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Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

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is the oldest and largest public garden in Palm Beach County, Florida.1 It serves as a beautiful 20-acre tropical oasis dedicated to educating and inspiring visitors about nature and the diversity of tropical and subtropical plant life.2

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the garden, its collections, and visitor information:

 

Overview and Mission

 

  • Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, located directly across from the Palm Beach International Airport.3

     

  • Size: The garden spans approximately 20 acres (8.1 hectares).4

     

  • Collections: It features an acclaimed collection of over 7,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants from six continents.5

     

  • Mission: To inspire and educate through nature, serving as a "teaching and learning garden" with a focus on plants that can be successfully grown in Florida home gardens.6

     

  • Partnership: It operates as part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida / IFAS, and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden, Inc.7

     

 

Notable Display Gardens (25 Unique Areas)

 

Mounts is organized into many distinct thematic gardens, each showcasing a different environment or plant collection:8

 

The Heart of Birmingham's Culture and History

 

Located in the magnificent Council House, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a cultural landmark and a must-visit for anyone interested in art and history. It's often hailed as one of the finest civic collections outside of London.

  • Key Highlights:

    • The World's Largest Pre-Raphaelite Collection: View breathtaking works by artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, and John Everett Millais.

    • The Staffordshire Hoard: See a selection from the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork ever found, a national treasure dating back to the 7th century.

    • Birmingham History Galleries: Trace the story of the city from its early origins to its crucial role as a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution.

    • Iconic Architecture: The museum itself is a Grade II* listed building, with its main entrance beneath the famous clock tower known locally as "Big Brum."

Perfect For: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a deep dive into the city's heritage. Good to Know: General admission to the museum is typically free.

  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

Art and Educational Exhibits

 

Mounts is a venue for both permanent and rotating art and educational exhibits that complement its botanical collections:9

 

  • Moai at Mounts Botanical (Ongoing): A permanent installation of three imposing, life-size replicas of the iconic monolithic human figures from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), located within the Tropical Forest Garden.10

     

  • Temporary Exhibits: The garden frequently hosts large, temporary art installations, such as the whimsical "Ribbit the Exhibit," featuring larger-than-life frog sculptures.11

     

  • Stickwork Structure: Environmental artist Patrick Dougherty's massive structure made of twisted branches, often used as a feature on the Great Lawn.12

     

  • Educational Programming: The garden offers a wide array of public programs, classes, workshops, and guided tours focusing on horticulture, art, culture, and health and wellness for both adults and children.13

     

 

Visitor Information

 

  • Address: 531 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.14

     

  • Hours: Generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3:00 pm).15 Closed on Mondays and major Palm Beach County holidays.16 (It is always best to check the official website for current hours and special closures).

     

  • Admission: There is a fee for non-members, with discounts for seniors, students, and military.17 Children under a certain age are free.18

     

    • Note: Admission is FREE for Mounts members and members of the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Program (RAP).19

       

    • Local Resident Perk: Admission is often free for Palm Beach County residents on the first Wednesday of every month (must show proof of residency).20

       

  • Accessibility: Garden walkways are paved, providing easy access.21

     

  • Payments: The Welcome Center and Gift Shop are generally credit/debit card only (no cash or checks accepted for admission).22

     

  • Pets: The garden hosts special Dogs' Days in the Garden (usually the second Sunday of the month) when dogs are permitted for a small fee, but typically not on other days