Background

Civil Rights Memorial: A Testament to the Struggle for Equality

Reflect on the heroes and events of the Civil Rights Movement at this moving memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. A testament to the fight for equality and justice.

4.8

The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, designed by Maya Lin, honors the 41 individuals who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement [15, 22]. A circular black granite table chronicles the movement's history, with water flowing across its surface, inviting reflection and remembrance [9, 15].

A brief summary to Civil Rights Memorial

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center across the street for exhibits and educational materials that provide context to the memorial [5, 13].
  • Allow ample time for quiet reflection at the memorial; the flowing water and engraved names create a powerful and emotional experience [15].
  • Combine your visit with other nearby civil rights landmarks, such as the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Rosa Parks Museum, to gain a deeper understanding of the movement [7, 13, 16].
  • Parking is available on the street, metered during weekdays, and free on weekends and evenings [4].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rosa Parks Museum on Montgomery Street, walk south toward Washington Avenue [10]. The Civil Rights Memorial is located at 400 Washington Avenue, a short 5-minute walk [10]. Look for the circular memorial with flowing water in front of the Southern Poverty Law Center [10].

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit's 'The M' micro-transit service offers on-demand rides in the downtown area [17]. Download 'The M' app to request a ride to the Civil Rights Memorial at 400 Washington Avenue. Fares are $1.50 per ride [17].

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 [10]. Limited metered street parking is available weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM [4]. Metered parking is free on weekends, holidays, and evenings [4]. Paid parking lots are located within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $2 to $5 [10].

Unlock the Best of Civil Rights Memorial

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Civil Rights Memorial

Located in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, the Civil Rights Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to those who died fighting for equality during the Civil Rights Movement [4, 15]. Designed by Maya Lin, the same artist who created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the memorial serves as a contemplative space for visitors to remember the past, honor the fallen, and consider the ongoing quest for justice [5, 15]. The memorial's centerpiece is a large, circular black granite table [9, 15]. Water emerges from the center and flows evenly across the top, creating a reflective surface [9, 15]. Engraved on the table are the names of 41 individuals who were killed between 1954 and 1968 during the struggle for civil rights [15, 18]. The timeline of the movement is also etched into the table, marking key events and milestones in the fight for equality [18]. A curved black granite wall behind the table features Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s paraphrase of Amos 5:24: "We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream" [9, 15]. The Civil Rights Memorial is more than just a monument; it's a place for learning, reflection, and inspiration. Touching the names of the martyrs, visitors connect with the sacrifices made for the cause of civil rights [5, 15]. The flowing water symbolizes the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality [15, 18]. The memorial is located near other significant civil rights landmarks, including the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Rosa Parks Museum, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding this pivotal period in American history [4, 13, 16].

Popular Experiences near Civil Rights Memorial

Popular Hotels near Civil Rights Memorial

Select Currency