Admission to the Birmingham Museum of Art, one of the finest regional museums in the United States, is free to the public.
Photo by Beth Miles
The Birmingham Museum of Art’s mission statement is as follows:
“To spark the creativity, imagination, and liveliness of Birmingham by connecting all its citizens to the experience, meaning, and joy of art.”
Over 24,000 works of art including paintings, sculptures, decorative art, artifacts, drawings, and prints are available for viewing in the 150,000 square feet three-story structure. Another 30,000 square feet can be found outdoors in the sculpture garden.
Precautions in place:
Visit the BMA’s website and view their page for updates. Certain areas, including Bart’s ArtVenture, the BMA’s family-friendly interactive space, and Oscar’s Cafe will be closed until further notice.
Capacity is limited to 50%. No group tours are currently being scheduled. Most activities will take place virtually.
Collections and Exhibits
Photo by Beth Miles
The collections housed by the Birmingham Museum of Art span from ancient to modern times. Included are culturally diverse sets of work from Africa, Asia, and Europe. American collections showcase both Native American and Pre-Columbian.
The museum also features exhibitions, which are only available for planned lengths of time, usually spanning several months. To see current exhibitions featured at the Birmingham Museum of Art, CLICK HERE.
photo by Beth Miles
Hands-On and Interactive Displays
***currently closed due to safety precautions
There are two “hands-on” spaces: Bart’s ArtVenture, designed for toddlers through age twelve, and the SmARTlab, designed for interactive experiences for all ages.
Bart’s ArtVenture contains two areas:
The Sonat Gallery for preschoolers and toddlers offers an exploration of light, texture, and color as an introduction to the world of art.
The Hess Gallery, appropriate for ages 5-12, offers centers for creating art such as weaving, pottery, and printmaking and is designed to inspire creativity. This area also houses work from local artists in the Birmingham community which changes regularly.
One visiting adult is required to accompany every four children.
The SmARTlab is an interactive area where you can experience both digital interactives and tactile exhibits. You can also relax and recharge in this area (literally, you can plug your device into the charging station) as you take a break from touring the facility.
photo by Beth MIles
Free Art Museum Events
***many events can be viewed virtually. Check calendar for updates.
Enjoy Slow Art Sunday, every week from 2 P.M. to 3 P.M. with guided tours from docents who help you savor the experience of “slow art” with questions to enrich your experience. Enjoy a new tour every week. For weekly tour topics, see the BMA calendar of events.
On the first Friday of every month, enjoy Art After 5, from September through April. Don’t miss this free night of fun and entertainment! Come by after work for live music from a local band and a specially crafted cocktail. Take an adults-only tour of the art gallery and even join in with a makers activity where you can make your own artwork to take home! Check out the calendar for Art After 5 here.
2020 Statement from BMA regarding Art After 5:
“Art After 5 is back — virtually! Starting in September, join us from the comfort of your home to enjoy this popular BMA program where art and pop culture collide. We’ll still bring you all the best of Birmingham for an evening of art, music, makers activities, and more!” (via BMA website)
The Birmingham Museum of Art
2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd
Birmingham, AL 35203
T: (205)-254-2565
FREE ADMISSION
FREE Admission Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. Sunday 12 P.M.-5 P.M.
FREE Admission for Art After 5, first Friday of the month from 5 P.M.-9 P.M., September- April
FREE Admission for Slow Art Sundays from 2 P.M.- 3 P.M.
See calendar for special after-hours events and closings
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