Old Courthouse Museum, Cumberland Plateau Travel Guide

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Discover the literary heritage of Monroeville, Alabama, and the real-life inspiration behind 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

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Old Courthouse Museum

Step back in time at the Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville, Alabama, the inspiration for Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Explore the restored courtroom and exhibits dedicated to Lee and Truman Capote, immersing yourself in the world that shaped these literary giants.

A brief summary to Old Courthouse Museum

31 N Alabama Ave, Monroeville, Alabama, 36460, US
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-2 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Courthouse Museum.

Plan your visit around the annual performance of *To Kill a Mockingbird* by The Mockingbird Company for an immersive experience.
Take the self-guided walking tour of Monroeville to see the real-life locations that inspired the novel's setting.
Visit the museum's gift shop, The Bird's Nest, for unique souvenirs and locally crafted items.
Check the museum's website for special events and exhibits that may be taking place during your visit.
Allow ample time to explore the courtroom and imagine the scenes from *To Kill a Mockingbird* unfolding before you.

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Explore Old Courthouse Museum on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

The Old Courthouse Museum is located in downtown Monroeville on Courthouse Square. If you are already in the downtown area, the museum is easily accessible on foot. From the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Claiborne Street, walk north on Alabama Avenue. The museum will be on your left.
Public Transport

Monroeville has a public transportation system with bus routes throughout the city. Check the Monroeville Transit System schedule for the nearest bus stop to the museum. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions to the museum. Single fares are typically inexpensive, costing around $1 - $2.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are available in Monroeville. Request a ride to the Old Courthouse Museum at 31 N Alabama Ave. A short taxi ride within Monroeville will likely cost between $5 and $15, depending on the distance and demand.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 31 N Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460. The museum is located on Courthouse Square. Free parking is available around the square with a 2-hour time limit. There are handicap parking spaces available. There are no toll roads in the immediate vicinity.

Discover more about Old Courthouse Museum

The Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville, Alabama, stands as a testament to the power of place and the enduring legacy of two of America's most celebrated authors: Harper Lee and Truman Capote. More than just a historical landmark, it's a portal to the past, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world that shaped *To Kill a Mockingbird* and Capote's distinctive literary voice.Built in 1903, the Monroe County Courthouse served as the center of civic life for over six decades. Designed by architect Andrew Bryan, the building's Eclectic architectural style reflects the era's design sensibilities. The courthouse gained national fame following the 1960 publication of *To Kill a Mockingbird*, Harper Lee's masterpiece that drew heavily on her Monroeville upbringing. The fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, with its deeply ingrained social dynamics and poignant exploration of justice, was directly inspired by Monroeville and its surrounding community.In 1963, county offices moved to a new building, and the community recognized the historical and cultural significance of the old courthouse. A movement began to preserve the building, culminating in its transformation into a museum. The Old Courthouse Museum opened its doors in 1968, initially as a part-time attraction, before expanding to full-time operation in 1991. A meticulous renovation project, completed in 2002, restored the courthouse to its 1930s appearance, the very era depicted in *To Kill a Mockingbird*.The heart of the museum is undoubtedly the restored courtroom. Its design served as the model for the courtroom in the acclaimed film adaptation of *To Kill a Mockingbird*. Although the movie wasn't filmed on location, the set designer visited Monroeville to meticulously measure, photograph, and sketch the courtroom, ensuring an authentic recreation on a Hollywood soundstage. Visitors are free to explore the courtroom, including the balcony where Harper Lee often sat as a child, observing her father practice law.The museum also features two permanent exhibits dedicated to the lives and works of Harper Lee and Truman Capote. "Harper Lee: In Her Own Words" offers insights into Lee's life, her writing process, and the impact of *To Kill a Mockingbird*. "Truman Capote: A Childhood in Monroeville" explores Capote's early years in Monroeville and how those experiences shaped his unique literary style. The exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and personal items that provide a deeper understanding of these two remarkable individuals.