Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Located in the historic Carver Theater, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame contains numerous exhibits on Alabamians such as Erskine Hawkins and Sun Ra who have made international contributions to the world of jazz. The museum is located in the Civil Rights District at 1631 4th Avenue north. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 205-254-2731. http://www.jazzhall.com/
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Located in the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, the Sports Hall of Fame pays tribute to sports heroes with ties to the state of Alabama. Beautifully designed exhibits give visitors a look at careers of Alabama sports legends such as Olympic Medalist Jesse Owens, former Alabama Crimson Tide Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, and Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays. The Hall of Fame is located on the corner of 22nd Street North at Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, North 205-323-6665.
Alabama Theatre
The most elegant and elaborate movie house in this region of the country, the Alabama Theatre is known as the “Showplace of the South.” The ornate theater features first-run and revival films along with concerts and other special events. The Alabama is located at 1817 3rd Avenue North. For a schedule of events, call 205-252-2262. http://www.alabamatheatre.com/
Arlington Historic House
Arlington Historic House is located on six acres in the heart of Old Elyton, the first permanent county seat of Jefferson County, Alabama. The historic Arlington House is a center for historical, cultural, and civic activities. This two-story 1840s frame structure is the only surviving pre-civil war Greek revival structure remaining in Birmingham. The house serves as a decorative arts museum, featuring a collection of 19th century furniture, textiles, silver, and paintings. It has become an ideal location for weddings, wedding receptions, meetings, social gatherings, food events, parties, tours, and more.
Onsite and outreach educational programs on its history and beyond are available. Staff members collaborate with local academic institutions and community organizations to develop programming that is vital to the preservation of the surrounding communities. 331 Cotton SW Birmingham, AL 35211; (205)780-5656; www.arlingtonantebellumhomeandgardens.com
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The Barber Motorsports Park opened in early 2003 is the new home of The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The Museum, which was founded in 1994, has been one of Birmingham’s best kept secrets, but that will soon change. The Collection of over 750 motorcycles and 45 cars is the largest collection in the United States and possibly the world. There are bikes from 17 nations with 125 manufacturers represented. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway Birmingham, AL 35094. Admission $10. http://www.barbermuseum.org/
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Adjacent to the zoo in Lane Park, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens feature 67 acres of glorious nature including the spectacular Southern Living gardens. The Botanical Gardens offer everything from beautiful Southern wildflowers to a Japanese Garden complete with a tea house and bonsai trees. Located at 2612 Lane Park Road, the gardens are open daily from sunup to sundown and admission is free. For more information:205-414-3950 or http://www.bbgardens.org/.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Journey back in time to see how our city has changed- and how it changed a nation. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located across the street from the infamous 16th Street Baptist Church, chronicles the role Birmingham played in the civl rights movement and serves as a forum for understanding the universal problem of racism. The institute is located at 520 16th Street North. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information: 205-328-9696 or http://www.bcri.org.
Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art is the largest municipal museum in the Southeast, and boasts an outstanding collection of over 21,000 works of art from around the world. On permanent display are extensive collections of American, European and Asian art, including the renowned Beeson Collection of Wedgwood.. Located at 2000 8th Avenue, North; admission is free. For more information: 205-254-2565 or http://www.artsbma.org/.
Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum
The mission of the Negro Southern League Museum is to present the history of African-American baseball in an unsurpassed manner by maintaining a world-class facility that recognizes the League’s impact on Birmingham, Alabama and the world of professional baseball. This understanding, along with the acknowledgement of the players’ ability to inspire people of all races and transcend barriers, establishes a blueprint for the Museum to evoke a broad-sense of community and create unparalleled cultural and educational experiences that acknowledge the past, embrace the present, and frame the future. For more information visit: http://www.birminghamnslm.org
Birmingham Zoo
See more than 700 wild animals in the heart of Birmingham at the Birmingham Zoo! Visit the Alligator Swamp. Feed the lorikeets in an interactive aviary where colorful parrots will land gently on your arm and sip nectar from your cup. The new Savannah brings Africa to Alabama in a naturalistic exhibit featuring giraffes, greater kudu, gazelles, and ostriches. Food, gift shop, train, and picnic areas. Take Zoo-Gardens exit off Highway 280. Open 7 days a week from 9 to 5. (Extended summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9 to 7.) Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission is $11 for adults; $6 for children (2-12); $6 for seniors, 65+. Children under 2 are free. Members get in free everyday! Group rates available with prior reservations. Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. (205) 879-0409. http://www.birminghamzoo.com.
McWane Center
McWane Center At McWane Center, science becomes an adventure for all — and on a grand scale. With the largest combination of an IMAX Dome Theater and interactive science center in a four-state region, McWane Center offers education, exploration and entertainment for visitors of all ages. For the very young, there’s Just Mice Size, a miniature world sure to delight. For kids a little older, there’s phenomenal fresh and salt-water aquaria in the World of Water. For family education and entertainment at its best, don’t miss Birmingham’s exciting McWane Center. For more information: 205-714-8300 or http://www.mcwane.org.