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Kelly Ingram Park: A Civil Rights Memorial

Explore Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, AL: a historic landmark commemorating the Civil Rights Movement with powerful sculptures and a journey through history.

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Kelly Ingram Park, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a 4-acre park that served as a central staging ground for civil rights demonstrations during the 1960s. Today, it stands as a place of revolution and reconciliation, featuring sculptures and monuments that commemorate the struggle for equality.

A brief summary to Kelly Ingram Park

Local tips

  • Take the self-guided audio tour (dial 205-307-5455) for an enhanced understanding of the park's history and significance.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the details of the sculptures and monuments.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Street Baptist Church for a comprehensive experience.
  • Check the park's event schedule for local festivals and cultural events that may be taking place during your visit.
  • Allow at least one hour to explore the park fully and reflect on its profound historical importance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Kelly Ingram Park is located in downtown Birmingham, within easy walking distance of many attractions. From the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the park is directly adjacent. From the 16th Street Baptist Church, walk south along 6th Avenue North to 17th Street North, then turn right. The park will be on your left. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    MAX Transit provides fixed-route bus service through the Birmingham - Jefferson County area. Several bus routes stop near Kelly Ingram Park. Check the MAX Transit website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From a bus stop near 17th St N, it is a short 5-10 minute walk to Kelly Ingram Park. A single ride fare is $1.50 for adults, $1 for students (grades 1-12), and $0.75 for seniors (62+) with valid ID, and for those with disabilities, military IDs and Medicare cards.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham. A short ride from downtown hotels or attractions to Kelly Ingram Park will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. Simply enter 'Kelly Ingram Park' or the address '500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203' as your destination.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Street parking is available around the park, but parking fees may apply in certain areas. Parking garages are also located within walking distance. Expect to pay around $4-$15 for parking in a nearby garage for a few hours. The AT&T City Center Building is near Kelly Ingram Park.

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Discover more about Kelly Ingram Park

Kelly Ingram Park, formerly West Park, is a significant landmark in the Birmingham Civil Rights District. This 4-acre park was a focal point during the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, serving as a gathering place for large-scale demonstrations. It was here that Birmingham police and firemen, under the command of Public Safety Commissioner Eugene "Bull" Connor, confronted student demonstrators with mass arrests, police dogs, and fire hoses. The events that unfolded in Kelly Ingram Park vividly portrayed the harsh realities of the time and proved instrumental in overturning legal segregation in the nation. In 1992, the park was renovated and rededicated as "A Place of Revolution and Reconciliation" to coincide with the opening of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which adjoins the park. Today, visitors can explore the park's sculptures and monuments that depict the struggle for civil rights. These include a limestone sculpture by Raymond Kaskey depicting ministers kneeling in prayer, a statue of Rev. Fred Suttlesworth, and the Four Spirits sculpture commemorating the four girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The park also features a central fountain and a circular Freedom Walk with installations by artist James Drake. Kelly Ingram Park hosts various local family festivals and cultural events throughout the year. An audio tour is available via cell phone, providing a journey through the dramatic days of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham. The park is located within the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, established in 2017. It is a place to honor the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, learn from their struggles, and recommit to the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

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