Sloss Furnaces: A Bright Future Takes Shape
November 3, 2026
On November 3, 1981, Sloss Furnaces reached an important milestone in plans to illuminate its historic exterior when bids were received for Phase 1 of the lighting project. The work was expected to remain within budget and be completed by March 1982.
Decades later, the project continued to expand. Phase 2, which began before the 2022 World Games, introduced lighting across the historic furnace and museum complex. Phase 3 brought significant upgrades, and Phase 4, completed in 2026, added 133 lights beneath the First Avenue North viaduct. Altogether, the completed project features 344 custom-made light panels, each containing multiple individual LED lights. The nearly $800,000 project was made possible through contributions from the City of Birmingham for Phase 1, Cathy and Paul Jones for Phases 2 and 3, and a corporate donor for Phase 4.
The completed lighting gives Sloss Furnaces a commanding presence after dark, highlighting its towering structures, weathered metalwork, and distinctive industrial character. For those traveling through Birmingham at night, the illuminated furnaces stand against the skyline as a striking tribute to the city’s industrial heritage.
Sloss Furnaces is also open as a museum during regular business hours, inviting visitors to explore its historic grounds and learn more about Birmingham’s industrial past. Whether experienced beneath the evening lights or visited during the day, Sloss Furnaces offers a distinctive connection to the city’s history, one well worth discovering.
