I only learned about this place a couple of years ago when I was considering a trip to Birmingham…read more It showed up on a 'things to do' list. I read a bit more about it and decided that it might be worthwhile if we had time in the area. We finally ended up with a reason to visit Birmingham, and this seemed to fit nicely into the afternoon drive there. The museum and the surrounding racing complex is located just off I-20. You exit near the town of Leeds and then drive maybe 2 - 3 miles (much of which is a dedicated road that just leads to the entrance). The property is huge. When we visited, once you pass through their gates, they had a guy waiting in a truck to direct you. He was friendly. I got the vibe that they didn't want randos driving further into the actual racing area, as it was in use for some private event. So we turned into the museum parking lot. There are some sculptures outside the entrance. Then you go in and pay the ~ $22 entry fee. The building is huge. It is open around a central atrium, with floors on opposite sides staggered at 'half floor' levels. They advise you to take the elevator to the top (5th) floor and work your way down. We did so. The elevator itself is large enough for cars, which is probably how they shift exhibits around. The top 2 - 3 floors are exclusively motorcycles. I'm not by any means a 'biker' but I still found the displays interesting. They are generally grouped in like clusters, either by brand or vintage or function. We paused to read some plaques, but not a majority. If you read everything, you'd likely be here all day (which might be fine for you). We stopped to take photos and appreciate bikes that were of particular interest (and there were a lot). After completing one floor, you descend on a curved ramp down to the next floor below but on the opposite side of the building. They have areas dedicated to different types of motorcycle racing (track vs. drag), an area about vintage / old bikes (from 100+ years ago). Then you start seeing some racing cars integrated in, and by the bottom floor, it is pretty much all cars. The cars are also interesting (I especially liked a 1960 Corvette and a 1966 VW Beetle, for personal reasons). Most of the cars were for racing and had sleek / interesting designs. The back wall of the museum faces part of their private race track. You may occasionally see / hear cars going by. You can exit and walk across a bridge over the track to a wooded area beyond (in the interior of the track). There was a further bridge / platform where you could see more of the track, but we didn't go up there. I also liked the design of the building and the displays. Some seats are designed to look like tires. A display of dirt bike racing had simulated churned up dirt made of concrete to evoke the racing conditions. The whole place was well laid out and masterfully architected. I checked later and my step count for just walking through the museum and the adjoining grounds was about 6000. I think most people, regardless of their attachment to racing, motorcycles, or cars, would likely find this place quite interesting.

OK, you're not into motorcycles, I get it. However if you will just give this place a try you will…read morebe amazed. First, it is nestled is a stunningly landscaped motor sports park. At the back of the museum is a pedestrian bridge that lets you see the cars or motorcyckes on the track on most days and enjoy the botanical gardenlike path in the winding road track infield. Back inside the museum is the world's largest motorcycle collection, largest Lotus race car collection, an interpretive theater, and a look into the advanced design center. Quickly you will see the motorcycles as a form of art. There are antiques and the newest cutting edge machines near each other and the workmanship and design features will amaze you. The staff is very friendly and can answer most questions or find you an answer. It also is full of other things like a huge HP 3D printer, a Bentley that the Beatles drove around in, and a collectiion of outboard boat motors. This museum is known around the World probably as much or more that it is locally. People come in from other states or countries daily. Yeah, it is motorcycles but check it out and you will be surpised.