Top Rated Attractions in Birmingham

Located at 16th Street North across the street from Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church, this fascinating gallery tells the story of Birmingham's tragic and triumphant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. This state-of-the-art facility utilizes multimedia presentations, photographs and other artifacts to document the African American struggle for racial equality, and relates this history to other human rights struggles around the world. Admission is free on Sundays.

Based on the Greek god Vulcan, the god's statue is the tallest cast iron statue in the world in the center of Birmingham’s Vulcan Park & Museum, which features educational tours and a soaring observation deck overlooking the city. The park also allows special events including marriages and other cultural events.

Located on Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard at Lynn Park, the Birmingham Museum of Art is recognized as one of the finest art museums in the Southeast. Its collection includes more than 18,000 ancient and modern works of art. In addition to the various galleries, the museum also houses a library, cafe and sculpture garden. The Birmingham Museum of Art offers a wide range of programs including gallery lectures, special exhibitions, films, and concerts. Admission is free, and guided tours are offered for groups of eight or more.

The very genesis of Birmingham, Sloss Furnaces were one of the pioneers in the process of smelting pig iron. Established in 1882, it is this iron industry that prompted the city of Birmingham to grow around it. Over the years, the machinery has gathered abundant rust and experience, both of which tell stirring tales of the industry's glorious heyday. Proclaimed a National Historic Landmark, this antiquated site is an escape into the ancient industrial processes of the country. The site was restored in 1983, and, in addition to the impressive furnaces, there is an industrial museum, a sculpture garden, and a park which lend deeper insights into the history and legacy of Sloss Furnaces. The furnaces also play host to concerts, festivals, events, and activities.

A hands-on science museum, the McWane Science Center allows visitors to test physics principles, explore aquatic habitats, simulate space exploration and more. Interactive exhibits allow you to make your own animated movie, build a roller coaster or ride a bicycle along a wire 30 feet above the ground! There is also the IMAX Theater, a gift shop, and a food court that offers a variety of fast food and snack options. See website for event calendar, movie showtime, admission details and more.

Considered one of the top three motorsports museums in the world, this structure holds nearly vintage 600 motorcycles in its collection. Inside, there are motorcycles as far as the eye can see. This museum was the largest single lender to the Art of the Motorcycle exhibition, which drew record crowds to the Guggenheim museums in New York City and Bilbao. The Barber also houses a restoration shop and library.