Collections

What is Vulcan’s Museum Collection?

1. Where to start?

Since Vulcan’s restoration in the early 2000’s the Collection has been small. With the new acquisition of a collection from the Birmingham History Center the Collection has expanded to over 14,000 items. Within this number Vulcan has accumulated a variety of items which a few are on display in few notable locations. These places include Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, The Alabama Theatre, The Tutwiler Hotel, and Mountain Brook City Hall. Beside these locations and the Museum, the remaining items are stored for future generations and opportunities.

2. What is the procedure for donations or loans to the museum?

While Vulcan Park and Museum would love to collect and collaborate as much as possible with everyone on any inquiry that they may have. The first step would be to fill out the form below or send our Collection Manager an email at cbaxley@visitvulcan.com. Keep in mind this does not guarantee that your item will be accepted into the Collection. From here the item will go into careful consideration by our Collection Staff to determine the best outcome for your inquiry. Vulcan Park and Museum cannot guarantee that your item will be put on display. Vulcan Park and Museum does not consider any unsolicited offers.

3. I or a family member has donated and object to Vulcan or the Birmingham History Center. Is it available for viewing?

To better accommodate you and your request please reach out to our Collections Manager at cbaxley@visitvulcan.com.

4. What is the ‘Small Case’ series?

‘Small Cases’ are rotating cases highlighting a selection of artifacts from Vulcan Park & Museum’s collection. Rotating on a bi-monthly basis, the\ two cases are located outside The Anvil in Vulcan Center and in our museum in the ‘Birmingham Today’ exhibit.

5. I’m a college student or an affiliate with a Historical Society could I view or use an item for research purposes?

The Collection is not available for the public’s viewing unless authorized by Collections Manager therefore please contact cbaxley@visitvulcan.com.

For any other questions referring to the collection, a loan, or a donation please contact our Collections Manager at cbaxley@visitvulcan.com.

Linn-Henley Gallery

Vulcan is 120! Birmingham’s icon has had quite a life, starting with promoting the city to the world in 1904, and keeping an eye on us all from his tower since the 1930s. Although he is currently in pristine health and well cared for, that cannot be said for all of Vulcan’s existence. The iron man was close to being scrapped before Vulcan Park Foundation stepped up to raise funds and save our beloved icon.  

Vulcan at 120: Celebrating Birmingham’s Iconic Iron Man tells the story of Vulcan’s auspicious beginnings representing the city and state at the 1904 World’s Fair, his decline in the 1990s, and how the community rallied to repair and restore not only the beloved statue, but his park, too. Featuring rarely seen photos and memorabilia from the Vulcan Park Foundation Collection, this exhibit reminds us all how powerful and important symbols can be, and why it’s important to preserve our past.