The Birmingham Museum was a mind-blowing, unexpected surprise to this art aficionado, having been to over 150 museums in the U.S. First, the noble and grand building is a work of art itself with the collection showing off its holdings exquisitely. Most every period is represented, with the second floor devoted to a stellar holding (for a museum of this size) African, Asian, Pre-Columbian & Native American work. The BMOA features some of the finest handiwork of many artists, e.g, Theodore Butler, Frank Duveneck, Henry Raeburn, Ernest Lawson, John Twachtmann - mostly pivotal American artists. The cafe lunch was terrific, and the staff at this institution could not have been more pleasant or accommodating. This is clearly one of Birmingham's treasures and makes a visit to this city a must!

I was one of the only patrons there mid-week. It felt so serene to have it to myself but I do hope more people go. The Wedgewood collection was particularly beautiful and the courtyard sculpture garden was a peaceful place to sit. And it's free! Very friendly staff too. A gem.

I've been to this great art museum in the past, but came back to see the special exhibit Heroes & Villains: the Art of the Disney Costume. The museum itself is free with a $30 fee for this exhibit. It was amazing and well worth the fee. Try to get there before mid August 2024 when the exhibit closes.

A little hodge podge in the arrangments, but I did not find this distracting - sometimes a bit of relief vs. solid rooms of paintings is refreshing. If decorative arts are not your thing, they do add atmosphere. Skipped the Disney stuff (no interest) and thus a great free way to spend a few hours. Not crowded, unhurried. A good survey museum and you leave feeling satisfied, neither too little nor too much.

The Birmingham Museum of Art is a hidden gem! It is so nice that there is no admission fee and parking is easy. The exhibits are gorgeous and there is so much to see! I did pay the fee to visit the special exhibit of Disney Heroes and Villains costumes and it was so worth it. I also love that they have a desire to give back to the local Birmingham community.