“Before I die” wall: A public art canvas

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Reflect on life's aspirations at Birmingham's interactive "Before I die" wall on historic Morris Avenue. A space for community and dreams.

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“Before I die” wall

The “Before I die” wall in Birmingham, AL, is an interactive mural inviting passersby to reflect on their lives and share their aspirations [4, 6, 9]. Located on Morris Avenue, it provides a space for community engagement and personal reflection [6, 9].

A brief summary to “Before I die” wall

2070 Morris Ave, Birmingham, Central City, Alabama, 35203, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring “Before I die” wall.

Bring chalk to add your personal aspiration to the wall.
Visit during daylight hours for best visibility and safety.
Check out nearby shops and restaurants on Morris Avenue to make a day of it [10].

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Getting There

Walking

From the Birmingham Museum of Art, walk approximately 0.6 miles east on 1st Avenue North. Turn left onto 21st Street North, then turn right onto Morris Avenue. The “Before I die” wall will be on your left, under the bridge.
Public Transport

From the Central Station MAX station, walk north on 16th Street North for about 0.2 miles. Turn right onto 1st Avenue North and continue for approximately 0.3 miles. Turn left onto 21st Street North, then turn right onto Morris Avenue. The wall will be on your left. A single ride on the MAX bus is $1.25.
Taxi/Ride-share

From Five Points South, a taxi or ride-share to the “Before I die” wall on Morris Avenue will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic.

Discover more about “Before I die” wall

The “Before I die” wall on Morris Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama, serves as a unique public art installation that encourages reflection and community engagement [4, 6, 9]. Inspired by Candy Chang's global project that began in New Orleans, the mural prompts visitors to consider their mortality and share their personal aspirations by completing the sentence, “Before I die, I want to _____” [6, 15]. The Birmingham mural first appeared in the spring of 2019, created by Marcus Fetch of Redpath Creative, with support from Kinetic Communications and REV Birmingham [3, 6, 9]. The concept quickly captured the hearts of locals, who filled the wall with a range of heartfelt, humorous, and thought-provoking responses [6]. The original wall was painted with black chalkboard paint, allowing for easy updates and a constantly evolving display of community thoughts [6]. In July 2021, the mural faced a setback when a fire damaged the wall [3]. However, the community rallied to restore it, and in January 2024, a refreshed mural was unveiled, featuring artwork by local artist Catherine Blake [3]. Blake's design incorporates playful pigeons, inspired by the birds often seen on Morris Avenue, adding a unique Birmingham touch to the project [3]. The “Before I die” wall continues to be a dynamic and meaningful landmark in Birmingham, reflecting the city's spirit and providing a space for collective introspection [6, 9].