Birmingham’s Crown Jewel: The Vulcan Observation Tower Reopens
Birmingham’s ultimate sightseeing spot, the observatory tower at the Vulcan statue, reopened to the public after a nine-month hiatus for weatherproofing and repairs. Since June 5, 2023, while the public could still visit Vulcan Park and its museum, the iconic tower access was restricted, leaving the most stunning city views off the menu.
Return of the Best View of the Magic City
This long-awaited return happened on Friday, March 15. Now, visitors can once again enjoy the breathtaking city views from the observation tower that is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Although a block party originally planned to celebrate the reopening at Vulcan Park was postponed due to the weather, the excitement in the city cannot be dampened.
“We know the community has missed going up to the top of the tower and taking in our beautiful city, so we wanted to celebrate in a big way,” said Amanda Hare, director of marketing and public relations for Vulcan Park & Museum.
She further elaborated on future events planned at the observation point, including fitness classes, painting classes, and beverage tastings, aiming to make the most out of the panoramic views of the city.
The Continuing Legacy of The Vulcan
A tribute to Birmingham’s iron and steel industry heritage, the Vulcan statue depicts the Roman god of fire and forge. Since its creation for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, the Vulcan statue has undergone several renovation and restoration efforts.
In its long history, the Vulcan was initially located at the Alabama Fairgrounds from 1906 to 1936, before being moved to its current location atop Red Mountain. Beyond its location, the statue has seen several changes, including a neon torch added in its right hand in 1946 that would change from green to red following traffic fatalities, highlighting road safety.
Vulcan Park, when open for a full year, attracts over 160,000 visitors, making it a popular tourist draw, only trailing the Birmingham Zoo and the McWane Center.
Restoration to Maintain History
The latest restoration, which began in June last year, involved cleaning the sandstone pedestal and adding a waterproofing sealant to reduce water infiltration, protecting the inner staircase and preserved marble landing.
“The amount of water seeping into the porous sandstone and mortar of the pedestal turned out to be more than anyone expected,” Hare said earlier this year, underlining the need for maintenance of the century-old ironwork.
This reopening marks a significant milestone in preserving Birmingham’s historical and cultural heritage while providing unparalleled views of the city that are loved by locals and tourists alike.
