Alabama is home to more than 100 museums. And among all the attraction the state offers us, museums are one of the top attractions. There is so much to learn from and in these museums. Each one is unique and boasts excellent artifacts, events and exhibits that are enjoyed by all ages throughout the year. Here are some of the best museums in Alabama. Read on and explore the best Alabama museums.
1. Alabama State Capitol
Alabama State Capitol is one of the greatest attractions and you must visit this state capitol building of Alabama. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the First Confederate Capitol, this unique museum is located on Goat Hill, popularly known as Capitol Hill in Montgomery, Alabama.
One of the best museums in Alabama is not only limited to just as the museum, but the Capitol also has the governor’s office. The museum was declared as the National Historic Landmark on December in 1960. The building is built with Greek Revival style.
Visitors get enthralled while exploring both the interior and exterior parts of the museums and the surrounding area as well. Moreover, the whole area is perfect to stroll and enjoy many unique and rare things.
2. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is dedicated to the lives and legacies of F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald. This is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to these personalities.
A group tour of this fine museum is a must. This is indeed one of the best museums in Alabama. The general admission is $5.
The museum is available with rental facilities, and several events and private events are conducted here throughout the year.
3. Moundville Archaeological Park
Originally Moundville Archaeological Site, the Moundville Archaeological Park is the perfect place for those who want to explore archaeological sites. This museum is a significant archaeological site that represents the Mississippian Culture.
The archaeological Site is spanning 75 hectares and is managed by the University of Alabama Museums. There are so much to know which remained secrets over years. Must attend the archaeological workshop. It’s definitely going to be huge fun.
The archaeological park is located on the Black Warrior River in Hale County, Alabama. While exploring this graceful museum, you’ll also get the opportunity to know the rich history and culture of the Mississippian people. And the layout of the park provides to see the architectural and societal structures of the Mississippian culture in a unique way.
4. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Located in Birmingham, AL, and situated in Civil Rights District, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is one of the significant museums in the state. Also, the museum is a great research center. Must visit the place to have in-depth knowledge about the Civil Rights Movement.
Visitors get to know about the 1963 Birmingham Campaign, and also about the Children’s Crusade. Furthermore, in the Civil Rights District, you’ll get to see many other historic sites such as the 16th Street Baptist Church, the Fourth Avenue Business District and many other significant sites.
The whole district is very famous for providing the rich historical context of the Civil Rights Movement. So, must check out this great Alabama museum.
5. The History Museum of Mobile
History Museum of Mobile is another one of the best museums in Alabama that everyone must go when they’re in the state. In this museum you’ll get lot of information about Mobile’s history, from pre-Colonial to the modern Port City.
The exhibits are held over 20,000 square feet of exhibit space which is attended and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. The best and unique thing is the museum offers a special corner for families to enjoy some really fun things that is also touched with history.
For example, there’s a new children’s discovery room, where families can explore a French ship, play real African drums, and also can try on colonial clothing. Must check out this place with your family and children.
6. Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, one of the most significant locations in Alabama, commemorates the contributions of African-American airmen during the time of World War II. Don’t miss this thrilling attraction. You and your mates will definitely love this spot.
The historic site is located at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. Visitors can enjoy the site which remained the primary flight training site for those pioneering pilots.
You will also see the achievement of those pilots. And having the deeper understanding about the training process is really a fun and adventurous experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
7. Jesse Owens Museum
Jesse Owens Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Danville, Alabama. This is a state of the art museum that pays tribute to the life of Jesse Owens, the legendary Olympian who won four gold medals from the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Visitors can enjoy the memorial park where the mission is to educate the public of the legacy of Jesse’s contributions to athletics and humankind. Also, there is the sharecropper birth home replica.
And the Jesse Owens Memorial Park offers nice picnic pavilions to enjoy your meal under nature. Restrooms, playgrounds are also available.
8. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is truly a unique museum the state offers us. It was George Barber’s dream to set up the museum that would reflect the history of motorcycles around the world. He started collecting and modifying sports cars in 1989, and soon, his interest turned to collecting and restoring motorcycles.
Visitors can enjoy the collection of more than 900 vintage and modern motorcycles including the collection of Lotus and other race cars. The bike collection ranges from 1904 to present year production.
Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the largest collection of motorcycles in the world when you’re exploring the finest attractions of Alabama. You can see approximately 500 motorcycles on display at any given time.
Moreover, there are bikes from 16 countries that represent 143 different marques. So, what are you waiting for? Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a worth visiting museum in Alabama.
Related: Best Lakes in Alabama.
9. Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham Museum of Art is Alabama’s one of the most renowned art museums and is located in the center of Birmingham. If you’re a lover and appreciator of art and culture, this cultural landmark is a must-to-go place for you.
Established in 1951, Birmingham Museum of Art boasts a diverse range of art from various cultures and from different time periods as well. Visitors can really appreciate more than 17,000 works and objects.
Several exhibits are conducted here throughout the year. Paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, graphics all are presented in a unique and sober way. Moreover, admission to the museum is free. So, going to this museum is one of the best free things to do in Alabama.
Related: Best Waterfalls in Alabama.
10. Colonial Fort Condé
Colonial Fort Condé is a history museum located in Mobile, Alabama. In today’s time, the museum we see is not the original one, but the replica, opened in 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration.
The original Colonial Fort Condé was built in 1723 by French people. Later the remnants of the original fort were discovered in Madri Gras Park.
Several exhibits are conducted here. Visitors get the opportunity to enjoy a number of living history events held throughout the year. Also, many artifacts and archaeological pieces of Mobile’s colonial past are showcased in these exhibits.
A visit to this museum will really enhance your knowledge about the past and history of Mobile and the peripheral area. This museum is indeed one of the best museums in Alabama.
FAQs
1. How many museums are in Alabama?
In Alabama you can literally explore more than 100 museums and exhibitions that are held throughout the year. These enthralling exhibits enjoyed by visitors from all across the globe.
2. Is the Birmingham Art museum free?
Visiting the Birmingham Art Museum is one of the best free things to do in Alabama. Admission to the museum is free to the public.
3. Why is the Birmingham Museum of Art famous?
Birmingham Museum of Art showcases one of the finest collections in the Southeast. Paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, graphics and multiple art exhibits are held here throughout the year. The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the best museums in Alabama.
4. How many national monuments are in Alabama?
There are 39 National Historic Landmarks in Alabama. These national monuments are located in 18 of the state’s 67 counties.
5. Where is the biggest museum in US?
Boasting over 2 million objects in their collection, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in North America is considered as the biggest museum.
