Nestled within the heart of Avondale, Elysian Gardens stands as a testament to the power of artistic vision and community engagement. This whimsical sculpture park is a place where art and nature converge, offering visitors a unique experience that blends the world of sculpture with the charm of a bar and event space.
William Coburn Jr., the owner of Iron Age Studio, was deeply influenced by his childhood spent in Birmingham and nurtured by a family rooted in engineering and artistry. These formative experiences provided Coburn with the perfect blend of skills needed to bring his vision to life. Drawing inspiration from nature, flowers and sketches, he creates unique and stunning metal sculptures.
Ironically, the idea of the gardens came from Jimmy Buffet. That’s right, Coburn used to live in Fairhope next to the Margaritaville king himself. Lucy and Jimmy Buffet inspired him to create an entertainment area with a mix of his own art and live music. Later in 2014, he saw the growth of Birmingham and decided to begin his new endeavor back in the city he grew up in.
Inside the garden:
The path from concept to concrete was not without its challenges. Navigating the complex world of permits, zoning regulations and approvals proved to be a tough task. But Coburn’s determination and persistence led him to forge alliances with organizations like REV Birmingham, who provided crucial guidance and support during the process. In fact, Elysian Gardens won the 2019 Big Pitch. With the earnings, he was able to buy two shipping containers (the first in BHM) to help start up the business.
Today, Elysian Gardens is more than just a sculpture park; it is a dynamic space that hosts art shows, community events, concerts, and more. It has become a place where local artists, musicians, chefs, and creators from diverse fields can come together and showcase their talents. You can even support local eateries like Kuntry Cooking or A&D’S Wings and Things. Coburn envisions Elysian Gardens as a model for a new kind of community space – one that nurtures creativity, supports local talent, and serves as a gathering place for people from all walks of life.
Elysian Gardens is open 6 days a week and hosts a variety of different performers every night! Check out their Instagram below for concert updates.
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