Take a tour of 6 public art installations in Birmingham

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public art installations
“Altruistic Visionary” by Cordray Parker & Brad Morton. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

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! 👇

Video via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

1. Three Ministers Kneeling

public art installations
“Three Ministers” is one of the several sculptures in Kelly Ingram Park depicting a scene from the 1963 protests. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

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.”

3. Linear in Motion

public art installations
Both science and art come into play with the design of this installation. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

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

public art installations
The “wings” you see in the table serve as a metaphor that all things need to come together to make progress, according to the artist Greg Fitzpatrick, Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

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

public art installations
Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has commissioned a series of sculptures across Birmingham. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

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

public art installations
Partially hidden from the street view, we almost missed one of Birmingham’s most unique art installations when on the hunt for outdoor sculptures. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

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

Plan your own tour using our map below! 🗺

Did we leave your public art installation favorite off the list? Share it with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.

Irene Richardson
Irene Richardson
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