Arts and Culture

Alabama is a creative cultural powerhouse that is unrivaled. Art is not just another attraction here, it is a part of the heart and soul of Sweet Home Alabama. Film festivals, art museums and sites dedicated to the state’s most famous artists celebrate distinctive artistic styles that can be found nowhere else. Be transformed into another world through a theater performance or find your new favorite artist through a gallery tour. No matter what your interests may be, Alabama’s culture and arts scene has something for everyone.

Alabama’s Impact on Music Begins in the Quad-cities.

Visitors to Alabama can explore the history of the state by taking road trips through the backroads to tour the small towns filled with local restaurants, shops and attractions. This time of the year is a great time to travel to areas that have greatly impacted the history of the state or even the country.  One area that is rich in music history is the Quad-cities in the Northwest corner of the state:  Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. Legend has it that the largest spiritual influence in the area is the Tennessee River, which locals call the “Singing River,” and that is why the area is rich in musical talent. 

Many musicians found their way to the area during rock-n-roll's golden era to record some of the age’s transcending music.  This music not only solidified its rightful place in shaping the history of a generation, but it also is still relevant to the music industry.  The Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin are among the many well-known musicians who wanted to record with the “Muscle Shoals sound” as back-up. The “Swampers” are the Quad-city’s session musicians who backed up these famous recording artists and who were in high demand.  The area also is the birthplace of the Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy. His life and contributions to the music industry are celebrated every summer during a music festival named in his honor. 

When traveling to the area, visitors...

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Featured Locations & Events

Whether it's watching a performance at the local theater or walking through a museum, Alabama has some of the greatest arts experiences waiting for you.

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Expression & Culture

Explore these attractions and more when you visit our arts destinations.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

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Virginia Samford Theatre

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Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment

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Mobile Museum of Art

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Orbix Hot Glass

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Gees Bend Quilters Collective

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Find an Alabama Arts Experience

Explore arts locations you should visit the next time you're here.
Guides Tours Or Rides
Birmingham area
Birmingham, AL
Not provided
Historic Site
2501 Phoenix Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Alabama Firefighter Memorial on the campus of the Alabama Fire College
Art Gallery
1 Depot Square
Greenville, AL 36037
The Blackbelt Treasures Preview Gallery located inside the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce office gives visitors an opportunity to purchase some of the most beautiful works of art by some of the most talented artisans from around Alabama and the Blackbelt Region.
Historic Site
700 Court Square
Greenville, AL 36037
Constructed in 1903, the present structure was the fourth courthouse built on the site, following Greenville's selection as the county seat in December 1821.
Indoor Recreation Site
2620 Clinton Avenue West
Huntsville, AL 35805