Background

Dexter Parsonage Museum: A Civil Rights Landmark

Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. at his former home in Montgomery, a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement.

4.7

Step back in time at the Dexter Parsonage Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family from 1954 to 1960. This meticulously preserved house offers a glimpse into their daily lives during the Civil Rights Movement, a period when Dr. King served as pastor of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.

A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for updated hours and tour schedules, as they may vary.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough tour and exploration of the museum.
  • Consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a more complete historical experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Alabama State Capitol, head east on Dexter Avenue toward Bainbridge Street. Turn right onto S Jackson Street. Walk approximately four blocks south. The Dexter Parsonage Museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout downtown Montgomery. A short ride from other downtown locations, such as the Rosa Parks Museum or the Civil Rights Memorial, should cost between $8-$15.

  • Driving

    From I-85, take the Union Street exit and follow signs for downtown Montgomery. Turn onto High Street, then left onto S Jackson Street. From I-65, take the Clay Street exit, which becomes Herron Street, then Bibb Street, and finally Madison Avenue. Turn right onto S Jackson Street. Limited street parking is available near the museum. Several parking lots are located within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $1 to $2 per hour.

Unlock the Best of Dexter Parsonage Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located in the Centennial Hill neighborhood of Montgomery, Alabama, is a historic residence that served as the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Coretta Scott King, and their children from 1954 to 1960. During this period, Dr. King was the pastor of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. The two-story clapboard house, built in 1912, was purchased by the church in 1919 to serve as a residence for its pastors. The museum offers visitors a unique view into the lives of the King family during the Civil Rights Movement. The house has been carefully restored to reflect its appearance during the King's residency, and many original pieces used by the family are on display. Visitors can explore the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and Dr. King's study, gaining insight into their daily life and the challenges they faced. The adjacent Interpretive Center features exhibits that chronicle the events of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the role of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in the movement, and the lives of the twelve pastors who resided in the parsonage from 1920 to 1992. One of the most poignant aspects of the museum is the visible evidence of the violence and hatred the King family endured. In January 1956, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the parsonage was bombed. The King-Johns Garden for Reflection, located on the grounds of the museum, provides a serene space for contemplation and remembrance. The garden features stones inscribed with Christian virtues, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on the values that guided Dr. King's work and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Popular Experiences near Dexter Parsonage Museum

Popular Hotels near Dexter Parsonage Museum

Select Currency