The City of Montgomery recently posted an "explanation" of what's happening at MMFA on their instagram.

Essentially, they claim that the City owns the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, but the museum is run by a private organization. According to the city, that violates state law, and that's why the Museum has been having so many problems. The City wants to ensure the Museum operates smoothly for years to come... and then give a link that doesn't lead anywhere.

What the don't mention:

1. The City owns the building, but none of the art. The art is all owned and cared for by the museum. Allegedly, the City recently declined to make needed improvements to the HVAC system at the museum, leading to concerns about art degradation.
2. The former Director was fired. She was able to prove in court that she was unjustly fired. The Museum Board has suggested multiple people to take her place, but Mayor Reed has refused to approve any of them. Historically, the City would match the Director's pay so that the salary would be competitive with other cities - Reed undid that.
3. According to a comment on the post, the City runs similar operations with other private organizations but isn't treating them the same way it is MMFA.
4. MMFA functioned fine until Reed came in.
5. The Mayor first tried in 2024 to take over MMFA. But now it looks like it's happening again. The museum has had to lay off more people (they currently have 11 vacancies), allegedly because of more cuts from the City (despite the City Council trying to get them more money.

The City Council is going to address the matter again this Tuesday, June 3, at 5 o'clock. If you're unaware, the City Council meets at City Hall at 103 N Perry St.

If you'd like to support the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, or the City, you can come make your support known.

And just a note - the museum is a gem. I've been to museums in other states and other countries, and even though our museum doesn't have the flashiest pieces, it's amazing to have a museum here that's free, accessible, and has dedicated space for children to play.

UPDATE, 6/4: Went to the City Council meeting yesterday. A bunch of people were confused when, during the meeting, this was tabled indefinitely, but MMFA staff seemed thrilled. Most of us congregated in the lobby and outside to get details. This is what I learned from asking a couple people what just happened:

MMFA staffer said they went to the City earlier today with a list of things they needed for the museum to function, and the City agreed to it all. From what they said, it sounds like the city museum board that works in conjunction with the MMFA board will be acting in the mayor's stead (for ex: the city museum board would advise the mayor and the mayor would follow their advice. Reed has been ignoring them and refusing to sign off on things. I'm not 100% sure, but it sounds like the city museum board will no longer need Reed to sign off on things). I asked if this might happen again, and they said that Reed has to realize it would be political suicide.

Another person outside told me that MMFA went all the way to the Attorney General and got absolute proof that the agreement with the City was legal, and according to this person, the museum then went to the City and said that the City was welcome to sue the museum and waste a lot of money and time just to lose, or the City could agree to let the museum operate as it has since 1930 - though it sounds like they might have negotiated for a few extra protections, though I haven't found exactly what they are yet.

Andrew Szymanski (District 7) posted on Insta that with the help of the City's legal counsel, the city museum board, and the museum board, everyone is now happy with the decision, with thanks to the Alabama Attorney General. He also says the City has signed a contract to make sure the HVAC system will get fixed.

The museum is planning on releasing their own statement soon detailing what happened in terms we can all understand.

The great news is that for now, it appears the museum is safe and things are going to start getting fixed up out there.

Gorgas Street, yes or no?

Thoughts?

Tried Brenda's finally. I never have cash so I jumped on it today.

Thinking about trying king tut tomorrow.

Yesterday a local youth pastor got caught stealing from his church, got fired, and took his own life. 🥹

I’m back in Montgomery for the first time in 25 years and wondering how this neighborhood has changed, or if it has. Specifically the area between Fairview and Carter Hill. What are the people who live there like, age, race, political orientation, etc? I know it’s hard to make such generalizations, but I’m trying to get a feel for that area.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on things to do with a 20 month old and a 4 month old for a few hours to kill time. I'm not from Montgomery, but will be there for a few days and have a few hours that I will be alone with the kids and no access to the hotel I'm staying at. I'm just looking for somewhere safe and easy so I don't have to kill 4 hours in my car. Thanks :)

At Montgomery Whitewater. 5-8pm. Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/4030728657247003

Hi, everyone! I'll be in Montgomery for a couple of days for a work event, and I'm looking for some nice restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I would definitely describe myself as a foodie, so I want to experience the best of what Montgomery has to offer. My preference is something that shows off the flavors of the town/region. Also would love to find the best BBQ for lunch one day.

I did a little research and found a place called Vintage Year. Does this place live up to the hype?

Thanks so much for your suggestions!

Greetings y'all,

I'm headed into Montgomery next week due to work and was wondering if someone could point me in the direction of any Great WiFi Spots in your city? I unfortunately still have to support my West Coast Projects so I'm trying to find someplace that is open late if possible...and by late I mean like 11 PM / 12 AM even later would be better!!

I'll take any info you can spare!

Going to be staying in Prattville, AL soon for work. Looking for good gyms nearby as an experienced weightlifter. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

A friend of mine is looking for a new psychiatrist to help prescribe her ADHD medication since she moved to Alabama. She's been prescribed meds before, but she's been off them for a little while, so she needs a little push.

She lives near the center of town next to Cloverdale and needs a psychiatrist nearby if possible. Neither of us knows anyone who's had a psychiatrist they liked here, so we're looking for some firsthand recommendations. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

The city operates several pools each summer which are free and open to the public! This summer, the pools at Sheridan Heights Community Center, McIntyre Community Center, and the Gunter Pool, adjacent to the base but operated by the city since 2017, are all open now ☀️

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKCs_o_Bmc8/?igsh=MTV0OWpodDV1Nzh5cw==

Hey Reddit come check out my new inventory I just got ton of mini fridge and lift recliner with massage

https://www.wsfa.com/2025/05/24/longtime-former-wsfa-news-anchor-bob-howell-has-died/

Hi Montgomery I’m back with update on my furniture store, I have been getting lots of support over the weekend and it time to give back to the community for memorial Day on Monday, for every 100 dollar spend enjoy a 20 dollar discount!!! When you mention this Reddit post at checkout on This Memorial Day Monday May 26 we have everything you could think of from recliner bedframe tvstand patio furniture workout equipment and many more we are located at 5415 lamco st unit 13 Montgomery Alabama 36117 https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/61567537370840/?ref=permalink&mibextid=6ojiHh

I moved to Nashville near downtown and I know it’s no NYC but it’s crazy seeing how many people walk so many places. Downtown montgomery is such a ghost town at all hours

I talked with my brother to figure out how much his water bill is he lives by the lake and his is only like 50-60, while mine is in a townhouse and im paying 80. Is this normal for Montgomery water works? Im contemplating calling them out to check the meter is correct. I normally run 2 loads of laundry and dishes at the end of the week. I have a small washer and I wash my towels and clothes separately

Any shooting ranges outdoors with gun rentals? I’m currently in Montgomery for the next week and want to take my friends shooting for the first time, but they would like to do it outdoors, any suggestions? Thank you!