Discover Cultural Delights in Montgomery: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery Ballet, and More

Montgomery is making a name for itself as one of the cultural capitals of the South. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination with much to offer in the field of arts and culture. Headlined by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, one of the top Shakespeare festivals in the country, Montgomery presents a wide variety of high-quality cultural opportunities.

 “The wealth of cultural pursuits in our city continues to grow,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “From professional theatrical productions to world-class art collections and an accomplished local symphony, to an adventurous art collective, there is always something to do for those seeking arts and culture. Visitors who come to Montgomery for the Civil Rights monuments and museums are often delighted by our world-class cultural institutions.”

  • Alabama Shakespeare Festival, a fully professional regional theatre that produces around ten productions each season. Although productions of Shakespeare are at the artistic core of the company, the company also produces Broadway musicals, children’s productions, American classics and world premieres among their annual offerings. For more information, go to https://asf.net/
  • Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, featuring several world-class art collections, the permanent collection of this museum includes 19th and 20th-century American paintings and sculpture, Southern regional art, Old Master prints, and decorative art including works by Hopper, Wyeth, and Dürer. For more information, go to http://mmfa.org/
  • Montgomery Ballet, the only professional ballet company in Montgomery, and one of only three in the state of Alabama, the Montgomery Ballet provides a full season of moving ballet performances. Yearly performances of The Nutcrackerare complimented by other crowd favorites. The Montgomery Ballet School offers a full course of classical ballet education, along with classes in jazz, modern, tap and hip-hop.
  • Museum of Alabama, Interactive exhibits highlight this downtown museum which showcases the history of Alabama, from prehistoric times to the present day. The Museum is located at the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), the nation’s oldest state-funded, independent archival and historical agency. For more information, go to http://www.museum.alabama.gov/
  • Alabama Dance Theatre,an award-winning regional ballet company with an eclectic repertoire that includes 19thcentury classics as well as new modern and contemporary works. In addition to its public performances, Alabama Dance Theatre hosts a number of educational activities in the community which serve to enhance the cultural life of Montgomery.  For more information, go to http://www.alabamadancetheatre.com/
  • Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, for over 40 years, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra has played a key role in Montgomery’s artistic community. Performing the great orchestral works, the orchestra has a full calendar of shows geared towards both classical music fans and families looking for a fun evening out. The Broadway Under the Stars Pops Concert is a yearly favorite. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerysymphony.org
  • Foreword South, Foreword South uses an original storytelling system to showcase the Southern identity. Seeking to be inclusive they aim to increase the visibility of Southern visionaries, activists, designers, artists, and change-makers. Foreword South engages consumers on all levels, from social media, long-form narratives, to live events that showcase the diversity of the region. For more information, go to https://www.theforewordsouth.com/
  • 21 Dreams Arts & Culture Collective, provides one of the key resources for artists and art enthusiasts in Montgomery. The collective influences the growth and the value of the arts in Montgomery through public engagement and creative programming ensuring accessibility for all. Each year during National Arts and Humanities Month, the group hosts “Flight of Arts”, a four-day weekend festival of workshops and exhibitions for digital, visual, performing, literary, and culinary arts held in venues around downtown Montgomery. For more information, go to http://21dreamsmgm.org/
  • The Cloverdale Playhouse, a community-based, volunteer-driven performing arts center in Montgomery, Alabama. The Playhouse is dedicated to presenting entertaining, challenging, and innovative theatrical productions, as well as special performances, music series, and educational programs. For more information, go to http://www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

About Montgomery

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historic events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).