Background

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice: A Sacred Space for Reflection

A solemn memorial in Montgomery, AL, honoring victims of racial injustice and promoting truth-telling and reflection on American history.

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The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, is the nation's first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people, those terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence. It serves as a solemn sanctuary for honoring truth and fostering contemplation by illuminating the harrowing realities of racial terrorism and its enduring consequences in America.

A brief summary to The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allow ample time, at least 2-3 hours, to fully experience the memorial and reflect on its powerful message.
  • Visit the Legacy Museum before or after to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of racial injustice in America. A free shuttle connects both sites.
  • Be prepared for an emotionally intense experience. The memorial confronts a difficult history and can be overwhelming for some visitors.
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Getting There

  • Shuttle

    The most convenient way to reach the National Memorial for Peace and Justice is by utilizing the free shuttle service that runs between the Legacy Museum and the memorial. The Legacy Museum is located at 400 N. Court Street. Shuttles depart regularly, approximately every 15 minutes, from the museum and drop visitors off near the entrance to the memorial at 417 Caroline Street. This service is free with your admission ticket to the Legacy Sites, which costs $5. The shuttle operates from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. This eliminates the need to find parking near the memorial, which can be limited.

  • Ride-share

    A typical ride from a downtown hotel (e.g., Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa) to the memorial at 417 Caroline Street will cost approximately $8-$12, depending on demand and traffic. This is a convenient option for those with mobility issues or who prefer not to walk.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 417 Caroline Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Parking near the memorial is limited. There is parking available at the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park and visitors can take the free shuttle to the memorial. Free parking is available at each site.

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Discover more about The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Located on a six-acre site on a hilltop overlooking Montgomery, Alabama, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice is a powerful and moving experience. It is the first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people, those terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence. The memorial features multiple components, including a garden, sculpture groupings, and a temple-like structure with hanging rectangular boxes made of corten steel. The garden features native plantings and the "Memory Wall: Strength," a brick arched wall from the Montgomery Theater, built in 1860 by enslaved masons. At the center of the memorial is an open space, "Memorial Square," representing town squares and courthouse lawns used for the public spectacle of lynching. Inside the memorial, over 800 rectangular corten steel boxes, each representing a county in the United States where a lynching took place, hang from the ceiling. The names of lynching victims are engraved on these monuments. As visitors exit, they encounter Elizabeth Alexander's poem "Invocation," asserting that the victims of racial terror lynching will not be forgotten. The Legacy Museum, a companion site located a short distance away, provides additional context and information about the history of racial injustice in America. A free shuttle service connects the two sites. The memorial is more than just a monument; it is a call to action, challenging visitors to confront the difficult history of racial terror in the United States and to consider the ways in which this history continues to shape contemporary society. It is a place for mourning, reflection, and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of justice and equality.

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