Sitting on top of Red Mountain, the Vulcan watches over Birmingham, Alabama, an ancient god protecting a modern city.
Post Contents
Vulcan, God of the Forge
In ancient Rome, Vulcan was the god of the forge. He was born to Jupiter and Juno but was thrown from Mount Olympus because he was not beautiful like the other gods and goddesses. He landed on the island of Lemnos where he worked as a blacksmith with a volcano for his forge and Cyclopes for his helpers, making weapons and armor for the gods who rejected him.
The Magic City at the World’s Fair
Birmingham, Alabama was founded in 1871 on land that contains coal, iron ore, and limestone, all of which are used to make iron and steel. The Magic City was forged from these and industry grew quickly.
Birmingham and the state of Alabama chose the Vulcan statue to represent the city at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and enlisted the sculptor Giuseppe Moretti to create him. The Vulcan statue became the world’s largest cast-iron statue, made of 100,000 pounds of iron and standing at 56 feet tall. The statue was popular and won the fair’s Grand Prize in the mineral department and also brought home medals for the sculptor and foundry.
After the fair, the Vulcan statue made his home at the Alabama State Fairgrounds in Birmingham for 30 years before moving to his permanent home atop Red Mountain. Construction for the new Vulcan Park began in 1936 and completed with a dedication celebration in 1939.
The observation deck was added for the city’s 100th birthday in 1971. By 1999, time and weather had taken their toll on the Vulcan. The city was able to raise money for reparations, and by 2003 they restored the Vulcan to his original glory.
Vulcan Park and Museum in Birmingham, Alabama
The Vulcan statue remains a popular attraction, just was it was during the World’s Fair. The public park in which the statue stands also houses an interactive history museum that explores the Vulcan and Birmingham’s histories.
The park is free to access. The park grounds are open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
You must purchase admission to the Vulcan Park and Museum observation deck that surrounds the Vulcan’s feet. This is where you’ll get the best views of downtown Birmingham. The observation tower is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The museum in the Vulcan Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. And the gift shop, the Anvil, is open daily from from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission for the museum and observation deck during the day (until 6 p.m.) costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and military, $4 for children aged 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. Admission for the observation deck during the evening (after 6 p.m.) costs $5 for adults, $4 for children aged 5-12, and free for children 4 and under.
Where to Stay in Birmingham, Alabama
- Top Hotel: Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Great Value: Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Grandview
- Unique Stay: The Rail Yard Loft on Morris
Explore More Alabama Cities
After your visit to the Magic City, plan a trip to Alabama’s other great cities! Check out these itineraries below:
- Take a Free Mural Tour of Huntsville, Alabama
- The Best Things to Do in Florence, Alabama
- 6 Things to Do in Montgomery, Alabama
- Visiting Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama
Ready to visit Birmingham, Alabama? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find accommodation: You can find top hotels in Birmingham using Hotels.com.
- Get packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you visited the Vulcan statue in Birmingham, Alabama? Let me know in the comments!
