Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: A Journey Through History
Explore the pivotal history of the Civil Rights Movement at this Birmingham landmark.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a museum and research center that tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. It offers visitors a chance to explore exhibits, archives, and oral histories related to the struggle for civil rights during the mid-20th century.
A brief summary to Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- 520 16th St N, Birmingham, Fountain Heights, Alabama, 35203, US
- +1205-328-9696
- Visit website
Local tips
- Allow at least 90 minutes for a self-guided tour through the museum's historic galleries.
- Take time to walk through nearby Kelly Ingram Park and reflect on the events that took place there.
- Check the BCRI's website for information on special events, traveling exhibits, and programs.
Getting There
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Walking
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is located in downtown Birmingham, adjacent to Kelly Ingram Park and across the street from the 16th Street Baptist Church. If you are already in the downtown area, walking is a convenient way to reach the institute. From most downtown hotels or attractions, the institute is typically within a 10-15 minute walk.
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Public Transport
Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) operates bus routes throughout the city. Check the BJCTA website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. Several bus routes have stops near the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. A one-way fare is typically around $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham. A ride from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, is approximately 6 miles and typically costs between $17 and $21. A shorter ride within the downtown area will likely cost less. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or check the app before you begin your trip.
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Driving
If driving, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is located at 520 16th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Free parking is available behind the building via access from 15th Street N. Additional parking is available at nearby lots, such as 1628 3rd Ave N, with rates around $12.75. Other parking options include 1883 4th Ave N ($7.75), 1836 3rd Ave N ($5.75), and 1931 4th Ave N ($5.75).
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
Discover the vibrant flavors of Dread River Distilling Company in Birmingham, AL, where craft spirits meet culinary excellence in a lively atmosphere.
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
Discover the vibrant history of Birmingham's Five Points South, a charming neighborhood with stunning architecture, culinary delights, and a lively atmosphere.
The Jordan Home (Dr. Mortimer Jordan)
3.1 km
Discover the elegance of Birmingham's past at the Jordan Home, a Neo-Classical landmark in the historic Highland Park neighborhood.
Avondale Park Historic District
4.0 km
Discover historic architecture, vibrant green spaces, and a rich cultural heritage in Birmingham's charming Avondale Park Historic District.
The Historic Bethel Baptist Church
4.2 km
Visit the epicenter of the non-violent Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, AL, and explore the historic church of Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth.
The Old Mill
6.4 km
Discover the historic charm of The Old Mill in Mountain Brook, a picturesque landmark offering a glimpse into Birmingham's past and a tranquil escape into nature's beauty.
HIGHLAND HISTORIC DISTRICT
6.5 km
Explore Birmingham's Highland Historic District: a blend of architectural styles, lush parks, and a vibrant community in the heart of the Magic City.
Pratt City Carline Historic District
6.7 km
Explore Birmingham's Pratt City Carline Historic District: A charming journey through time, showcasing well-preserved architecture and rich local heritage.
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
Explore Birmingham's Civil Rights District: a powerful journey through history, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.
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
Explore interactive science exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater at Birmingham's leading science center.
Birmingham Museum of Art
0.8 km
Explore 27,000+ artworks spanning cultures & centuries at the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Southeast's largest municipal art museum. Free admission!
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
Discover Birmingham's vibrant heart at Railroad Park: a blend of green space, recreation, and history in a revitalized urban oasis.
Negro Southern League Museum
1.0 km
Discover the inspiring history of African-American baseball at Birmingham's Negro Southern League Museum, a tribute to the Negro Southern League.
“Before I die” wall
1.0 km
Reflect on life's aspirations at Birmingham's interactive "Before I die" wall on historic Morris Avenue. A space for community and dreams.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
2.3 km
Explore Birmingham's industrial heritage at Sloss Furnaces, a unique National Historic Landmark offering a glimpse into the Magic City's past.
Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game
2.5 km
Experience thrilling escape room adventures in Birmingham! Solve puzzles, find clues, and race against the clock at Locked In escape game.
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
Discover the inspiring life and legacy of Samuel Ullman, the Birmingham humanitarian whose poem 'Youth' touched the world.
Vulcan Park and Museum
3.2 km
Discover Birmingham's history and iconic cast-iron statue at Vulcan Park and Museum, offering stunning city views and interactive exhibits.
Essential places to dine
OvenBird
2.2 km
Discover OvenBird: A Birmingham culinary gem specializing in live-fire cooking and innovative cocktails in a cozy yet elegant setting.
Blueprint on 3rd
2.4 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine at Blueprint on 3rd in Birmingham - where tradition meets innovation in every dish.
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Birmingham
2.5 km
Experience unique burgers and an extensive craft beer selection at Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint in Birmingham.
Galley & Garden
2.8 km
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The Rougaroux
3.8 km
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Chez Lulu
3.8 km
Experience authentic French cuisine at Chez Lulu in Birmingham—where culinary art meets Southern charm in an inviting setting.
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
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Gianmarco's Restaurant in Birmingham – where every meal feels like a celebration.
The Filling Station Bham
6.4 km
Discover the heart of Birmingham dining at The Filling Station Bham – where delicious pizzas meet Italian charm in Crestwood.
Mudtown Eat & Drink
9.7 km
Experience the best of Southern cuisine at Mudtown Eat & Drink in Birmingham – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
9.7 km
Experience the rich flavors of Southern barbecue at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint in Cahaba Heights - where tradition meets taste.
Foodbar
10.0 km
Experience the best of American cuisine at Foodbar in Vestavia Hills - where every meal is crafted with passion and flavor.
Satterfield's Restaurant
10.2 km
Experience the best of American cuisine at Satterfield's Restaurant in Birmingham—where Southern hospitality meets fine dining elegance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hanna Antiques Mall
2.1 km
Explore the rich history and unique treasures at Hanna Antiques Mall in Birmingham, Alabama – a collector's paradise.
Shea Davis Boutique
4.5 km
Explore Shea Davis Boutique, a stylish women's clothing store in Homewood, Alabama, offering unique fashion and personalized shopping experiences.
Soca Clothing
4.5 km
Explore Soca Clothing, a boutique in Homewood, AL, where style meets Southern charm with unique women's fashion and personalized service.
Alabama Goods
4.7 km
Explore the charm of Alabama through unique souvenirs, gift baskets, and handcrafted treasures at Alabama Goods in Homewood.
A'Mano
5.0 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts at A'Mano in Mountain Brook, where local artistry meets charming ambiance, perfect for all occasions.
Stella Blu
5.2 km
Experience the unique charm of Stella Blu Boutique in Mountain Brook, Alabama, where local fashion and style come together in a delightful shopping atmosphere.
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
Discover unique gifts, women's fashion, and local craftsmanship at Clover + Bee in Birmingham, AL's Heights Village.
Fun Stuff
10.7 km
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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
0.9 km
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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
2.3 km
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Black Market Bar + Grill
2.4 km
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Juniper
3.8 km
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Key Circle Commons
3.9 km
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The Marble Ring
3.9 km
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Oak Hill Bar & Grill
4.5 km
Experience the heart of Southern dining with live music and a warm atmosphere at Oak Hill Bar & Grill in Homewood, Alabama.
Red Lion Lounge
4.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and affordable drinks at Red Lion Lounge, the perfect bar for tourists exploring Homewood, Alabama.
The Upper Deck
4.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Upper Deck, Birmingham's go-to sports bar for food, drinks, and entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
StirCrazy
5.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at StirCrazy, a lively bar in Birmingham, Alabama, perfect for cocktails and good company.
The Ridge Eat & Drink
10.9 km
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Black Market
11.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Black Market Grill in Birmingham, Alabama, where delicious food meets a lively atmosphere for every occasion.
Barrister's Tavern
11.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and karaoke fun at Barrister's Tavern, the ultimate bar in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
