From ancient to modern times you will find paintings, sculptures, and ceramics from around the world – along with unique to Alabama works within the Birmingham Museum of Art.
You’ll find a wide range of renaissance work, classic Rodin sculptures, Monet paintings, and art from all over the spectrum.
There is a large collection of Western art, such as a Remington with a funny story, bought on Antique Roadshow by a Birmingham resident.
The elevated outdoor sculpture garden is a shady oasis. It’s a wonderful place to recharge with fresh air in between taking in the three floors of artwork inside. The sculptures out here are just as diverse as those within, always with a hint of native Alabama flair. Don’t miss the rat by Frank Fleming which has an uncanny likeness to the creature, yet you wonder what it is thinking as it looks up to the sky.
On the top floor there is the Third Space exhibit, which interprets Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights movement and relates it to fights for equality around the world. The art up here was among my favorite in the museum. A colorful quilt was filled with sparkling details.
Nick Cave’s sound suit stood tall, always hauntingly beautiful.
Wood grains streak the face of a beautiful woman.
Sharing the top floor is one of the finest collections of Asian art in the Southeast.
It traces the spread of Buddhism and comes with a mediation station. The museum holds a truly diverse collection with over 27,000 pieces, entirely free to visit and park.