3 museums you won’t want to miss in Mobile

When you think of Mobile, Mardi Gras and rainy days may be the only things that comes to mind. The truth is, there is so much more to learn about this southern city. If you’re in the mood to browse and have some time, check out these three Mobile based museums that you’re guaranteed to learn something new at.

1. Mobile Museum of Art

Starting off with the fine arts, the beautiful Mobile Museum of Art is bound to have an exhibit to your liking. Located in the middle of Langan Park in west Mobile and free to the public on Thursdays, it is definitely worth the trip. Currently, the museum is hosting several special exhibitions, including an exclusive hands-on kid-friendly exhibition For Children: The Elements of Art and Design. 

The Mobile Museum of Art is also presenting 3 American Artists, displaying the work of three renowned African American artists: Glenn Ligon, Mark Bradford and Barkley L. Hendricks. This special exhibition highlights these artists who have focused on portraying their works that focus largely on themes of:

• race
• gender
• sexual identity
• class
• and pop culture.

This exhibit will continue through May 2023.

• Address: 4850 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL 36608
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM | closed Sunday, Monday, and all City Holidays.
• Contact: Phone / Website
• Admission: FREE on Thursdays for all Mobile County residents – $12.00 Adults, $10.00 Seniors, $8.00 Students, FREE for children under six

2. Mobile Carnival Museum

With Mobile being the true and original home of Mardi Gras, it’s only appropriate to visit our one and only official carnival museum. With many historical features on how Mardi Gras came to be, the history behind the parades and more, this museum has it all. Be sure to check out Toomey’s Gift Shop at the Carnival Museum for your own souvenirs once you are done brushing up on your Mobile history.

• Address: 355 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.  – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Tue., Thurs., Sun. – Closed
• Contact: Website
• Admission: $8.00 Adults, $3.00 Children (12 and Under), $6.00 Military, Students w/ ID, AAA, AARP

3. History Museum of Mobile

Last, but certainly not least, the History Museum of Mobile is the heart of all things historic in Mobile. The building itself carries intricate details and rich history lessons of its own, and there’s even more to discover on the inside. This Old City Hall building, originally built in 1855, currently houses this historic museum and all of the iconic Mobile artifacts inside of it.

A History of Mobile in 22 Objects is a current exhibit at the History Museum of Mobile, running until December 2022. This exhibit specifically focuses on objects curated over the last 300 years in Mobile history, donated by the city’s leading historians, professors, and museum curators. With the amount of artifacts and stories that lie behind these iconic pieces of history, you are given a full view of how Mobile has progressed into the city that it is today.

• Address: 111 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602
• Hours: Monday – Saturday:  9:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Sunday:  1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Contact: Website
• Admission: Free on the first Sunday of every month, check standard rates here

If you’re in the Mobile area and want to catch a break from the beaches and downtown lifestyle, I would highly suggest stopping in at one of these three highly-favored museums. Doing a little sight seeing and learning might just be a perfect addition to your trip agenda for your next visit. You won’t regret the experience or knowledge learned!

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