1904
The Carnegie Library was originally constructed in 1904 with funding from the Carnegie Foundation. It is one of the few remaining original Carnegie Library buildings in the nation. It functioned as Decatur’s library until the mid-1970’s when Wheeler Basin Regional Library was erected. This historic building is now home to the community’s first art museum, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, which opened in 2003. The center is a cultural, educational, and community service organization providing an environment to promote learning, creativity, and appreciation of the visual arts. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center strives to preserve the historic landmark and pledges its use as a multi-purpose resource for all the citizens of Decatur, Morgan County, and North Alabama. Art 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 and end at the Carnegie on December 10th from 4 pm to 8 pm. Carriage ride tickets are sold separately. Whether viewing art exhibits, waiting for a carriage ride, or simply enjoying the architecture of the building, Carnegie visitors will be entertained with Christmas carols performed by costumed Bank Street Players and Dream Weavers. While taking in the attractions at the Carnegie, visitors will also be in for a very special guest who is making a brief stop in Decatur from the North Pole – Santa Claus!
