CARNEGIE VISUAL ARTS CENTER

207 Church Street NE

1904

The Carnegie Library building was originally constructed in 1904 with funding from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. It is one of the few remaining original Carnegie Library buildings in the nation. It functioned as Decatur’s library until the middle 1970s when Wheeler Basin Regional Library was erected. Since 2003, this historic building has been home to the community’s first art museum, referred to as The Carnegie Visual Arts Center. The center is a cultural, educational, and community service organization providing an environment of learning, creativity, and the appreciation of the visual arts. The Carnegie strives to preserve the historic landmark and pledges its use as a multi-purpose resource for the people of Decatur, Morgan County, and North Alabama. Art exhibits and the historic significance of the building make the Carnegie a destination for tourists as well as local citizens. Weather permitting, carriage rides will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. at The Carnegie on December 9th. Carriage ride tickets will be sold separately from tour of homes tickets. Also, Santa Claus will be making an appearance. Whether viewing art exhibits, visiting with Santa, waiting for a carriage ride, or simply enjoying the architecture of the building, Carnegie visitors will be dazzled by the historic charm of this building.