Vulcan Park and Museum

Birmingham, AL

Museum

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Where are we going?

Address: 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209 _{How do we get there?} Number: (205) 933-1409

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Attractions in Birmingham

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About this activity

Did you know that Birmingham is home to a colossal statue which also happens to be the world's largest cast iron statue too!? Well, you can see it in Vulcan Park & Museum, which ALSO happens to be a super fun park experience for the family too (and some museums exhibits to top it off!)

First, let's talk about THAT famous statue that everyone in Birmingham knows and loves. The state is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the entire US, and was designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, and was actually cast from local iron back in 1904 (did you know Birmingham was famous for its iron?)

The statue of Vulcan has overlooks Birmingham from atop Red Mountain from the 1930s, and continues to stand proud today.

After a few years of disarray, the statue was removed and the park was closed, however the city leaders realised how important both the park AND the statue were to the city, and oversaw a grand plan to return the statue to its 1904 grandeur.

It was then reinstated as the centerpiece, and the park was re-opened as Vulcan Park and Museum, which is great news for you as it means you can now visit with the family!

The park grounds are open daily, as is the museum which features fun exhibits on the citys history that regularly change.

If you wanted to learn more about the park and museum, as well as the statue, you can always book a tour (with 3 weeks notice) and you don't have to be a school group to do so!

A fun park and history filled day out in Birmingham, for all ages, so what are you waiting for!?

Activity location

Directions

Traveling I-65 North (from Montgomery)  Take I-65 North to Oxmoor Road exit # 256A. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Oxmoor Road. Oxmoor Road becomes Palisades Boulevard. Travel on Palisades Boulevard until you come to Valley Avenue. Turn right onto Valley Avenue. Travel 1.6 miles on Valley Avenue. Vulcan Park and Museum entrance is on your left before the four way intersection of Valley Avenue and Richard Arrington Boulevard.

Traveling I-65 South (from Huntsville)  Take I-65 South to exit 261A (on the left) onto I-59 North/I-20 East toward Gadsden/Atlanta. After a short distance, take exit 126A (on the right) onto Highway 280 East. Travel 2.8 miles and exit at 21st Avenue South. Turn right onto 21st Avenue South and travel .4 miles. Vulcan Park and Museum entrance is on your right immediately upon crossing the four way intersection of 21st Avenue and Richard Arrington Boulevard.

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How much does it cost?

Last Updates

2023

Vulcan Park and Museum FAQ’s

Why not take your own food to the park! Make sure you take plenty of water and enjoy a picnic!

Make sure you visit the Vulcan Observation Tower!

The Anvil is the perfect spot to take home a piece of Birmingham, as well as a Vulcan collectible item, or even gather souvenirs for a Birmingham-themed gift basket!

This shop features exclusive souvenirs such as the iconic Vulcan Bobble-buns and Vulcan socks. It also offers items from well-known Alabama Makers like Earth Born Pottery and Color the Ham coloring books.

The Anvil is open in conjunction with museum hours daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Certain items can also be purchased online at visitvulcan.com.

You can book school group tours with 3 weeks notice, as its a great way to get under the skin of the city's history!

Vulcan Park and Museum is wheelchair accessible

Vulcan Park and Museum has free parking