From planes to paintings: 17 museums in Greater Birmingham you need to visit

Reviewed by: Grace Howard

Reading time: 9 minutes

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Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art invites you to come check out their collections. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Museums in Birmingham offer more than just a look at the past—they’re filled with inspiring art, meaningful stories and interactive exhibits that invite you to explore. Whether you’re into the history of baseball, contemporary art, or the Civil Rights Movement, there’s a museum experience here that can spark your interest.

Read on to find out more.

Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts

AEIVA's 10th anniversary. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts is an exciting part of UAB’s art community. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Explore thought-provoking art at the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) on UAB’s campus. The gallery offers a rotating lineup of exhibitions throughout the year. In the past they have featured works by artists such as Warhol and Picasso. Plus, they showcase the works of art students at UAB. Their collections include paintings, sculptures and video art. AEIVA welcomes both art enthusiasts and curious visitors to engage with a range of creative expression.

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Music lovers should check out the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Celebrate Alabama’s deep jazz roots at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, located inside the historic Carver Theatre in Birmingham’s Civil Rights District. This museum highlights the musicians and educators who played key roles in the development of jazz and is a wonderful place to experience the sounds and history of Alabama’s jazz.

Don Kresge Memorial Radio Museum

Step into the past at the Don Kresge Memorial Radio Museum, located inside the Alabama Power Headquarters in downtown Birmingham. Operated by the Alabama Historical Radio Society, the museum features a collection of vintage radios from the 1930s to the 1950s. Visitors can also learn about WSY, Alabama Power’s early radio station, which began broadcasting in 1920 as the first in the state. Whether you’re interested in history, technology, or retro design, this museum offers a glimpse into Alabama’s radio heritage.

Alabama Museum of Health Sciences

Dive into the world of medicine at the Alabama Museum of Health Sciences, located inside UAB’s Lister Hill Library. The museum is home to more than 15,000 artifacts—including surgical instruments, dental equipment and medical tools. The museum offers a detailed look at the history of health care in Alabama. It’s a nice stop for anyone interested in science, medicine or the stories behind how healthcare has evolved over time.

TIP: Summer Hours – Tuesday-Thursday 12PM-5PM | Friday 12PM-4:30PM | Saturday 12PM-3:30PM

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Alabama SHOF From planes to paintings: 17 museums in Greater Birmingham you need to visit
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame showcases some of Alabama’s star athletes. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Visit the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame to explore the stories of athletes who helped shape the state’s sports history. From football players to Olympians, the museum highlights individuals with roots in Alabama who made a lasting impact in their fields.

Barber Motorsports Museum

USA Today Best10
Visit Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Fuel your curiosity at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, where you’ll find an extensive collection of motorcycles, classic cars and unique machines on display. Fun fact—they’re home to the world’s largest collection of motorcycles! This museum offers plenty to explore for anyone drawn to the world of wheels.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute focuses on one of the most significant moments in Alabama’s history. (Bham Now)

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute presents an in-depth look at a significant chapter in American history. Through detailed exhibits visitors can follow the experiences of those who took part in the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a meaningful space that encourages reflection and offers insight into the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Alabama Holocaust Education Center

The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center shares the stories of local survivors and honors the lives affected by the events of the Holocaust. A visit provides an opportunity to learn about this history in a meaningful way and encourages reflection, understanding and remembrance.

Birmingham Museum of Art

Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art and view fabulous artwork in the heart of Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art and view fabulous artwork in the heart of Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

The Birmingham Museum of Art is a great space for those interested in creativity and culture. With a collection of over 20,000 pieces—including paintings, sculptures, prints and decorative arts—the museum offers a wide range of works to explore. It’s a place to discover new perspectives and find inspiration.

Don’t miss the Monet to Matisse exhibition coming to Birmingham Museum of Art in 2026!

Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum

IMG 2133 From planes to paintings: 17 museums in Greater Birmingham you need to visit
Willie Mays glove at the Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Located near Regions Field and Railroad Park, the Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum highlights the important history of African-American baseball. Visitors can learn about the League’s role in Birmingham’s sports history and how its players challenged barriers along the way.

McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center
Bring your family and come visit McWane Science Center. (Bham Now)

McWane Science Center is a must for every member of the family. This hands-on science museum has multiple permanent exhibits in addition to traveling exhibits. McWane is a spacious museum with tons of opportunities to roam and learn about a variety of subjects.

  • Location: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Hours: Wednesday-Friday 9AM-5PM | Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday 12PM-5PM 
  • Cost: Adults (13-64) Adventure Hall only – $16, IMAX only – $10, Combo ticket – $22 | Children (2-12) Adventure Hall only – $14, IMAX only – $9, Combo ticket – $17 | Seniors (65+) – Adventure Hall only – $16, IMAX only – $9, Combo ticket – $20
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram

Rickwood Field

Rickwood Field / Alabama Power
Baseball stars like Babe Ruth & Willie Mays played at Rickwood Field. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Step back in time at Rickwood Field—the oldest existing professional baseball park in the country—and discover some of the major and minor league players who took the field here. This historic stadium was home to the Birmingham Barons and the Black Barons, serving as an important venue for the sport since its opening in 1910.

Samuel Ullman Museum

Discover the life of Samuel Ullman—immigrant, soldier, businessman, activist and author—at the museum located in the house where he spent his final 40 years. Arriving in Birmingham in 1884, during the city’s early growth, Ullman made a meaningful contribution to the community. Step inside to learn about his journey and the impact he had.

TIP: Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

Birmingham
The “Four Spirits” statue is a memorial for the four girls who died in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Visit 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham’s first Black church and an important symbol of resilience. This historic site in the Civil Rights District remembers the four young girls who died in the 1963 bombing and reflects the strength and spirit of the community. Worship services still take place here, making it a place of remembrance, hope and inspiration worth visiting.

TIP:  If you are planning to tour, please contact us to find out which designated days and times are available due to church closures, events, and activities.

Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark

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Sloss Furnaces is a significant piece of Birmingham’s rich history. (Bham Now)

Sloss Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark that operated Birmingham’s iron industry for nearly 90 years. From 1882 to 1971, Sloss was an active blast furnace and part of America’s industrial development. Today, it serves as both a museum and a creative space—housing the Sloss Metal Arts Program, where artists create metal sculptures and share their craft.

TIP: Call to schedule guided tours at least one day in advance.

Southern Museum of Flight

Southern Museum of Flight
Don’t forget to visit the Southern Museum of Flight. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Take off on an adventure at the Southern Museum of Flight, one of the largest aviation museums in the Southeast. Check out a diverse collection of aircraft—from civilian planes to military jets and experimental models—plus learn about the pilots recognized in the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame.

Vulcan Park and Museum

vulcan6 From planes to paintings: 17 museums in Greater Birmingham you need to visit
The Vulcan Park & Museum is a must-visit place to learn more about the history of Birmingham. (Lauren Bedford / Bham Now)

That tall figure overlooking the city is Vulcan—Birmingham’s well-known giant and friendly guardian. You can visit him any time, day or night, for views of the city skyline. While you’re there, explore Birmingham’s story and learn about the roots that shaped the city.

Which museum are you most excited to visit? Did we miss any? Let us know on Facebook + Instagram!

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Makenzi Fultz
Makenzi Fultz
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