I took my daughter on a very spur of the moment visit here. There was a super neat museum with a scavenger hunt to do while going through. Helps the kids pay attention instead of just running through. Everything was clean and well taken care of. The people working were very friendly and helpful. My daughter loved going to the lookout at the top of the statue. We took the elevator up and the stairs down. The kid loved the acoustics in the stairwell and took advantage by singing. The lady at the bottom of the statue praised my daughter's abilities, which made her day. They have a penny press machine, which is a cheap way to get a souvenir. The only negative is that the gift shop is pricey...but what gift shop isn't..

Small area and average park. Sufficient parking space available. You can see the entire downtown area from the Vulcan statue which is accessible via lift but you need to buy tickets for that. Good location for a morning walk or evening gathering. I didn't see any outlets inside but there is a museum and a small souvenir store inside.

We loved walking around and learning the history of this place. We've been wanting to come here for years and finally got to come. The views from the top are absolutely beautiful and the museum was very informative!!! There is a nice trail too. We will definitely be visiting here again.

Long time favorite place to view the city of Birmingham. We do not go often but have been many times over the decades. Great place to take a date. Nighttime viewing is quite unique. The museum is very informative for a fun day visit. Inexpensive intrance fee. Staff were pleasant. A jewel of a place to visit and bring visiting family.

☆☆☆☆☆ Amazing monument, museum, and history lessons! Treat yourself- visit!! Staffed by friendly and helpful people 🙂 The monument, museum, and grounds are all beautiful, well-maintained, and CLEAN! There is a beautiful well- shaded garden area with CLEAN picnic tables. There are 156 steps to climb to top AND a clean "window"-elevator option as well. We arrived around 1pm and wish we could see it all lit up tonight but we must continue on our road trip within the hour. 🫤 plan at least 1 hour for your visit... have fun!!

We visited last month and really enjoyed our time. We arrived after 6pm so the museum was closed. The gentleman at the booth also informed us that the statue was closed for viewing as they were repairing something that had caused water damage. Nonetheless, we took in the views, watched the sunset, all while my daughter ran around the whole place. Overall, it’s a great place to hang out with a unique view of the city!

My friend got married here on a Sunday in April. The venue provided transportation from the parking lot to the event space. The outdoor event space was overlooking the city, and it was breathtaking!! The employees went above and beyond to make the event memorable. Much love from Houston, TX.

Unexpected, simple beauty. Great museum to learn some history of Birmingham, the Civil Rights movement, how the Vulcan came to be....even Coke and Pepsi. The park grounds are well manicured. Great views of the city can be had here without even climbing to the Vulcan's highest level. Being able to take the stairs or the glass elevator up the statue is a great option. You are only able to get to the foot of the Vulcan which is still extremely high. Overall a great park.

Nice small park. Enjoyed a couple of hours exploring the museum and statue. Hubby & relish learning about the area we are visiting. Lots of reading. Nice green areas where families were picnicking with small children running around. Statue is high up. Hubby enjoyed that better than I. Nice view of Birmingham. Elevator available for anyone that 159 steps is too much for. Which includes us. Lovely staff, very helpful. $5 fee per person was reasonable to assist in upkeep to us.

This is a great place to bring kids to fill up an afternoon. The museum is geared for all ages and they have a great scavenger hunt for kids to help keep them engaged. Provides a great overview of Birmingham's deep history.

We stopped by the Vulcan Park and Museum before it was opened for the day, so I cannot speak to the museum itself. But the huge Vulcan monument is pretty impressive. It is the largest cast iron statue in the world, and is the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama, United States, reflecting its roots in the iron and steel industry. We also enjoyed viewing the Lone Pine Mine of the same property as well as walking down the old rail bed for the Birmingham Mineral Railroad. It was a good stop for us to see this Birmingham landmark.

Very interesting and informative. Great place to learn a little history and the view of Birmingham is simply amazing. It is free to walk around and only $4 to enter the museum.

I was in Birmingham, Alabama on a business trip and I had a little time before my next flight so I decided to take a quick ride to Vulcan Park and Museum. I was not disappointed! Even though it was an overcast day, the views of the city were very nice and I very much enjoyed the walk through the nice park, the informative signs posted along the way and, of course, the imposing statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of metalworking and forging! Inside, I found a museum that was full of good information about the history of this great working city and birthplace of the civil rights movement. I will sure come back with my family so they can experience this unique place in the history of America.

Amazing views of the city! The statue itself is very cool. Best way to experience it is park for free at the trail parking lot and then walk the stairs up to the statue. No admission and no hassle.

Such a clean, nicely manicured park. Easy access and parking. Beautiful views of the city. There is an old mine we stumbled across while overlooking the city views. The mine is from early 1900's. The visitor center is pristine and offers cute gifts and souvenirs. Very clean bathrooms and friendly staff. The tower was closed for Renovations (bummer).

Cute little museum located in Birmingham, Alabama that offers majectic views of the city. There was no wait when we went here and not a lot of crowd. Plenty of free parking too. You will learn a lot of history in this small museum and they have activities for kids to do while they are in the museum. The park was huge and peaceful. A must visit place when you are in Birmingham. They have a small gift shop in front of the museum and I say, you’ll need about an hour to see everything.

Such an amazing experience. Beautiful piece of art. So much of history. Very friendly stuff. The person at the ticket counter gave so much more information about the place and the city. It helped me. Free to walk around the park. Only $5 to check out the museum. Free parking.

Great park to visit. Staff was very friendly, nice, and helpful with any questions. The park was nice and clean, and I had zero issues at all. Looking forward to my next visit!

This place was so beautiful, I even had to donate just to preserve a part of history. From the views of the city to the statue, I was not disappointed! Definitely recommend and tickets are $4 per adult.

This is a Motorcycle lovers paradise. They also have vintage cars and race cars. There is an entire area donated to Lotus. The building is designed so beautifully and the motorcycles and vehicles are very well kept. You would probably need to spend 4-5 hours to view Museum thoroughly. They also have a nice gift shop. The staff was very friendly and helpful. There is also a track at location. This day a private club was using it. I paid $33 total online for 2 tickets. If you would like 10% military discount you have to wait to pay on site. There is no military discount at store. Recommend visiting if in the area!!!

Amazing museum at the Barber Raceway. Enormous collection of mostly motorcycles. Also has some glimpses of the working racing research and design areas. If you plan to read every placard for each item you will need several hours. "There is just so much!", was the constant refrain as we toured.

Une visite à faire absolument ! Quelle collection immense! Beaucoup beaucoup de motos, des toutes premières aux toutes récentes, des déjantées, des originales, des classiques... On en prend plein les yeux. 5 étages de motos, voitures et vélos ! Et même des carrousels de motos ! On ne peut juste pas accéder au sous-sol qui est réservé à la rénovation des véhicules mais comme il y a un grand puits au milieu, on peut apercevoir les voitures en réparation. Et en plus, cerise sur le gâteau, on a un accès par passerelle au circuit d'essais ! Un joli aménagement avec des fleurs, des cascades, des sculptures rigolotes ou géantes d'animaux. Et un pont pour bien voir les voitures qui font la course. Une visite exceptionnelle ! Et pratiquement seuls! (Translated by Google) A visit to absolutely do! What a huge collection! Lots and lots of motorcycles, from the very first to the very recent, some crazy, some original, some classics... We'll be amazed. 5 floors of motorcycles, cars and bicycles! And even motorcycle carousels! We just can't access the basement which is reserved for vehicle renovation but as there is a large well in the middle, we can see the cars being repaired. And what's more, the icing on the cake, we have access via footbridge to the test circuit! A pretty layout with flowers, waterfalls, funny or giant animal sculptures. And a bridge to clearly see the cars racing. An exceptional visit! And practically alone!

Superb museum! Never a huge fan of motorcycles before I walked in, but one just can't help becoming one after walking out. The collection is unreal, going back to late 1800s, from all over the world to boot. Plus you can see a race, if they have one when you visit, which makes the place that much more memorable.

One of the nicest collections of motorcycles I have ever seen. If you like all generations and makes and models of motorcycles, you will love it. The history in this building is amazing. Take an audio tour if you can. There is 5 levels of exhibits, ample bathrooms, a banquet area for conferences and corporate gatherings. State of the art facility. Definitely for the motorcycle history buff.

There isn't anything I can truly say to make this museum better than it already is. It is beautiful! It is by far one of the most precise and excellently built interior structures for a motor or auto museum I have ever seen in my life. It is pretty breathtaking and wonderful to see. Pictures don't do it justice. I highly recommend you visiting and seeing amazing history.

Incredible volume of vehicles. Vintage and historic motorcycles and automobiles, racing and street stock. Find the $9 Million Britten and $4 Million Bentley. This is less than half the overall inventory! There is a race track for interested drivers. This is an unbelievable collection. Finally, find the Y2K turbine motorcycle and the Lotus family letter affirming Barber's largest collection of Lotus car collection.

My family and I took a last-minute getaway to Birmingham and stumbled upon the Barber Musuem. The facility and grounds were extremely clean and very well laid out. And the workers and everyone we spoke to were all very friendly. I especially loved being able to watch our 2 year olds son's face as we were able to walk over the race track and see the motorcycles out racing. Even if you are not a motorcycle enthusiast, this is definitely worth a visit. We will be back!!

This place is massive! They have an insane amount of motorcycles, plus a wide variety of other things to look at (such as cars). There is also a race track with overlooks to view the track. We were there today and Porsche had cars racing out on the track. There is a scenic trail to walk through with sculptures and a nice waterfall. It was $20 per adult and we spent hours there. It is definitely worth the price and a visit.

This place is mind boggling! So cool! I'm not particularly into motorcycles, but my buddy who I went on vacation with suggested we go there. I was amazed how much I thoroughly enjoyed myself. They have every kind of motorcycle imaginable, but also a large collection of boat motors, race cars, and antique cars.

This place was amazing - the incredible detail put into this place, the number of motorcycles, the unique layout of the building, the history of the bikes and cars! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the 4 hours we spent walking through the display and observing the cars on the awesome track outside. Even with the July heat, we loved being able to stand on the bridges over the track as the cars raced around. They even have a lovely wooded path that leads to a gazebo where we sat for a bit. This large wooded area is in the middle of the winding track.

Wonderful and extensive exhibit, very clean and easy to get around. Even if you're not a motorcycle fanatic, I think you'd enjoy the place. It's also very clean and the AC is a nice break from the hot Bama weather.

This museum is an experience! There’s a ton to see and do. It’s not a boring old motorcycle place just for boys! It’s displayed in such a way that it’s interesting, informative and awesome! Come on a day when the cars are racing and stand on the glass panels in the bridge and watch the cars fly by beneath your feet!!

If you love anything with wheels- it's a must see- and if you don't care about anything with wheels- its a must see! Take the time to enjoy this amazing museum! The history is great and the personality of the entire experience is one of a kind. The staff is incredibly kind and inviting. The track is so cool, and the beautiful gardens with the koi pond and waterfall is great! Definitely worth the ticket price and the time! We spent 3+ hours here.

If you have even the slightest interest in motorcycles, then the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is nothing short of a pilgrimage you must make. I've visited this awe-inspiring museum four times, and even that doesn't feel sufficient to fully appreciate the grandeur of its collection. With over 1,600 vintage and modern motorcycles and racing cars on display, this place is truly the Guggenheim of motorcycles. The collection spans from 1904 to the present and includes bikes from 16 different countries, representing over 140 different marques. More than 900 motorcycles are on display at any given time, so you can imagine the scale of this monumental endeavor. This museum isn't just a showcase; it's a love letter to the world of motorcycling. With bikes hailing from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden, the diversity and depth of the collection are unparalleled. It's no wonder that this Birmingham, Alabama gem is considered the largest motorcycle museum in the world.

Wow is the only word to explain this place, the magnitude, the sheer size of this place is huge. So many cars, motorcycles, cars racing was magnificent. This place is spotless, staff was great and very informative. Had a great time visiting and definitely worth the visit. Hope to be back soon.

This place is amazing. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, doubly so. They have a huge, beautiful collection of motorcycles. Ranging from the late 1800's, to current production bikes, and everything in between. They also have plenty of cars, with a large display focused on Lotus vehicles, as well as a few other interesting items like outboard motors. The grounds outside by the race track are beautifully landscaped, and there is a trail you can walk with various pieces of artwork throughout a wooded setting. This is the best vehicle museum I have ever been to. Now I just need to get down there when there is a race on their track to complete the experience.

5 stories of vintage to new motorcycles, race cars, boat engines, drag vehicles, and bicycles. Large conference/dining facilities, bathrooms on most levels, and very clean. Parking is spacious and plan to stay for a few hours at a minimum.

This stunning museum must be seen to be believed! My only issue is the kids tickets are too pricy, but it's not the most easily appreciated museum for kids. The thoughtfulness that's gone into the layout and the architecture is amazing, and the largest Lotus collection in the world is a real cherry in top.

I was absolutely blown away by this museum. They have thousands of bikes there on display. Bikes I've never heard of before and all of my favorite motorcycle producers like Indian and Harley-Davidson. They also have a racetrack out back where you can watch races or pay to drive one of their vehicles or your own at high speeds. There are five floors of display

Five floors to enjoy. We visited in December.. In total love with all motorcycles! What a great way to spend the day. We have been telling everyone we know that if ever in the area this is a must see!

Superbe musée qui mérite clairement de s'y arrêter. Une quantité impressionnante de motos de toutes les époques mais également beaucoup de voitures. Le circuit qui est juste à côté est magnifique et avec de la chance, vous pouvez assister à une course. Les ponts qui surplombent le circuit permettent d'avoir de magnifiques points de vue. (Translated by Google) Superb museum which is clearly worth a stop. An impressive quantity of motorcycles from all eras but also many cars. The circuit next door is magnificent and with luck you can attend a race. The bridges overlooking the circuit provide magnificent views.

What a collection! If you or someone you love, loves anything that has wheels on it, this is a must! My entire family was in awe with everything there! Brice, a new employee of 3 months couldn’t rant more about how much he loved working there, and how great the owner was. He even mentioned the owner knows all the employees by name! He mentioned he’s looking to save his money working there to buy a bike on display! Loved his passion and excitement! Brice overheard how much my husband, 12 and 2 year old wanted to see the Shelby 1000, he looked at his watch and told us, I’ve got 5 minutes, follow me! He gave us a private tour and my family was through the moon about it! We had an amazing time, would highly recommend! Thanks Brice for an unforgettable experience!

What an amazing experience! Words can’t come close in describing the historical value of this museum. You and your family will not be disappointed in attendance of this establishment. We are lucky to have to have it here in Birmingham Alabama.

Fabulous facility! The facility was very clean and modern. Outstanding collection of motorcycles from all decades and countries. Cars were mainly racing. Motorcycles were primarily clean and restored to factory appearance. Displays very professional.

Even if you’re not a motorcycle/automotive enthusiast, you will be impressed with this collection and how everything is visually presented. Hats off to whoever did the internal structural design and the layout of each vehicle. The staff was super nice, We had a great time including a fantastic tour with Michael. Will definitely be back again.

Great place to kill time and really enjoy the history of the motor vehicle. Loved learning new things especially about the original Harley Davidson office that was burned down by accident! Even had a mini theater to inform everyone about the history of the first motor race and how we got to racing as it is today.

Talk about an immersive experience. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was an experience that allowed me to connect a lot of dots. I’ve attended tours in Atlanta & Washington DC about the Civil Rights Movement and this was just another piece of the puzzle.

What a powerful place to experience! Take your time & take it in. It reminds me how even when you advocate for the things that matter in loving ways, the response can be brutal. I especially love that the experience connects you to your own story and standing up for your values.

Fascinating and moving museum. The exhibits are thoughtful and well executed, and the facility well-designed for both education and reflection. The history here is both local and touched the world. Some of the other reviews on here are baffling. This isn't a theme park. It's not supposed to entertain you. Wouldn't recommend for younger kids; there's not much for them. Otherwise this is a must-visit in Birmingham.

Wonderful museum, right in the heart of one of the most dramatic scenes of the civil rights movement. Give yourself a couple of hours at least; worth the visit. The exhibits were powerful and informative. Learned a lot.

Thoroughly told the history. Difficult to watch the videos and see the images, however necessary, as this is part of US history. My daughters are 8 and 11. They struggled at parts, as it was challenging for them to see images and hear certain aspects, but thankful they are learning now what happened in our country.

I'm not from the USA and we drove though Alabama today and then visited this museum. And I found it incredibly beautiful yet also confrontational. The museum is very well done and builds up well. I am not an emotional person but this museum actually made me cry and I really needed a break halfway to process the Incredible horror that was (and perhaps still is) done to people. Especially considering what I saw driving through Alabama earlier today it made me angry about the injustice that still exists, the ignorance of people waving around their "confederate flags". But I was also really impressed with the strength of the people who where able to stand up for justice and equality in the way they did. The staff was super friendly and I would absolutely recommend to visit this museum. My only comment would be that there should be an expansion to display the ongoing struggle, and the gift shop could be improved too.

Everytime we go out of town we look for educational museums and places to visit that talk about our history. This place didn't disappoint. Even though we've been to several Civil Rights Museums, this one not only focused on the movement but also Birmingham's role. A must visit.

We visited this museum after we went to EJI in Birmingham and to Selma. This museum is the perfect way to end a civil rights tour of Alabama (with the above mentioned museums/sites). The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute brought together and coalesced our previous experiences and knowledge.

Great experience from the ticket booth to the ending of the tour. So much information learned about the history of Civil Rights in the South. Prepare to read signages, watch videos, and view historic scenery and statues. Super educational and a must see!

A place to visit if you want to know more about Civil Rights. A lesson not to forget.

Was a very informational museum but you also have to be aware of who funded the museum, who is the audience, and what is the narrative being told? Our director of our Southern Civil Rights Trip taught us to ask those questions to ourselves. He said banks that contributed towards slavery gave money to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and so their message is fuzzy. Because they are trying to clear their name. There are some things worth seeing and learning here but there was a very confusing display about the KKK. I didn’t get what the display was teaching us because I just felt disgusted seeing real KKK wardrobe (that was anonymously donated said the sign 🙄) and hearing the quotes and phrases on the TV made no sense. It didn’t connect to tell a story or anything. So that was very odd. All in all, I highly recommend going to the Equal Justice Initiative museum (The Legacy Museum) in Montgomery for learning more about history and the Slave Haven Museum in Memphis, TN.

Amazing exhibits with lots of beautiful art pieces. A must-see stop if you're in Birmingham, along with the 16th St. Church

A group of us came here from New York and Atlanta to learn more about and appreciate the civil rights era. This is a very nice museum that is well organized. On the positives, I saw my first KKK uniform in person. There's multiple videos that gives you an overview of the history, especially in Birmingham and Selma. The security staff and ticket booth staff were very pleasant and welcoming. As far as opportunities, it's a little light on original artifacts. Some of the money spent on things like an automatic door to the video room could probably be better spent elsewhere. The staff inside the museum seemed rigid and a little more concerned about going home than educating guests, especially disappointing during this time of the year. I don't fault the humans, but maybe the strategy emphasis should be different. Overall, good museum but could be so much more.

I went here at the beginning of November. I was so grateful my friends and I bought tickets online because it was sold out the day that we went. I highly recommend going to this museum as there is a lot of history that is shared and for us to learn about. Everyone was so kind and helpful, and I encourage you to check out their gift store!

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a profound and impactful museum that offers a valuable and educational experience. This historic institution pays tribute to the significant events and individuals who played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights Movement. You will begin with an 8 minute introductory video, then you are transported back in time, surrounded by powerful exhibits and artifacts that chronicle the struggle for equality. The museum's thoughtfully curated displays and interactive elements provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced and victories achieved during this transformative era in American history. The exhibits not only inform but also inspire visitors to reflect on the ongoing fight for justice and equality. The knowledgeable and passionate staff further enrich the experience, providing valuable insights and answering questions with depth and sincerity. A visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a humbling and thought-provoking journey that leaves a lasting impact, reminding us of the importance of standing up for justice and promoting social change.

Beautiful beautiful place. Especially the sunset by the bell in the end, it’s perfectly lined up for a great end to our self guided tour. This museum is well designed to tell a store that anyone can appreciate. We go here on a MLK weekend and it wasn’t busy unfortunately.

We visited yesterday for Memorial Day. There wasn't a line to enter so that was great. The zoo layout is good and the pathways provide a combination of sun and shade so we weren't too hot. I believe the majority of the animals were out for us to see. They don't give you a physical map and the digital one was confusing. It is better to use the large maps throughout the park. Now for the cons. A lot of the exhibits with glass were hard to see through because it was so dirty. It made seeing and taking decent pictures nearly impossible. The food and drinks are so overpriced. Pack your own water to avoid paying $5 a bottle. There were quite a few off exhibit display signs so I'm not sure which animals we didn't get to see. Overall a good experience. We enjoyed ourselves.

My middle daughter and I love the zoo. I’ve been here three years and this was my first visit to the zoo. It was great, even though it was mid week and cold outside. So we got memberships and excited to go see the lights one evening.

Been coming here since I was a child in the 90s and it's still as big & fun as I remember. The elephant habitat was beautiful and the elephants were interactive and enjoyed eating their snacks off the ground in front of us. The entire place was clean and well kept. My favorite part of the grounds is the giant Wisteria canopy that was in full bloom when we went in early spring. It was breathtakingly beautiful and made the whole area smell amazing. Most of the animals were sleepy on the day that we visited so there wasn't much action but that's to be expected. They have a pretty cool swamp for their reptiles. Use discretion if you have any autistic children as the crowd was pretty closely packed in the indoor habitats at times, but we were allowed to roam free throughout the zoo without needing to follow a group or guide. The only real complaints that we had are regarding the parking situation and the concessions/food options. Parking was a nightmare, we ended up having to just pick a random spot close to the parking area and go with it. This zoo does not allow outside food or drink, yet the restaurant with the outdoor dining area didn't provide a great experience at all. We waited over 40 minutes after placing an order for a burger and fries and ended up just having to get a refund and keep it moving as we were just so tired of waiting. Not to mention the prices of the menu items are way too high. It was also like $20 to rent a stroller which is ridiculous when you can go purchase a new stroller at a department store for the same price. They even charge you to feed the animals which is insane. I could understand paying a few quarters for a handful of feed like at other places, but come on. There is a substantial discount for children and for families on EBT which is awesome, but they'll charge you for every tiny thing on top of the entrance fees, so be prepared for that.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the zoo with my five-year-old cousin's kindergarten class. We had an enjoyable and educational experience. The zoo showcased a diverse range of animals, including elephants, giraffes, various bird species, and lions. The red pandas were particularly adorable. We were fortunate enough to witness the newborn giraffe, which was a special treat. The train ride provided a welcome respite from walking and allowed us to rest and take in the surroundings. We dined at Wild Burger, which, while somewhat pricey, is understandable given the need for revenue generation. Every staff member I interacted with was knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about their work. This was my inaugural visit to the zoo, and I intend to return in the future.

I would definitely recommend! Food and drinks are horribly overpriced!!!! Almost $5 for a 16.9 bottle of water. Didn’t get to see any tigers. They only had a lioness no lion. All we saw was 1 elephant. We went with our daughters school. It was still great! Had lots of fun!

We came to celebrate my nephews first birthday. I enjoyed the Zoo so much. I want to get a season pass and come out more. I love that they have many shaded areas along with a splash pad for the kiddies. I love that you can rent a wheelchair, electric cart , or strollers for the kids. I love that the Zoo has upgraded and I actually enjoyed the food here too.

We had a lovely visit to the zoo! We arrived fairly early to ensure we saw as many animals before their afternoon feed and siesta. They were wide awake and ready to roar. Speaking of roars, as we walked by the lion, he was revving up and let out the biggest, deepest roar!! It was a first for us all to hear and gave us such excitement! Our little ones will never forget the experience! It was a lovely day, not too crowded, and lines to the train and carousel were minimal. Thanks to the zoo keepers and helpers for a wonderful visit.

Prepare to be amazed at this exceptional zoo! Impeccably maintained, spotlessly clean, and staffed by an incredible team, our visit left us with an overwhelmingly positive impression. So much so, that we made the decision to become proud members! We eagerly anticipate returning to this extraordinary establishment, not just once, but again and again. We are especially excited about the upcoming holiday celebrations, as they provide the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories with our children. With endless opportunities for learning and play, this zoo has truly captured our hearts and ignited our imaginations.

I thought this place was great for a side trip while in the area. The elephants were a highlight because they have a spacious habitat to walk around. There was one elephant in particular that liked to rest by leaning against a rock and stood around with his back legs crossed. The lion roared really loud once and we heard it all the way on the side of the zoo!

We had the best time here. We went to Glo Wild at the zoo. It was spectacular!! We loved it and will be back during the day to see the animals. What a beautiful zoo. Thank you for all you do for visitors and your animals.

Visiting this zoo from North Carolina! While it was hard to not compare one of the largest zoos to this one. I did notice a lot of things that made this zoo feel very outdated. The windows in almost all of the exhibits where nasty and dirty. It would have been nice to have them clean and be able to see through them (and yes that is possible). The seal tank looked like it was something out of the 80s that was abandoned. Traffic should have been re-routed around it due to its looks. Lots of the park just needs regular maintenance, lots of spider webs inside places or dark corners. Lots of closed exhibits as well. I will say, being a small park, we were able to get very close to the elephants and that was very nice. We were also able to hear the lion roar which was really cool. This zoo is a one and done type thing, unless you live local and do the events that they have (similar to how big museums do).

As a family we love going to the Birmingham zoo. I advise getting the annual pass though. From lions and elephants to otters and exotic birds they have a large selection of animals. The animals are usually out and easy to view. I honestly don't know what the rules are on this but no one seems to mind or say anything when we bring our own snacks or drinks which is really nice when you are trying to save money. Pros: -The lorikeets are amazing and so much fun to interact with. -The vast array of animals that can be seen -Membership is reasonably priced -There's a petting zoo -There's a small splash pad that is free. It is very small though -There are play areas Cons: -The zoo is not staffed very well which means there are few people to regulate what other guests are doing. I have found people smoking cigarettes before and there was no one around to report to. -Because it's so short staffed, you don't get to talk to the zookeepers very often to ask questions -Extras like the train and carousel are a bit pricey

I hadn't been to B'ham Zoo in years and had been wanting to go again but admit I felt a little apprehensive after reading the more recent reviews and many were low star ratings. However we had a good experience today and I felt those bad reviews were very misleading. While some exhibits were closed, that can be expected with renovations. The zoo was packed and looked clean and nice. Still lots of animals to see even with the few that were not on exhibit. The train was a nice and a relaxing ride that lasts for a pretty good about of time for only $3.95/ticket. You can see some animals as well as some back lot areas of the zoo as the train meanders a circle around most of the zoo. It will be neat to go back again sometime after they finish renovations. (We do not live in state so that is the only reason we will not be able to visit more often).

Nice size zoo, you can see everything's and be leisurely about it in about two hours. The Birmingham botanical gardens are also close. Get there early and get tickets online to avoid the crowd! Food was quick at their zoo restaurant. Parents and kids can be rude in this area though, that's not the zoos fault! A few animals were not in exhibits, hopefully everyone will be "home" by summer. Interesting play structures for children.

We had such a fun day. At the gate you can purchase tickets for the train ride, carasel and general admission. You can purchase tickets to feed the giraffes, as of Sept 24, 2022 it was $4 per person, kids under 2 is free. The zoo employee was sweet in handing us lettuce to give to the giraffes and take pictures for us. We loved seeing the primates and the elephants. There are loads of animals to see such as zebras, ostrich, red pandas, sand cat, lion, jaguar, and so on. They are adding some new exhibits very soon. If you do the train make sure to check the times for when it departs, we made a mistake of not checking and ended up not being able to get onto the train by the time we left the zoo. If you need strollers or wheelchairs you can rent those, the kiosk is on the outside of the gift shop. They don't hand out maps, there is a QR code you can scan to get the map on your phone. The gift shop is very nice, we bought only a magnet but they sell toys, stuffed animals, clothes, hats, jewelry, hand soaps, posters and many more things.

I like visiting different American cities and it is always nice when the city has a zoo. I say that because, with two teenage girls, zoos are the one attraction that we can all agree to visit. On a recent trip to Birmingham, Alabama, we had several hours before our flight from the local airport, and it was just the amount of time we needed to visit the Birmingham Zoo. We arrived at the zoo around noon and, fortunately for us, it wasn’t very crowded and we didn’t have any trouble finding a place to park. Walking inside, we decided to forgo using a map and started to visit the different animals based on whatever caught our attention. We continued to go from one section to the next until we had covered everything, which took less than two hours. The Birmingham Zoo is staffed by friendly folks and even though it wasn’t that crowded overall, there were lots of kids present, many of them from local summer schools, apparently. It was great to see so many happy children making their way from one animal exhibit to the next and learning about the different species. Zoos are great fun and great education for young people and it was nice to see so many youngsters soaking up the scenery and learning about the creatures that inhabit our planet. There were a fair number of animal exhibits that were closed, so we were a little disappointed in that respect. We also noticed that some of the areas, while clean, were in disrepair and this was most evident with the indoor exhibits. We also noticed that the Birmingham Zoo does have a train that will take you from place to place, for an added fee. We decided to keep walking, but it is good to know that this option is there, for those who need it. The animals on display at the Birmingham Zoo seemed to be well taken care of and while this zoo isn’t as large as others I have visited, it proved worth the investment of time and money. It is very close to the airport- only about 7 miles away- and thus made for a nice excursion before flying home. I recommend a visit if you find yourself in the Birmingham area.

Incredible experience I won't forget. I attended an evening at the zoo dining In the Africa exhibit. It was incredible to see the elephants and feed them. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely interested in sharing their passion for animals.

Great family zoo! Fantastic walkways, paths, and landscaping. My personal favorites are the primates, reptile house, girraffes and Elephants. However you won't be close to the Elephants as their range is a far distance from the public viewing areas. Plenty of parking, and vending for food. The Lorokeet experience is a must! Especially with children! Reasonable admission prices too, just a little over 20. For adults and children are about 17.

I love this zoo so much!!! I highly recommend their membership, they offer so much! Today was the first time I got to feed the giraffes. They are so amazing! It was incredible to be so close to something so wild and unique. They have wonderful staff and the animals are so well cared for

We had so much fun here! I was sad we didn't see any otters but other than that it was alot of fun! A big variety of animals to see and learn about! Plenty of places to rest and lots of cool stuff in the gift shop!

Went to the Birmingham Zoo on my sons 16th birthday February 21st. The cost of three tickets was $65. We enjoyed the zoo and were a little let down due to some exhibits being closed. Would be nice not to be charged full price. We also were let down the Wild Burger restaurant was closed when we were there. We ate at the other restaurant called Nourish 205. Good burgers/fries and great personal pan pizzas. With the cost of admission and food we spent $100 Overall we had a good/fun first time visiting this zoo!

I remember going to the Birmingham Zoo as a kid and being amazed at all the different animals in their habitats. It was such a treat to go and I enjoyed myself immensely. I have such fond memories and wanted to do my part in supporting the zoo when I became an adult. I purchased a membership right away and take my children regularly. However, lately the zoo seems to be in terrible shape. Of course when you walk in, it looks newly redone, but the exhibits themselves look awful or are closed most of the time. We went today, and I took more photos of different sections being blocked or roped off than actual animals. Then, when you do see an animal it is through filthy glass or plastic shields. The reptile and feline areas are disgraceful. There has been an awful job done boarding up and patching instead of remodeling it. I purchased train tickets just so we could have something to do today. But even that was disappointing. There is more trash or storage than animals being seen. I don't understand. Even what I was told originally when gifted our first membership has changed. The facility is no longer open year long, except for holidays. I have to make sure it's not a Monday or Tuesday and then pray we get to see anything before closing at 4 p.m. The coupons I recieved are worthless. The parakeet house is under construction and the giraffe feedings are hardly ever being offered. The carousel Is still being refurbished and the camel rides are no longer available. I am all about preserving wildlife and protecting different species. But I do not see much of that being administered according to the state of the place. I feel awful for a lot of the creatures, and my kids were upset by how most of them looked -- when actually seen. It was a very sad trip and makes me question if I want to keep investing money into something that holds no value or little benefit.

It's been 2 years since our last visit to the birmingham zoo. The entrance and courtyard area are new and beautiful so was the gift shop. Unfortunately most of the other areas are still in major need of an update. I was very surprised to see even fewer animals than my last visit. The animals that they did have were beautiful and healthy. I paid 91 dollars for four adult tickets and a single 12 oz can of beer was 10 dollars. Both were outrageous. The reptile display was still closed. There was a cool looking roof top area that could be used as a bar that over looked the zoo. The progress has been extremely slow and it seems like there are several opportunities that aren't being utilized. Overall we were disappointed with the present state of the zoo. Let me also say it bothers me to say this because I support the zoo 100 percent. Whoever is calling the shots in birmingham needs to send funds immediately to fix this situation. The city leaders should be ashamed of themselves for letting this happen.

We went for valentines day and it was a lovely experience! I hadn't been able to go back to the zoo for many years, so it was great seeing the zoo has expanded and improved! Plenty of stands, benches and places to rest, I didn't feel stranded at any point. Highly recommend for anyone from families, to couples and more!

I can’t remember the last time I’d visited this place. It was busy and bustling on a early Saturday afternoon. The staff was cordial and friendly while accommodating customers. The exhibits were pretty cool and informative. Great place to spend an afternoon with the family. The Legos exhibit was my favorite! I love how they incorporated local talent exhibits. Awesome job!

Really enjoyed the center. Wish we would of planned out more time so we could of stayed longer! We were here for 3 hrs with a toddler and a teenager - that definitely was not enough time.

The science museum is an awesome place for a day trip, and the kids loved it. I'm very surprised that it was not busier. It was practically empty. Our kids loved being able to pet the sting rays and the tiny town. We had 1 senior, 2 adults, 2 kids, and parking, and it was around $75. They change features out, so there's something new every few months.

Absolutely must see if you have any dragon connoisseurs in your family. The 3rd floor is currently mostly a dragon exhibit. Great activities for engagement. The “Wings over Water” iMax documentary is very informative and interesting. The comment about parking are all accurate. It is a tight spot.

Fun for the whole family! Lots of ways to learn. While we were there my daughter was able to hold a sea anemone, pet a sea star, learn about various topics from the staff doing demonstrations, and use all of the wonderful interactive exhibits. There's a sting ray and shark petting tank which is a great experience as well! Added bonus with the IMAX in the building! Definitely get yourself a ticket. We highly enjoyed the Safari movie in the IMAX dome and felt like we were there with the animals! I cannot wait to go back again. Would even make for a fun date night!

There’s a little bit of everything for the whole family. We visited at the beginning of September while on vacation. We enjoyed it so much we were there until it closed. There’s are like 4 floors of activities but my daughter definitely favored the Magic City exhibit. If you have kids this is a must do while in Birmingham!

Plenty to do here. There are stairs & an elevator if needed. There is a small food cafe but it closed before I could try it. You will get a token at the counter if you used the parking deck & it's like a dollar off the rate.

The first floor is wonderful for young kids to explore and have a lot of fun. Third floor dragons were absolutely amazing. The aquarium in the basement was a bit disappointing. One of the sharks had a big sore.

The younger your kids are, the more they will enjoy it. All 4 floors are interactive. The "build your own" 4th floor was my 10 year old favorite. Really love the idea of chairs for the adults to use while the kids play.

Went there for a boy scout camp where we slept inside of the museum. I had no idea what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at the balance of learning and fun activities for my son. The Imax was pretty good as well. The parking garage is a little scary though. Worth the trip, maybe even if you don't have kids!

We had a blast! Best place to bring your kids on a rainy or even too hot day.

I can't give this place enough stars. They need more than 5. They have so much to do and sensory rooms and special needs tools. It's fun for all ages. I brought a toddler and a teenager, we all three had an absolute blast and are making plans to go again.

We had the best time exploring and learning here! Lots of activities for 5yo, teens and parents to enjoy! As noted buy others the parking garage is sketchy and had I had a larger vehicle would not attemp. We ate lunch at the Cafe. That I wouldn't recommend at all. Way overpriced for what you are getting, bland and everything we tried had a weird taste to it. I wish we had packed a lunch and definitely will next time we vist.

Was worse experience I had there been a bunch over the years,4 kids 5 grandkids. But the staff was rude .. the age difference in groups of school age was inappropriate to be honest I wouldn't let another grandchild go without their own adult and my granddaughter was 9 I have one. 12 going next week and I hate to go again but I want let her go without an adult... Otherwise first time I touched a stingray.

A bit dated, wish they would update and repair some stations. Give the older kids more variety 😉. The younger kids have it made in the shade they have an amazing play place with different very detailed stations.

Fun classes! We got to take 2 coding classes and the kids were very engaged. We were sad there was no documentary on the IMAX the last time we visited because we were not able to fully utilize our movie lovers membership.

This place is fantastic for the kids. You will need an entire day to explore and observe the center. It has some things to do, the kids wont get bored. It is divided in three sections. First floor is science and very hands- on. The second they have dinosour exhibit. They have a dedicated area for kids 6 years old under, and it is very pretty. It is worth your time and money. I had been different kids museum but this one has everything in one.

A Huge aquarium, a tank to touch rays, kinetic interactive exhibits, an In-Door self-generating tornado, 5yo and below kids exhibits with interactive water vortexes, and much more. FULL STARS!

They do a great job at providing a place for your kids (and you) to explore, learn, and have fun while they are at it. It’s great for all ages! I’ve been going there for years, both as a child and with children. It’s also a great place for field trips. They have really cool temporary exhibits that come and go as well. I loved when they had the giant Lego room and you could build and race Lego cars down big ramps. We highly recommend McWane.

A beautiful museum with a huge collection of art. Admission was free and staff members were kind. They had really cool displays, not just European art, an incredible Native American art collection!! Bathrooms were accessible and clean. They have small folding chairs you can carry around for free. You can stop to look at specific pieces or just to take a quick break.

Pretty small museum for the city. It’s about 2 floors and includes a sculpture garden. I would say it’s just an average/standard museum in comparison to other cities. We were done in about an hour. I was not particularly impressed by the collection, however they had a small exhibit called “Nappy” that focused on the hair of African American women and that was pretty incredible. I was almost disappointed that they didn’t have more pieces as this was the best part of the museum. I would come back because it’s free and a good place to visit, but don’t expect anything too large. They also had a paid exhibit on Disney movie costumes for a price, but we did not go in there. The museum shop was also small and half was all Disney related stuff due to the exhibit so that was a bit of a bummer.

On this outing I was reminded of how much I love the museum! This exhibit was informative and full of with vibrant colors. I am a Yoga instructor so I am very appreciative of the work. I will definitely be returning to see this exhibit and others.

Great museum though, at the time I went a lot of the rotating collections were being installed. Still, I really enjoyed the experience. The staff is friendly and professional and the building is beautiful. I really enjoyed the sculpture garden and Wedgwood collection. Definitely recommended if you're in Birmingham.

What a surprise!!! I took a tour and found the Birmingham Museum of Art. It was great to see different relics and paintings from different eras. BUT the big surprise was Disney’s Heroes and Villains. A display of the actual costumes worn by actors and actresses from the live action films and shows!!!

Beautiful art. Large space. 3 floors of eye-catching pieces (indoors and outdoors). Great for a family outing, an outing for two, or an outing by one's self. There's also a cute little gift shop.

It was clean, the free admission was awesome. And I loved the fact that they had a charging station! It came in handy when my phone started to die while I was taking pictures! All the exhibits had plenty of information and The bathroom was clean. I definitely enjoyed my visit here and plan on coming back with my children in the future.

Thoroughly impressed with this collection in an unassuming location. Beautiful artwork, heavier on the pottery and household items than most art museums, but still plenty of excellent painted art. Best of all, entry is free!

Must visit place if you are art lover or not. Huge collection of arts from all ancient times until now. Excellent facility and extremely well maintained. Amazed by the quality of art and the evolution over the ages. Couldn't restrict how people imagined and created such mesmerizing arts when the so-called modern technologies were not present. Must appreciate the museum authorities for the collection of arts and the way they maintain it. Will visit again and again for sure.

Awesome. The collections are diverse, and the historical background was insightful. The artifacts are so well displayed and in perfect condition. You need a whole day here, so many rooms with new thought-provoking history. The collections were impressive. The black hair gallery was disappointing and stereotype. Staff and customer service were helpful, respectful, and watchful but discrete. Big kudos to the museum staff and supporters. Well worth the visit.

This museum is such a resource to the city! This art museum features free admission (donation boxes provided), free (limited) designated parking, rotating special exhibits, weekly discussions focusing on a specific piece, special night-life events, and an event venue all wrapped up in this marbled, art-deco building. Birmingham truly is lucky! Recently, they recently partnered with Juniper, a local restaurant, operate as a cafe on weekdays during lunch and on specific weekends listed on the museum’s website. I cannot wait to go on a lunch date here with my wife! Definitely support this wonderful organization.

Insanely great art museum for the ridiculous price of free with free parking too. Buy something at the gift shop at least!! Great collection of works from every era and style. Monet, Pissaro, Remington ,Ansel Adams, beirstadt and on and on. Get some culture and get inspired to create.

Beautiful artwork and nicely organized. We went on the last day that the Birmingham Project was there and it was a fantastic exhibit. Also, completely free!! Has a nice gift shop too.

Each concert I have gone to has provided a beautiful and unique experience where you are lost in the moment. The musicians were engaging with the audience and the music selections were chosen to perfection.

The atmosphere was beautiful and ethereal. A great performance my family will remember. Listening to Purple Rain by candle light played with genuine passion should be a sought after experience.

This was an excellent & new experience. The musicians ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. The song choices great. I truly enjoyed myself. Great for a date nite

If you're ever in Birmingham, stop by and check out the beautiful art. I really enjoyed myself and took my time to look at all the artwork.

Super cool place to visit if you like art or history even slightly. The best part of all though is it's totally free. Great place for any age.