Top Rated Attractions in Birmingham

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.

Located in the heart of the city, The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is the primary meeting facility for large events, conferences, and conventions. It covers a complex of 220,000 square feet of exhibition space and state of the art facilities. Several of Birmingham's best hotels are located within 15 minutes of The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex and The Birmingham International Airport. Whether it is a tour, event, exhibition or just a reunion, this is a good event space.

Galley 1930 is an art gallery located in Birmingham's English Village. The gallery frequently hosts events of its regular artists' contemporary works, as well as guest artists. Mediums can range from simple oil paints to photography and more. In the past, Gallery 1930 has hosted artists such as Augusta Wilson, Carolyn Goldsmith, Drew Galloway and Lila Graves.

Established in 1914, The Lyric Fine Arts Theatre was once a Vaudeville theater. Entertaining people through concerts, live musical performances, operas, ballets, movie screenings, plays, dramas and other theatrical productions since more than a century, the theater has evolved into a Birmingham institution. The theater also serves as a venue for private and community events. If you want to immerse yourself in the city’s culture, there is no better place to begin than The Lyric Fine Arts Theatre.

Housed within the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, the Birmingham Children's Theatre stages entertaining theatrical shows for children. Under its repertoire, the Birmingham Children's Theatre manages three theaters, namely the Dominick Studio Theater, the Wee Folks Theater and the Mainstage Theater. Previously, Birmingham Children's Theatre has put on classic shows such as Pinnochio, Dr. Seuss, The Little Red Hen and Jack & The Beanstalk.