, alongside works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Childe Hassam, and Gilbert Stuart. Explore European treasures, including the Kress Collection of Renaissance Art and the Dwight and Lucille Beeson Wedgwood Collection featuring over 1,400 porcelain items. You will also discover vibrant Alabama folk art, modern masterpieces by Andy Warhol and Joan Mitchell, and historic civil rights photography.

Outdoors, step into the multi-level Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden to view commissioned installations by Sol LeWitt and Elyn Zimmerman set alongside sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Fernando Botero. Whether you are passionate about ancient artifacts or contemporary installation art, this world-class destination provides an engaging experience for art lovers of all interests.

What to see at Birmingham Museum of Art

• Over 24,000 artworks spanning Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian, and Native American cultures
• Albert Bierstadt's 1865 masterpiece Looking Down Yosemite Valley, California
• The Dwight and Lucille Beeson Wedgwood Collection featuring more than 1,400 pieces
• The multi-level Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden with works by Rodin, Botero, and Sol LeWitt
• Permanent folk art displays highlighting self-taught Alabama artists and regional quilters

Visiting tips

Be sure to visit the Clarence B. Hanson Jr. Library to examine rare holdings like the historic Hamilton Folios and extensive art reference databases.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Birmingham Museum of Art is easy to reach on Birmingham’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Birmingham travel guide.