Building History

In 1981, legendary Crimson Tide football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant suggested the establishment of a museum to honor the players and coaches who forged the greatest tradition in college football.  In 1988 the Paul W. Bryant Museum opened its doors to the public.  Today, the museum exhibits artifacts and memorabilia that trace the long history of University of Alabama football.  State-of-the-art displays are enhanced by videos highlighting the great players while a special video production narrated by Keith Jackson chronicles the career of the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

The Paul W. Bryant Museum Research Library is available to the public with books, programs, media guides, articles, photographs, audiotapes and films on a variety of sports.  The library is continuously adding books and other reference material to the library to aid researchers in their efforts.

In 2019 the museum was renovated.  Finishes and venues were upgraded.  As visitors enter the room where artifacts are located, they are greeted by a cast bronze image of Coach Bryant.  A graphic feature wall is located directly beyond the sculpture that draws patrons through the venues that highlight the players and history of Alabama football.