Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: A Powerful Journey Through History
Explore the pivotal history of the Civil Rights Movement at this powerful Birmingham museum and research center.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), located in the heart of Birmingham's Civil Rights District, is a museum and research center that chronicles the Civil Rights Movement in the United States [8, 17]. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the BCRI offers visitors a chance to explore exhibits, archives, and oral histories that tell the story of the struggle for equality and justice [4, 10, 17].
A brief summary to Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- 520 16th St N, Birmingham, Fountain Heights, Alabama, 35203, US
- +1205-328-9696
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 90 minutes for a self-guided tour through the museum's historic galleries [3].
- Take advantage of the free parking available behind the building, with access from 15th Street North [3].
- Purchase tickets online in advance to reserve your entry time, especially during peak season [3, 6].
- Be aware of the bag policy: only bags smaller than 9.5 inches x 8.5 inches are permitted in the galleries [3, 6].
Getting There
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Walking
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is located in the Civil Rights District, near other landmarks such as the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park [9]. If you are already in the district, walking is a convenient way to reach the museum [9]. From Kelly Ingram Park, simply walk across the street to the BCRI's entrance [9].
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Public Transport
The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) offers bus service throughout the city [9]. Check the BJCTA website or app for routes and schedules to find the nearest bus stop to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute [9]. A single ride fare is typically $1.25 [9]. From the bus stop, follow street signs to the BCRI [9].
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham [9]. Request a ride to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute at 520 16th St N [9]. A typical short ride from downtown Birmingham to the BCRI will cost approximately $8-$15, depending on traffic and demand [9]. Taxi services such as American Cab Company, Birmingham Metro Cab Company, and King Cab, LLC are also available [12].
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Driving
If driving, navigate to 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 [9]. Free parking is available behind the building, with access from 15th Street North [3, 9]. Limited metered street parking is also available in the vicinity [9]. Several paid parking lots are located within a few blocks of the BCRI; rates typically range from $5-$10 per hour [9, 11, 13, 14]. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance [9, 11].
Discover more about Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic 4th Avenue Business District
0.3 km
Discover Birmingham's Historic 4th Avenue Business District: A vibrant center of Black culture, entrepreneurship, and civil rights history.
Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker
0.5 km
Honoring the brave Freedom Riders who challenged segregation in 1961, marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Woodward Building
0.8 km
Birmingham's first skyscraper, the Woodward Building, showcases Chicago-style architecture and stands as a landmark of the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth'.
Alabama Peanut Co.
0.9 km
Birmingham's oldest peanut shop, roasting and boiling unique flavors since 1907 on historic Morris Avenue. A taste of tradition!
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
1.1 km
Explore the rich history of sports at Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, where legends come alive through captivating exhibits and memorabilia.
Dread River Distilling Company
2.0 km
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Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
2.3 km
A marker commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful 'Letter From Birmingham Jail,' a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, located in front of the former Birmingham City Jail.
Five Points South Historical Marker
2.4 km
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The Jordan Home (Dr. Mortimer Jordan)
3.1 km
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Avondale Park Historic District
4.0 km
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The Historic Bethel Baptist Church
4.2 km
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The Old Mill
6.4 km
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HIGHLAND HISTORIC DISTRICT
6.5 km
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Pratt City Carline Historic District
6.7 km
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Oldest house in Shades Valley/Irondale Furnace Commissary
7.2 km
Explore Birmingham's oldest home, a preserved 19th-century commissary offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and the region's industrial heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
0.0 km
Explore Birmingham's Civil Rights legacy: walk the path of legends, reflect on history, and honor the fight for equality at this national monument.
Kelly Ingram Park
0.1 km
Explore Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, AL: a historic landmark memorializing the Civil Rights Movement with powerful sculptures and exhibits.
Birmingham Civil Rights District
0.1 km
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Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park
0.4 km
A Birmingham park honoring Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations, featuring sculptures, music, and a celebration of his Motown legacy.
McWane Science Center
0.6 km
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Birmingham Museum of Art
0.8 km
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Heaviest Corner On Earth
0.9 km
Discover Birmingham's 'Heaviest Corner on Earth,' a landmark showcasing early 20th-century architectural ambition and industrial might.
Railroad Park Foundation
0.9 km
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Negro Southern League Museum
1.0 km
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“Before I die” wall
1.0 km
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Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
2.3 km
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Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game
2.5 km
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Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens
2.9 km
Discover Birmingham's only antebellum mansion, featuring Greek Revival architecture, period furnishings, and beautiful gardens.
Samuel Ullman Museum
3.0 km
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Vulcan Park and Museum
3.2 km
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Essential places to dine
OvenBird
2.2 km
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Blueprint on 3rd
2.4 km
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Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Birmingham
2.5 km
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Galley & Garden
2.8 km
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The Rougaroux
3.8 km
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Chez Lulu
3.8 km
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SAW’s Soul Kitchen
3.9 km
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Habitat Feed & Social
4.9 km
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Bricktop's
5.9 km
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Gianmarco's Restaurant
6.0 km
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The Filling Station Bham
6.4 km
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Mudtown Eat & Drink
9.7 km
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Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
9.7 km
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Foodbar
10.0 km
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Satterfield's Restaurant
10.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hanna Antiques Mall
2.1 km
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Shea Davis Boutique
4.5 km
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Soca Clothing
4.5 km
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Alabama Goods
4.7 km
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A'Mano
5.0 km
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Stella Blu
5.2 km
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Urban Suburban Antiques
6.4 km
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Sojourns
6.4 km
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Mountain High Outfitters
8.3 km
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Cahaba Village
8.4 km
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Second Hand Rose
9.9 km
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Clover + Bee
9.9 km
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Fun Stuff
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At Your Imagination
10.8 km
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Lizard Thicket
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar
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House of Found Objects
1.1 km
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Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only]
1.5 km
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![Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only]](https://evendo-location-media.s3.amazonaws.com/BarImages/7367605d-795a-46b6-ae50-1825e1d76fb0)
Mayawell Bar
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Black Market Bar + Grill
2.4 km
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Juniper
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Key Circle Commons
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The Marble Ring
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Oak Hill Bar & Grill
4.5 km
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Red Lion Lounge
4.7 km
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The Upper Deck
4.9 km
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StirCrazy
5.9 km
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The Ridge Eat & Drink
10.9 km
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Black Market
11.7 km
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Barrister's Tavern
11.7 km
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