Cool Museums in Birmingham
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Whether you’re a lifelong local or you’re just visiting for a few days, there are lots of things to do in Birmingham, AL. For the curious minds who are always looking to learn something new and interesting, the team at Edwards Chevrolet Co., Inc. highly recommends planning a trip to one or all of the numerous museums in Birmingham, Alabama. Explore some of the unique options in this great city with us down below!
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Since 1995, auto enthusiasts across the country have journeyed to Birmingham to visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. George Barber, the museum’s founder, was a Porsche racecar driver in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s that he set out to curate the world’s “best and largest” motorcycle collection. (The best and largest car collections already existed.) Today visitors can marvel at over 900 vintage motorbikes and a selection of rare Lotus racecars that call the museum home.
From April 1 – September 30, the museum is open from 10 am – 6 pm on Monday – Saturday, and noon – 6 pm on Sunday. From October 1 – March 31, operating hours are 10 am – 5 pm on Monday – Saturday, and noon – 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids aged 4 – 12, and free for kids aged three and under.
Southern Museum of Flight
As one of the largest aviation museums in the Southeastern United States, the Southern Museum of Flight is home to over 100 civilian, military, and experimental aircraft and memorabilia that date back to the very beginnings of powered flight. With 75,000 square feet of grounds to peruse, you’re going to want to plan for a long day at the museum. In addition to historic aircraft, visitors can also enjoy exhibits showcasing vintage engines, models, photos and paintings, and artifacts related to flight. The Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame is also housed here, featuring over 70 biographical plaques that tell the stories of significant historical figures.
The Southern Museum of Flight is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and free for kids aged three and under, making this a budget-friendly family outing.
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum
As an offset of the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. It exhibits historical memorabilia related to each and every one of its inductees dating back to 1969 – the year of the first induction class. Open to the public since 1992, the museum covers three stories and 33,000 square feet of space that houses over 6,000 sports relics.
Museum hours are Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. Admission is just $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for students (K – college), and free for kids aged six and under. There are also family rates available for $14.
Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum
The Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum (NSLM) pays a wonderful homage to the history of African-American baseball, detailing to visitors the great impact that the Negro League had on Birmingham and professional baseball as a whole. The NSLM is home to the nation’s largest collection of original League artifacts, as well as a research center staffed by renowned experts in the history of the Negro League and Southern League baseball. Photography is encouraged during your visit, and you’ll want to take plenty of photos as the memorabilia on display cannot be found anywhere else!
The NSLM is open for guided tours from 10 am – 4 pm every Tuesday, with self-guided hours from 10 am – 4 pm on Wednesday – Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, with the exception of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Admission is free for all ages, but do note that if you’re bringing a group of 10 or more for a tour, there will be a $1 fee per person. Interested in exploring more of the city’s history? Check out our Birmingham historical sites guide today.
Explore More with Edwards Chevrolet Co., Inc.!
There’s much more to see after visiting museums in Birmingham, Alabama! The team at Edwards Chevrolet Co., Inc. makes a point of staying up-to-date on the latest and greatest in our area, so when you’re searching for off-road trails or other things to do in Birmingham, AL, including getting in touch with the civil rights history of the city, just contact us online or give us a call at . We’d love to hear from you!
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