An Outer Space Exploration

Discover More in The Rocket City

Home to the world’s largest space museum, “Rocket City” has much for visitors to explore. Featuring breathtaking outdoor vistas, fun-filled attractions, and vibrant art & entertainment districts, Huntsville, Alabama, has something for everyone.

1-800-Space-4-U | huntsville.org

TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART ROANOKE, VIRGINIA

The architecture of the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia, mimics naturalistic elements of the region. The large silver structure, which opened in 2008, has a 77-foot glass peak in its atrium that resembles the point of the Roanoke Star, a 100-foot-high illuminated steel and concrete structure on top of Mill Mountain, as well as an undulating roofline that reflects the Blue Ridge Mountains. The third-floor balcony emulates a natural bridge and offers unobstructed views of downtown Roanoke and the nearby rolling hills. Designed by architect Randall Stout, who studied under Frank Gehry, the art museum’s architecture is reminiscent of one of Gehry’s famous designs.

The museum, which was incorporated in 1951, will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026. It has been in its new building since 2008.

When visitors walk into the atrium, they will see a beautiful installation by E.V. Day called “Divas Ascending.” These sculptures repurpose costumes from the New York City Opera to transform icons of women’s empowerment and entrapment into artistic expression. The second floor focuses on 19th and 20th century American art, including works by Thomas Eakins, Norman Rockwell, John Singer Sargent and a Judith Leiber handbag collection. There are rotating exhibitions throughout the year and admission is always free.

Groups can book a tour of the museum even on days when the museum is closed. The tours last one hour, taking groups through all the galleries, pointing out the highlights and sharing stories about the works.

taubmanmuseum.org