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Great Escape: Enrich Your Mind at Area Exhibits

Get away from the hectic pace of the day to day by taking a step into the weird world of Dr. Seuss or visit a historical museum in Birmingham.

At the intersection of Southfield and Maple roads sits a Birmingham gem that may just be the perfect escape for those days when you have an hour or two to kill before picking up the carpool kids.

The Birmingham Historical Museum & Park is open from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and charges nonmembers a mere $2 for entry ($1 for seniors and members).

The museum features the John West Hunter House, the oldest structure in the community and one of the oldest framed structures in the state. Built in 1822, the house has been restored to a typical 1840s floor plan and is decorated to reflect Birmingham life in the mid 1800s.

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A short walkway from the Hunter House is the Allen House built in 1928. This structure houses the majority of exhibits that make their way to the museum, including the permanent 1920s Kitchen exhibit. Among the current exhibits holding court in the Allen House is featuring a collection of cameras and photography spanning five decades.

“In planning our exhibits, we look at trends,” said Leslie Pielack, director of the Birmingham Historical Museum and Park. “We look at what people are talking about and questions they’re asking. Ultimately, we try to capture what’s of interest to our residents. We have a very small budget, so we try to get the biggest bang for our buck.”

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More information on the museum, current and upcoming exhibits and events taking place can be found on the museum’s website and Facebook page.

Art Leaders Gallery offers a look into Dr. Seuss

For the last 15 years, Art Leaders Gallery, located at the corner of 14 Mile Road and Northwestern Highway, has carried pieces associated with Dr. Seuss’ well-known characters and many of the author’s “Secret Art” pieces never seen by the public until his death in 1991.

“Not many people knew Seuss made art aside from illustrations,” said Bonnie Mansour owner of Art Leaders. "He was incredibly prolific; creating paintings, working with bronze, and sculpting imaginary taxidermy animals."

In business for more than 20 years, Art Leaders is always sure to celebrate the birthday of Seuss, born Theodor Seuss Geisel in 1904, every March. “There’s a fabulous turnout every year. We dedicate more time to Seuss’ work than to any other artist,” director Kelley Knoll said.  Usually featuring 20-30 pieces by Seuss, Art Leaders increases its display to a whopping 60 pieces for the March celebration.

Art Leaders is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

– Jeremy Mills contributed to this report.

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