Great day at the museum. Today the museum hosted their annual African heritage festival and that's…read morealways a fun time for everyone. A museum is a way to learn about different cultures and heritages. We need a place to acknowledge our differences and embrace those learned differences. This event opens the door to diminish the divide between us all. Great museum with great programs for children. The museum host galas, brunches, book signings and other events. I'll always come back!

We decided to visit the museum to see their 'Monet to Matisse' exhibit. I checked occasionally in…read morethe week leading up to our visit. Their website displays how many tickets are remaining for the day. I wanted to ensure this wasn't selling out for our day, in which case I'd have bought tickets in advance online. However, they still showed over 1000 tickets available the day before, so I opted to just buy them at the museum. We had issues with navigation in Birmingham already, and those continued en route to the museum. For whatever reason, the app directed us over a mile beyond downtown and then had us get off the highway, cross the overpass, and double back (?). We actually switched apps a bit later as we were sure there was an issue. We eventually found the museum, though. It wasn't obvious from the front, but apparently the museum does have its own free parking lot behind the building. We ended up parking in a deck a few blocks away, but thankfully that only ended up costing us $3. The museum is normally free for entry, I believe. Donations are encouraged. However, for special travelling exhibits, there was a charge (about $25 per person). This was handled at a kiosk just outside the exhibit. We toured the exhibit and enjoyed it. Works were arranged in 3 large rooms. It was crowded, but manageable. After seeing that, we opted to check out some of the permanent collection before leaving. On the upper level (where we were) there are several rooms devoted to Asian arts (samurai armor from Japan, jade and buddha statues from China, etc.). Korea and India were also represented. If we'd had more time, we would have explored more on this floor. We descended to the first floor and checked out some of the European galleries as well as the end of the wing that is devoted to American art. They had interesting works on all these areas. If I lived in the area, I'd likely come here to check out the permanent collection. Maybe we'll be back at some point to see more of it. This was well worth stopping by if you like art. (I will limit my photos to the permanent collection.)

Magic City Art Connection is a very special event that brings together artists from all around the…read moreSoutheast. Entrance this year was $15. Even if you only utilize this event as a gallery viewing, the cost is well worth it. The creativity of some people is mind-blowing. There were dozens (hundreds? I'm not great at estimating numbers) of booths of all kinds of media, including painting/drawing/visual, jewelry, sculpture, and more. I purchased a coffee mug from an artist whose designs were inspired by the events of 9/11 and technique was derived from Ancient Greece. I also purchased a necklace from an artist whose techniques included some from Korean tradition that melded together gold and silver. Truly beautiful. These items were evidently made with great care and quality materials. I felt that the prices were extremely reasonable. There are several activities within the Art Connection that would be fun for children and are included in the cost of entrance. My friend and I stopped by the Amor booth and made beaded bracelets. There are food vendors in and around the Art Connection, but the lines were quite long! All in all, would recommend, and the weather was perfect this year!

It's been a couple of years since we'd attended MCAC, but we went this year because a friend…read moresuggested Corks & Chefs. It was GREAT. The parking was easy. Check in took a minute, but was well organized. Corks & Chefs was fabulous and turned us on to some new venues (and taught us more about tequila!). The vendors were super high quality and friendly. There were local folks displaying their wares in addition to regional and even national folks. I attend a fair amount of "craft festivals", but this was beyond that in level of quality. Really a fine group of assembled craftspeople. Thanks ONB!

Nice place. Friendly atmosphere. The owner is very…read morerelatable. Cool art. Very unique pieces with interesting stories. The owner is very knowledgeable about the history of the location of the shop and Birmingham as a whole- all major influences to his art. They offer events such as sip and sculpt so check out their site.

I really enjoyed Studio 2500! The owner Willie is amazing and very talented! I didn't know Studio…read more2500 existed until recently. This is a great art studio that's right here in Birmingham, Alabama. I highly recommend visiting this studio and checking out their event calendar!

It ain't exactly closed anymore. Its a non profit now. I was told that the venue was just not…read moreprofitable as a profit so now it can be rented out. Hell, I really don't know what the hell because I was drinking tequila during this conversation so this review of a once for profit but now non profit art studio that has not been sold or closed but yet opens for the Day of the Dead festival one day per year, blah, bleh, blibbity bleh..yadda yadda..drone.. Holy Shit Birmingham peeps!! This is more damn confusing than a goverment website! Is it closed or open? Seems simple..well.. I was there so I am going to say its OPEN. But if I came back in a week, it would be closed. Insane Artist People!! I love ya but answer the question! Day of the Dead Festival was an unexpected treat. Good food. Good music. A band from Austin, TX and beautiful altars set up to commemorate the dead lost loved ones in true fashion of the holiday. Fires burning in chimineas, colorful lights, friendly people, murals, activities, face painting, beers to drink, food trucks serving. If I didn't know better I would have thought I was in Austin! Weird! The Dia de los Muertos altars are all beautiful too. Each person who passed away represented a universe contained within the beings that they were.. the altars had items that they had enjoyed in life, photos, paintings, letters, favorite coffee cups from which they drank only to mention a few. The vigillette candles are glowing and lighting up the way that was each life which was lost. I just popped into town and did not have the chance to set up an altar, but I did light my own candle and set it in a special place to commemorate those who I have lost. The red glowing sparks from the open bonfires there went into the night sky and burned out into infinity much like the lives that were being commemorated. So long momma. You are remembered and loved. A candle here burns for you this night as well. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother. I miss you now and everyday of my life.. I will think of you. Maybe now from where you are you see things with new eyes and vision and I hope you understand me more now than ever and that it gives you peace. I am well. Your grandson is well. I hope you see us now whenever you want and the distance no longer confines you. I love you now and always.

Lovely space. Apparently they have openings about once a month.read more

I visited Lumi for a Gradient Dance performance and it is such a beautiful event space. It's…read morelocated on the second floor of the Battery building downtown but wasn't too hard to find. The room is huge, with big windows that let in lots of sunlight and also give a great view of the city at night. Guests were seated in chairs, benches, and even big pillows on the floor, which gave the event a 'family night in' type vibe. They also had Barnestending on site making delicious cocktails. There are two restrooms and another area in the back where the performers were getting ready. This seems like a very versatile venue that you can transform for a wide variety of occasions.

Came here for an awards ceremony earlier this week. Sadly, most of the galleries were closed…read more However, even the main entry way was nicely done, and had a TV which featured the steps they used to make it. It was great seeing this place at UAB, and I look forward to coming back and seeing more of the exhibits.

Was a first time visitor to UAB and to the gallery for the opening reception for the SCAR project…read moreand the Alabama project exhibits. I must give thanks for the University for providing such a great space for open expression and for giving these projects a PLACE! I know it means a great deal to David Jay and his team and it also means alot to the supporters of the projects and to cancer survivors out there! Cancer affects every person on this earth, directly or indirectly and it is important for these types of exhibits to be seen! Thank you!

Attended a birthday party here. The place is really nice on the inside. It was decorated by the…read moreones having the party. The dance floor is really nice. The lighten is just right for an event. It was a little chilly inside. I think that was due to a side door being open on a cold night. This place does have a bar, which is nice. Drinks were medium priced. Not cheap but not pricey. Not sure of the price to use it for a night. Really ample parking lot

Very nice venue. Roomy for an event and would recommend it for birthdays weddings etcread more

The staff's attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring every aspect of our event exceeded…read moreexpectations. A seamless blend of professionalism and warmth from Stephanie, Hollie & their staff made the entire experience truly memorable. If you're seeking a top-notch event venue, look no further. Highly recommend this gem for any special occasion! xoxo-agentry

I just attended a wedding at Camelot Manor, and the house is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. The new…read morerenovations look fabulous, and I really loved all of the balconies and little areas that you can sit and catch up with others. I would highly recommend this venue to any bride!