Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Museum of Art has one of the finest collections in the Southeast supported by a strong educational program designed to make the arts come alive for children and adults throughout the region. More than 24,000 objects represent a rich panorama of cultures, including Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian, and Native American.

Highlights include the Museum’s collection of Asian art, considered the finest and most comprehensive in the Southeast, and its collection of Vietnamese ceramics, one of the finest in the world; a remarkable Kress collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the late 13th century to the 1750s; the collection of 18th century European decorative arts, which includes superior examples of English ceramics and French furniture; and the Museum’s world-renowned collection of Wedgwood, the largest outside of England.

The Museum connects with the community through educational programs and curated exhibitions that engage, entertain, and enlighten visitors. Programs are designed around the Museum’s permanent collection and changing exhibitions, and provide opportunities for all ages and levels of experience to connect with art.

The Birmingham Museum of Art is located in the heart of the City’s cultural district. Erected in 1959, the present building was designed by architects Warren, Knight & Davis of Birmingham, with a major renovation and expansion by Edward Larrabee Barnes of New York completed in 1993. The facility encompasses 180,000 square feet, including a splendid outdoor sculpture garden.
The generosity of the City of Birmingham and other private and municipal funders has allowed the Museum to remain free of charge to visitors since its opening.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Museum offers a diverse range of fun and exciting public programs for all ages and interests. Museum programs interpret and bring to life the Museum’s vast collections and changing exhibitions. Most programs at the Museum are FREE!  We hope you will join us soon for a family activity, lecture, concert, film, or other art event!   Click here for information on specific programs, special exhibitions and events.

OSCAR’S AT THE MUSEUM
Celebrate the art of eating locally at Oscar’s Cafe under the management of A Social Affair.
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm;
Snacks and Beverages: Tuesday – Saturday 2:00 – 4:00 pm;
Sunday Brunch: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (Jan 16, Feb 6, Feb 20, Mar 6, Mar 20).

PARKING                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Free parking is available in the Museum lot, located behind the Museum off Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard. Designated parking spaces are available for visitors with disabilities. Additional parking is available in nearby Boutwell Parking Deck and in public parking spaces along Ninth Avenue North. The Museum cannot validate parking in areas other than our attached lot.