Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

This is one of my favorite places to visit when I need to clear my mind. The art museum is free to enter and has a peaceful, thoughtful atmosphere with an impressive collection. I love spending quiet time here just walking through the exhibits and taking everything in. Right outside, there’s a large park with beautiful views and a relaxing vibe. You’ll often see ducks and turtles moving around the water — it adds so much life and charm to the space. Altogether, it’s a perfect combination of art, nature, and calm. Highly recommend if you’re nearby.

This place eat great to visit with my girlfriend. Loved all the displays and paintings. Very quiet and a great place to relax. Staff were very friendly as well.

Beautiful museum with Interesting pieces of arts is a quiet atmosphere and a lot of peace as deep inside as its surroundings. 100% Recommended.

Excellent museum for kids!! Highly recommend the interactive kids area - very extensive! Kids could spend hours here. Very impressed with the museum and the grounds!

Very nice campus, quality experience. Spend the day, bring a picnic. Cafe closed

What a great experience! There are permanent and temporary exhibits along with a section for the kiddos to enjoy and create their own art. The museum is clean, quiet, and filled with a variety of art from sculptures to oil paints to hand blown glass. Definitely recommend visiting if you are in or around the area!

Anything nice in Montgomery is exaggerated. That said there would be no shame in putting this museum and gallery anywhere. Pleasant walking, self guided tour with local, regional and international talent. If you're in Gump it's a worthwhile hour or more endeavor of your time.

Parking and admission is free. It's a great place for a quiet and relaxing. Everytime can stroll around lake and experienced art work.

Really exceptional art collection in a lovely location. Worth your time and money!! Finding the location and parking were both easy. Gift shop was not entirely wonderful...no compelling "must buys"

Went here in April 2024, it was a fun and entertaining experience. There were many different kinds of art!

Fantastic smaller art museum in the south. Docents are super nice and helpful. This museum is free, but I gave a voluntary donation. Several exhibits centering on black artists and black abuse/exploitation, all of which were affecting and thought provoking. A section on more classical art, some modern art thrown in. Some more regional black art. I think this is mainly part of their permanent collection. There is also a section for glassblowing and glassware. A sculpture garden, which is tranquil and versatile. The art museum is placed in the middle of a beautiful park! Shiny and relaxing bodies of water. Expansive green spaces. Walking paths. They have a restaurant called Verde. I didn't eat at this restaurant, but I know you can order your food and eat on the patio overlooking the water or take your food out into the sculpture garden. That's good enough for me!

I came here expecting to see a lot of classical European art but found mostly American modern art, very few being portraits, and a majority of modern pieces. I'm sure they have more classical pieces in their vault but we always have to see the modern "art" mingled with the classical for providence purposes.

The art here is mainly late 19th century through the present. It's not comprehensive but, as I walked through the galleries, it seemed as if a curator had checked off an alphabetical list of artists when building the collection. It made for a fun visit because there are works here that may be my favorites by some of these painters. Raphael Soyer's 'Woman with Green Dress,' from 1979, is just a lovely painting of the sitter staring directly at the viewer. There's nothing remarkable about it but its simple composition kept me coming back to it throughout my visit. Jaehyo Lee's '0121-1100=110 (Standing Donut)' was my favorite sculpture on display. The craftsmanship in the woodworking and the beauty of the grain makes this piece so appealing. As I was looking at the donut, an older couple walked by -- they had just voted here as it was primary day -- and the wife was so thrilled to look at the art. Unfortunately, her cranky husband remarked: 'Five-year olds can make this stuff.' Well, there is a corridor of art here by grammar school children -- and some of it is quite good -- but, somehow, I don't think he'd appreciate that, either. Honestly, though, the stuff on display at this museum is quite tame. If you can't get into what's on these walls, you may just be a hopeless curmudgeon. My favorite piece in the permanent collection is Charles Shepard Chapman's 'Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco.' This small oil painting features a carefully laid out black-and-white checkerboard floor. However, everything else -- all that routine action in a restaurant -- is a flurry of paint applied with a palette knife and fast brushstrokes. It's intense. The temporary exhibitions are what really capped this visit as a memorable one. Walter Inglis Anderson's watercolors and oils embue a magic to the natural world not unlike Charles Burchfield or early 20th century Canadian painters. Jacqueline Bishop also addresses nature but from an ecological perspective. Her paintings, especially those on little dresses, have a poignancy in their juxtaposition of what we adults are doing to the environment as we leave the burden to future generations. Daniel Bourgeois' paintings just screamed New Orleans to me. Maybe it's because he throws a ton of imagery into each piece. The detail, the seeming serendipity, the colors: absolute fun to look at every one. Most museum gift shops are so similar. The same art books and, often, the same mass-produced but arty souvenirs for sale. Don't ignore this gift shop. It's different and it's good: filled with real art by real artists and much of it is reasonably priced.

After a great trip to the Old South with our group from Dietert Senior Center in Kerrville, Texas, it was time to head home. The last stop was at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, a stop that almost didn't happen. En route, one of our guides told us that we had the choice of going to the museum or bypassing it but if only one person wanted to stop, they would as it was on the official itinerary. Immediately it seemed as if the vast majority of people on the bus were saying, "Boring--keep going!" When the ruckus had calmed down and no one stated they wanted to stop, Peg and I said we wanted to see the museum. There was grumbling and dirty looks all around but stop we did. The museum was founded in 1930 by a group of artists known as the "Morning View Painters," and is one of the oldest art museums in the state. The group was headed by artist John Kelly Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Harry S. Houghton. Its first home was in an abandoned high school which the city leased to the museum for one dollar a year. The museum has always had American Art at the forefront of its collections. And those collections were eclectic to say the least. Besides paintings there were furniture, silverware, glassware, china, historic relics and photographs and this approach continues to the present day. As the collection grew, so did the need for new quarters and on September 18, 1988 the current building had its grand opening. During their first year, the museum hosted over 270,000 visitors. But its growth didn't stop there. In 2006, and additional 23,000 square feet of space was added and new works by such famed American artists as Mary Cassatt, William Sidney Mount and Severin Roesen were acquired. Now, Peg and I have visited many art museums; it's a passion with us. And we both agree that the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art is one of the finest collections it's been our privilege to see. First, the interior space itself is beautiful--expansive with tons of natural light, it invites the visitors to slow down and enjoy themselves. The exterior is equally impressive. The building is located in a pristine setting on the shores of a man-made lake; a huge glass "picture window" brings this beauty indoors. The collections are thoughtfully displayed with excellent lighting. Of particular interest to us were the studio glass, African folk art, student art and the ArtWorks gallery. This latter space is an interactive experience designed to introduce students--and adults--to the wonders of art. Visitors can touch works of art, learn about materials and techniques (including printmaking, bronze casting, and art glass) and race cars on "a work of art." But our favorite was the giant kaleidoscope which can be entered and the patterns manipulated (I've included a few photos). Remember all those angry folks on the bus? Well, after visiting the museum at least half came up to either Peg or myself and thanked us for speaking up. Now, if a tired, grumpy group of senior citizens, hell-bent on not stopping can say that, this museum must really be something--and it is! If you find yourself travelling through Alabama, are within a hundred miles of Montgomery and appreciate art, make a detour and visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art. You'll be very glad you did! And did I mention that admission is free?

Someone from the museum reached out to me and apologized for my unpleasant experience and are looking into fostering a more welcoming atmosphere for all patrons. This museum truly is a gem and worth a visit if you're in the area!

What a great find! The museum is a fantastic and free gem just outside Montgomery. The collect tidbit extensive but still there's plenty to see. The sculpture garden outside is great and a nice place to read or just enjoy the day while taking in sculpture. Also a very cool kids section. What makes it even better is the surrounding Blount Cultural Park which houses the Shakespeare festival and tons of walking/running paths. Well worth it!

Great museum. The building is set in a huge park with lovely ponds, grass and a bridge. The museum is free, but donations are welcomed. They have a permanent collection as well as a section for traveling collections. Your can bring your cellphone and headphones and call a number that will take you on a self guided tour of the museums collection. There's also a fun 2 story kids interactive art museum within the larger museum. Bring a picnic and spend a couple of hours here.

Beautiful building and exhibits. A lot for kids to do and see with the interactive side. Recently enjoyed the glimpse festival that was a fun free event they have every year!

This museum has great artwork and is one of my favorite places to visit over and over in Montgomery.

On my first visit to the museum, I had an amazing experience. As I drove up the winding, hilly emerald to the museum, I should see many families sitting in the shade on picnic blankets near the lake. The campus is absolutely beautiful. Entry is always free, and there was a wide selection of exhibits to see. I spent an afternoon wandering the building and taking in the beautiful works of art. They had pieces by Edward Hopper, Edmonia Lewis, and John Singer Sargent. There was also a interactive display for children called Artworks. I was impressed by the display explaining the different types of printmaking. There were computers for learning about different aspects of art, and a multilevel playground, too. I am looking forward to returning when the sculpture garden opens in late September.

We take our kids here very often and it's of no charge. This place is beautiful has an indoor and out door fun playful activities. I believe they also have a summer camp sign up program. For all ages & a nice art gallery. Beautiful murals and very clean facility. Security is definitely awesome to have around. All staff members are great! Must visit!

We stopped in on a whim. I was so pleased by all of the displays. The recycled material animal installment was hands down one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. There are also some other neat spots like the kids discovery zone. The video part in there is sooooooo psychedelic! I would also like to say that the surrounding park and small pond was also well maintained and pretty to look at. This would be a great place for a picnic and a hike around

This is to review "Roger Brown," which was written by personnel at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. This is one of my ten most favorite art books. "Roger Brown" is a 95-page book (8 1/2 inches x 10 inches) with 32 pages of text, and small reproductions of 17 paintings (in black and white) in the margins. Most of these small reproductions are of Roger Brown's paintings, but there are also reproductions of art by Joseph Yoakum (Imagist), Giovanni di Paolo, Pablo Picasso, Grant Wood, and Art Green (Imagist). Larger reproductions, as well as color reproductions, occur on pages 40-81. Pages 82-93 include Roger Brown's Chronology as well as a list of his exhibitions (years 1967 to 1980). Mitchell Kahan, Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, is the author of "Roger Brown." Philip Klopfenstein is the director of Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and he wrote the Introduction for the book, "Roger Brown." I lived in Madison, WI from 1980-1984 and, during that time, visited Chicago on a few occasions. While in Chicago, I saw paintings by Chicago Imagist Ed Paschke, and then began to collect books about the Chicago Imagists. Off all of these books, "Roger Brown" by Mitchell Kahan has the best selection of colored reproductions of Roger Brown's paintings. The reproductions of paintings in this book, in terms of having details that are crisp and precise, and in terms of accuracy of color reproduction, is absolutely first rate. I bought "Roger Brown" the year it was published (1980) and, in the past 40 years, the book became a little bit worn. And so, I was delighted to discover that Montgomery Museum continues to sell new copies of this book, and so I bought another copy. On two occasions, I spent a week touring Louisiana, and so I have a strong affinity for Roger Brown's painting, BAYOU LE BATRE (page 67). I lived in Wisconsin in 1980-1984, and so I am also highly attracted to Roger Brown's paintings showing lightning, tornados, thunderclouds, trucks motoring at night along remote country highways, and other scenes from the countryside - - - and as a consequence, I especially love these paintings from this book: TWISTER (p. 46), OKLAHOMA IS O.K. (p. 52), AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN THE SHAPE OF ALABAMA (p. 54), JACKNIFE (p. 57), MISTY MORNING (p. 59), INTERMITTENT SHOWERS (p. 63), THUNDERHEAD (p. 66). Page 80 provides photos of four of Roger Brown's painted irons. About 15 years ago, I went to a second hand store and bought two chrome-plated irons, and then using enamel paints I created my own Roger Brown-style painted irons. To date, my library of books by the Chicago Imagists consists of: (1) Roger Brown (1980) by Mitchell Kahan. (2) Human Concern/Personal Torment by Robert Doty (I saw this exhibition on the U.C. Berkeley campus in the year 1970, when I was an undergrad). (3) Jim Nutt: Coming into Character by Lynne Warren. (4) The Chicago Imagists by Lynne Warren, Rosie Cooper, and Sarah McCrory (5) Roger Brown (1987) by Sidney Lawrence. (6) Roger Brown Southern Exposure (2007) by Sidney Lawrence. (7) Roger Brown A Different Dimension (2004) by Pascucci and Adrian. (8) Sources of Light Contemporary American Luminism (1985) by Harvey West. (9) Who Chicago? An Exhibition of Contemporary Imagists by Dennis Adrian, Russell Bowman, Roger Brown, James Falconer, Art Green. (10) Ed Paschke: Selected Works 1967 - 1981. (11) Robert Lostutter Show (2006) Indiana University. (12) Uncommon Accumulation (2020) by Mel Solomon. (13) Hairy Who & The Chicago Imagists (DVD) directed by Leslie Buchbinder (I recommend this DVD. You need to buy it. Has interviews with artists belonging to the Chicago Imagists, and interviews with art collectors and gallery curators.)

Manageable collection and viewer pleasing work in a plien air setting. I wish I had lunch here with radiant park views.

This is such a great museum to visit. There are various styles of art to look at, inside & out. There is even a section for children to learn about the different types & techniques of art along with several interactive stations. I highly recommend you visit this museum

Awesome free museum. I try to stop for a visit every time I am in Montgomery; A great collection here, without being too overwhelming. The staple pieces are always here--I personally gravitate towards the John Singer Sargent pieces. However, other galleries and installments are always being featured. I also enjoy and appreciate the telephone tour numbers. Use your cell phone to call a number, choose an option to learn more about the piece. Pretty cool. One really amazing feature of this museum is the stain glass windows and Art works, the museum created for children. The children will have a blast here in the interactive art playground areas--plenty of opportunities for learning and discovering. In addition, the outside areas are perfect for picnics, feeding the ducks, or taking a break to make art of your own. Don't miss out on this one!!

This place is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I have been coming here for over 20 years, and I am in awe each time. I try to come if there is a new exhibition, but I still love the permanent collections that are housed at the museum. The best part about the whole things is that it is FREE!!!!! who doesn't love free, nice things? Call me weird, but I am sucker for ArtWorks! It is for children 12 and under, and I haven't grown out of this place yet. It is just fun. I recently went with my nephew and younger cousin, and we had a blast. I felt like a six year old again ;) i had no shame putting on a puppet show with the young'uns. For the ones who love open spaces and picnics, there is a pond with ducks and fish, but the area surrounding this pond is so tranquil. Seriously, I have spent hours here reading a book and dodging ducks (who knew that they like Subway sandwiches). This is truly a Montgomery gem. Whether you are a tourist, visitor on business or vacation, or a Montgomery residence, you MUST come here. And yes, big kids (21 and over) would have a BLAST in ArtWorks.

I love MMFA and Blount cultural park. It's a wonderful place to bring the kids and family. They have a lovey children's section at the museum and classes and events all year round. Often they are free to the public as long as you register and get a spot. Great if you're a homeschool parent or group. The annual arts festival is also a great event to take your kids. I try to go to as many openings and events as I can, because my daughter really loves it here. The grounds are gorgeous during the spring and fall. Wonderful place for a picnic, not too close to the lake because of the duck and goose poop. But there's great grassy spots that have wonderful views of the water. Also if you're so inclined, the museum has a nice gift shop and restaurant. I've even had some of my work exhibited here for the MAG (Montgomery Art Guild). Lovely local museum!

It is free! This is a small museum with some cool exhibits. The park where it is locate is beautiful.

This museum is wonderful! Not only does it offer great art galleries, but there are also a plethora of engaging classes and events to choose from. The MMFA even hosts a festival in the spring! I grew up taking art classes here and it was such a wonderful environment. As I got older, I have been able to volunteer with young girls who attended Camp Sunshine and assist with their art projects. The location is also beautiful. The museum overlooks a pond, which has plenty of ducks that you can feed. I remember taking my prom pictures here and they came out so pretty with the water in the background and the sun setting! If you are in or visiting Montgomery, this would be a relaxing and enriching place to stop by.

My husband stumbled upon this place searching for something to do during my visit. We were met by one of the nicest attendants at the front desk of museum that I have ever met. She was sweet and informative. The art exhibits are free and apparently are changed out fairly regularly. I enjoyed the glass exhibit and paintings downstairs. The tour is self guided so make sure you are thorough in touring the downstairs. My favorite room had gorgeous, huge hand painted windows (pictured with my review). There is a very charming, fun looking children's area and we passed a room where an art class was taking place. I noticed that occasionally they offer jazz nights for free. If we were in town longer I think they would have been worth checking out as well. A small museum, but not short on charm.

One of my favorite places to visit in MGM. Great for kids and adults! I never seem to have enough time to spend here. My family enjoys the children's area and the outside sculptures the most!

I love coming here; it's very serene and beautiful. It's a great way to escape the office and chill in the middle of an insane day. Get on the mailing list to get updates on the changing galleries that will be on display. This is a nice slice of culture in the Gump.

Many things to look at very good place to go. Bring your kids there is an area just for them!

I was skeptical about this museum, but I had two hours until I had to leave Montgomery, and nothing else to see. I was so impressed. There were some surprisingly prestigious exhibits (Rodin and 18th Century portraits) as well as quirky and thought provoking Southern art from the delta/gulf regions. Also, it is huge. I easily spent my full two hours here, and I was moving pretty quickly. They have such diverse exhibits, that you get everything from impressionism to glass works. It's also free. There is a kids section with interactive art. This has got to be the best curated local museum that I've ever visited.

This place was amazing, and free to boot! Great place to go on a hot Alabama summer day... The artwork was fabulous, the kids section was pretty darn awesome, and the outdoor area was beautiful. And like I said, FREE, but they do take donations. Would love to go there again sometime!

One of the best spots in Montgomery to admire art and culture, exhibits circulate and a lot of local artists are displayed here too. Wonderful place to learn, be visually stimulated, or enjoy nature by strolling the park grounds and feeding some ducks

It is free to enter this museum!! The art is amazing and beautiful. My favorite painting was the large orange fish jumping back into the water. There are so many pieces that are very unique none like I have every seen before. I will certainly return.

I love to visit this spot to unwind with friends.. or take my kids to see the new exhibits. I once went on a blind date at this location.. and even though the date was awkward (he was not that attractive), the peace and quiet of the museum create a beautiful atmosphere..especially the duck pond outside of the museum. I would definitely recommend this as a stopping spot for tourist

Great place to go if you love art. Love the new additions made to the building, including the stained glass windows and weekly exhibits they feature. Great for art lovers wanting to go some place quiet or even great for an ideal date! You'll enjoy it either way.

What a cultural gem in Montgomery! Museum stacks up to exhibits in much larger cities. Nice quiet place

On my list to do. I have heard great thing. 2 weekends of summer left to make that happen.