The city is a hub of arts and culture, as well as home to plenty of great restaurants and bars.
One of the most unique things to do in Birmingham is take a self-guided tour of the Sloss Furnaces, a relic from the city's industrial roots. The site is a must-see for anyone looking to learn more about the city's history.
The Alabama Theatre
The Alabama Theatre is one of Birmingham's most recognizable landmarks and is a popular venue for live music, theater performances, and more. It is known for its stunning architecture, state-of-the-art sound system, and impressive lineup of events.
The main auditorium of the Alabama Theatre is designed to resemble a Spanish courtyard and features soaring ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and ornate fixtures. The mezzanine level also offers a unique atmosphere, with plush seating and cozy nooks.
The Alabama Theatre was originally constructed in 1927 by the Paramount-Publix Corporation as a showcase for movies and live performances. The stunning architecture and ornate interior quickly made the theater a popular destination for moviegoers and live performance enthusiasts alike.
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the world's largest motorcycle collection and has a lot to offer for anyone interested in bikes. It's also home to a 2.38-mile, 17-turn professional racetrack and the Barber Proving Grounds.
George Barber's zeal for speed ignited the dream that became the museum. He began to collect and restore old cars, but then a friend suggested he focus on motorcycles instead.
He quickly built a collection that has been recognized by Guinness as the "world's best." At any one time, more than 1,500 different motorcycles can be seen at the Barber Museum.
Among the museum's other attractions is the world's largest Lotus collection, anchored by the iconic Lotus 21. It also displays rare racecars including a 1964 Ferrari F-158, which John Surtees won the 1964 Formula 1 Driver's World Championship on.
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum reopened on June 19 after being closed for several months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some amenities were suspended, such as docents, premium tours, and theater access.
The Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the most exciting and fascinating museums in the city. Its collection includes works from a wide range of periods and cultures.
This art museum has a fantastic collection of sculptures, paintings, drawings and more. You can find paintings from a number of different periods and artists, including Van Gogh, Monet, and Rubens.
It also has a large collection of coins and other objects from a variety of time periods. This museum is definitely worth visiting if you love art and are a collector.
Another excellent art museum in Birmingham is the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Its collection contains paintings from the Renaissance and 17th century, and it also has many other items like sculptures and decorative art. Its collection of European paintings is particularly impressive and it's definitely one of the most amazing museums in Birmingham!
The Vulcan Park and Museum
Located on Red Mountain, Vulcan Park and Museum offers spectacular views of Birmingham. This 10-acre urban green space is home to a 56-foot-tall statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge.
- This edgy, modern park also features static and interactive exhibits about the city’s geology, history and industrial growth. Visitors can also ascend the observation tower, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of the whole town.
- In addition to the sweeping views, you’ll find an informative interpretive center that tells the story of Birmingham’s history and culture. There’s also a ground-level museum that highlights various artifacts and memorabilia from the city’s past.
- It’s a fun, educational museum that is well worth the trip! There are several exhibits focusing on different aspects of Birmingham, like clubbing and racism. It also has a great section devoted to Wonderland, which has an old cinema seat that you can sit on. This is a good place to spend some time with your family!
