Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: A Powerful Journey Through History
Explore Birmingham's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement through immersive exhibits and powerful storytelling.
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 pivotal events of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s [6, 9]. Through immersive exhibits and multimedia presentations, visitors gain a profound understanding of Birmingham's role in the struggle for civil rights and its lasting impact on the world [9, 12].
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 [11, 14].
- Visit the BCRI bookstore for art, clothing, and a wide selection of books related to the Civil Rights Movement [5].
- Take advantage of the free parking available behind the building, with access from 15th Street North [11, 13, 14].
- Check the BCRI website for information on traveling exhibitions and special events [3].
Getting There
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Walking
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is located in the Civil Rights District, near landmarks like the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park [7, 9]. If you are already in the district, walking is a convenient way to reach the museum [7]. From Kelly Ingram Park, walk one block east on 16th Street North. The BCRI will be on your left [3, 7].
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Public Transport
The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) offers bus service throughout the city [7]. Check the BJCTA website or app for routes and schedules to find the nearest bus stop to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute [7]. A single ride fare is typically $1.25 [7].
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham [7]. Request a ride to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute at 520 16th St N [7]. A typical short ride from downtown Birmingham to the BCRI will cost approximately $8-$15, depending on traffic and demand [7].
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Driving
If driving, navigate to 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 [7]. Free parking is available behind the building with access from 15th Street North [11, 13, 14]. Additional parking is available in nearby lots, with rates ranging from $5.75 to $14.81 [8].
Discover more about Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic 4th Avenue Business District
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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
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Alabama Peanut Co.
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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
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Dread River Distilling Company
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Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
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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
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The Jordan Home (Dr. Mortimer Jordan)
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Avondale Park Historic District
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The Historic Bethel Baptist Church
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The Old Mill
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HIGHLAND HISTORIC DISTRICT
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Pratt City Carline Historic District
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Oldest house in Shades Valley/Irondale Furnace Commissary
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Unmissable attractions to see
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
0.0 km
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Kelly Ingram Park
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Birmingham Civil Rights District
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Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park
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McWane Science Center
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Birmingham Museum of Art
0.8 km
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Heaviest Corner On Earth
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Railroad Park Foundation
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Negro Southern League Museum
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“Before I die” wall
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Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
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Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game
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Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens
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Samuel Ullman Museum
3.0 km
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Vulcan Park and Museum
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Essential places to dine
OvenBird
2.2 km
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Blueprint on 3rd
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Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Birmingham
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Galley & Garden
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The Rougaroux
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Chez Lulu
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SAW’s Soul Kitchen
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Habitat Feed & Social
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Bricktop's
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Gianmarco's Restaurant
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The Filling Station Bham
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Mudtown Eat & Drink
9.7 km
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Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
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Foodbar
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Satterfield's Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hanna Antiques Mall
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Shea Davis Boutique
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Soca Clothing
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Alabama Goods
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A'Mano
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Stella Blu
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Urban Suburban Antiques
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Sojourns
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Mountain High Outfitters
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Cahaba Village
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Second Hand Rose
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Fun Stuff
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At Your Imagination
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Lizard Thicket
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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House of Found Objects
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Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only]
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Mayawell Bar
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Black Market Bar + Grill
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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
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Red Lion Lounge
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The Upper Deck
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StirCrazy
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The Ridge Eat & Drink
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Black Market
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Barrister's Tavern
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