Background

National Memorial for Peace and Justice

A solemn memorial in Montgomery, AL, honoring victims of racial terror lynchings and promoting reflection on American history and racial injustice.

4.9

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, is the nation's first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people and victims of racial terror lynchings in the United States. Opened in 2018, the six-acre site serves as a solemn space for reflection on racial inequality and injustice.

A brief summary to The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the memorial and reflect on its powerful message.
  • Visit the Legacy Museum before or after your visit to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of racial injustice in America.
  • Take the free shuttle that connects the Legacy Museum and the memorial to avoid parking limitations.
  • Be prepared for an emotionally intense experience as the memorial confronts a difficult history.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Montgomery, near landmarks like the Rosa Parks Museum or the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, the memorial is about a 15-20 minute walk (approximately 0.7 miles). Head northeast on Dexter Avenue toward N Perry Street, then turn right onto N McDonough Street. Continue onto Caroline Street, and the memorial will be on your left. Note that the walk involves a slight uphill climb. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take the free shuttle service that runs between the Legacy Museum (400 N. Court Street) and the memorial. Shuttles depart 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.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Montgomery, taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft provide a direct route to the memorial. A typical ride from a downtown hotel to the memorial at 417 Caroline Street will cost approximately $8-$12, depending on demand and traffic.

  • 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. Parking costs may vary, but expect to pay around $5-$10 for a few hours.

Unlock the Best of The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice stands as a powerful testament to the victims of racial terror lynchings in the United States between 1877 and 1950. Founded by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), the memorial aims to foster truth-telling and reconciliation regarding racial injustice. The memorial features over 800 corten steel monuments, each representing a county where documented lynchings occurred. Engraved with the names of victims, the monuments hang from the ceiling, creating a visually striking and emotionally impactful experience. Replicas of the steel beams are set aside, inviting counties to claim them and confront their own histories of racial violence. The six-acre site also includes sculptures, writings from influential figures like Toni Morrison and Martin Luther King Jr., and a reflection space honoring Ida B. Wells. Kwame Akoto-Bamfo's 'Nkyinkyim Installation' depicts the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors can explore the Peace and Justice Memorial Garden and the Legacy Museum for additional context. The Legacy Museum offers immersive exhibits tracing racial oppression from slavery to mass incarceration. A free shuttle connects the museum to the memorial. The memorial is a call to action, urging visitors to confront the past and commit to justice and equality.

Popular Experiences near The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Popular Hotels near The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Select Currency