Take a tour of 6 public art installations in Birmingham
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Everywhere you look, Birmingham presents each viewer with some form of art, whether it’s a colorful mural with an empowering message or a sculpture paying tribute to a significant time. Take a tour with us to discover six diverse public art installations throughout the city.
Tag along! 👇
- 1. Three Ministers Kneeling
- 2. 9-11 Memorial Walk
- 3. Linear in Motion
- 4. Frank’s Table
- 5. Winged Victory
- 6. Altruistic Visionary
1. Three Ministers Kneeling
Serving as a solemn welcome to Kelly Ingram Park, the sculpture is based on a photograph from the 1963 Civil Rights Movement demonstrations.
It depicts the scene when John Thomas Porter, Nelson H. Smith and A. D. King led a march of 2,000 protesters on April 27 (Palm Sunday) and knelt to pray upon confrontation from Bull Connor.
- Find it: Kelly Ingram Park, 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Artist: Raymond Kaskey
- Date installed: 1992
2. 9-11 Memorial Walk
The walk, which is found on the strip of greenway between 3rd and 4th Avenue, acts as a memorial to the events of September 11, 2001. It links three public art projects—“Liberty Garden,” Children’s Hero Bench” and “The Ribbon.”
- Find it: 19th Street North between 3rd Avenue North and 4th Avenue North
- Artists: Keep Birmingham Beautiful | Designed by area children and led by architect Dick Pigford | Designed by Keith Bidwell and constructed by B. L. Harbert Construction
- Date installed: 2002
3. Linear in Motion
Art comes to life in the reflective panels greeting guests outside of the McWane Science Center. Synonymous with its name, the kinetic sculpture can literally be set into motion and even react to music.
- Find it: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Artist: Designed by Lloyd Cooper of Push Product Design and fabricated by Advanced Manufacturing Systems in Decatur
- Date installed: 2008
4. Frank’s Table
Whether eating coconut cake at Chez Fonfon or sharing a margherita pizza with friends at Bottega, Birminghamians have all eaten at Frank Stitt’s table. The sculpture serves as a permanent dining place to honor the local restauranteur.
- Find it: 24th Street entrance of The Rotary Trail
- Artist: Greg Fitzpatrick
- Date installed: 2019
5. Winged Victory
Fred Sington, AKA “Mr. Birmingham,” not only lead the Crimson Tide to the 1930 national championship, but he was also a strong civic leader. Winged Victory, commissioned by the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, commemorates his legacy and leadership in the city.
- Find it: Outside the Financial Center in the northeast corner of 20th Street and 5th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham
- Artist: Brad Morton
- Date installed: 1999
6. Altruistic Visionary
If you didn’t know it was there, you might miss one of the most interesting sculptures in Birmingham. Altruistic Visionary stands in front of the Daniel Building to honor Hugh Daniel of Daniel Construction Company.
Hugh was known to give much of his time to various civic, cultural and educational organizations such as the Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Find it: In front of the Daniel Building, 15 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Artists: Cordray Parker & Brad Morton
- Date installed: 2006