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Civil Rights Memorial: A Place for Reflection and Remembrance

A moving tribute to Civil Rights martyrs, designed by Maya Lin, offering a space for reflection and a commitment to justice in downtown Montgomery.

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The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, honors the lives of those who died during the Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968. Designed by Maya Lin, the memorial features a circular black granite table with water flowing over the names of the 40 martyrs and a curved wall inscribed with Martin Luther King Jr.'s paraphrase of Amos 5:24: '...until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream'.

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 adjacent Civil Rights Memorial Center for a deeper understanding of the historical context and the individuals honored at the Memorial.
  • Allow ample time for quiet reflection at the memorial; its design encourages contemplation and remembrance.
  • Touch the engraved names on the memorial to create a personal connection with those who sacrificed their lives for civil rights.
  • Consider downloading the CRMC app for an immersive and interactive virtual tour.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Civil Rights Memorial is located in downtown Montgomery at 400 Washington Avenue, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions. From the Alabama State Capitol, walk two blocks east on Washington Avenue. The Memorial will be on your right, across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center. From the Rosa Parks Museum, walk approximately three blocks north on Montgomery Street, then turn right onto Washington Avenue. The memorial will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery's public transportation system, the Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS), has several bus routes that stop near the Civil Rights Memorial. Check the MATS website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the nearest bus stop on Dexter Avenue, walk one block west on Washington Avenue. The Civil Rights Memorial will be on your left. A single ride fare on MATS is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. Request a ride to 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. The driver can drop you off directly in front of the Civil Rights Memorial. A short ride from downtown hotels or attractions will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on distance and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. Limited metered street parking is available on Washington Avenue and surrounding streets on weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Parking is free on weekends, holidays, and evenings. Several paid parking lots are also located within a few blocks of the memorial, with hourly rates typically ranging from $2 to $5. Bus parking is available on the corner of Washington and Decatur streets, as well as Dexter and Decatur near the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.

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Discover more about Civil Rights Memorial

Located in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, the Civil Rights Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the individuals who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. Designed by Maya Lin, who also created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the memorial serves as a contemplative space for visitors to remember the past, honor those killed during the struggle, and consider how far the country has come in its quest for equality. The memorial's central feature is a large, circular black granite table. Water emerges from the center and flows evenly across the top, over a timeline that chronicles major events of the movement and records the names of 40 men, women, and children who were killed between 1954 and 1968. Touching the names is encouraged, creating a personal connection to the individuals and their stories. Behind the table, a curved black granite wall displays the words of Martin Luther King Jr., inspired by Amos 5:24: '...until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream'. The Civil Rights Memorial is located across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which sponsors the memorial and its adjacent Civil Rights Memorial Center. The center provides historical context and deeper understanding of the events and individuals commemorated at the memorial. Through exhibits, educational activities, and a short film, visitors can learn about the civil rights movement and its ongoing impact. The center also features the Wall of Tolerance, where visitors can pledge to work for justice and add their names. The city of Montgomery is known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and is rich with civil rights history. A visit to the Civil Rights Memorial offers a profound experience, encouraging reflection on the human cost of inequality and the enduring importance of the fight for justice.

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