Dexter Parsonage Museum: Home of MLK in Montgomery

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Visit the Dexter Parsonage Museum in Montgomery, AL, and walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. Experience the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

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Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, preserves the home where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived with his family from 1954 to 1960 while serving as pastor at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. This carefully restored house offers a glimpse into their lives during the Civil Rights Movement, featuring original furnishings and exhibits detailing the era's challenges.

A brief summary to Dexter Parsonage Museum

309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US
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Friday 12 pm-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dexter Parsonage Museum.

Tours depart on the hour, so arrive a few minutes early to purchase your ticket and ensure you don't miss the start of the tour.
Combine your visit with a tour of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a more complete understanding of Dr. King's life and work.
Allow at least one hour to fully experience the museum and its exhibits.

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Getting There

Walking

The Dexter Parsonage Museum is within walking distance of several historical sites in downtown Montgomery. From the Alabama State Capitol, head east on Dexter Avenue toward Bainbridge Street. Turn right onto S Jackson Street and walk approximately four blocks south. The museum will be on your left. Alternatively, from the Civil Rights Memorial, walk north on N Hull Street, turn right onto Washington Avenue, then turn left onto S Jackson Street. The Museum will be on your right after a few blocks. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104. 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.
Public Transport

Montgomery Transit (The M) provides public transportation in the city. Check the M's website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules. Use the online trip planner to determine the best route from your location. A single ride fare is $1.25.

Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, is a significant landmark in the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. This two-story clapboard house at 309 S Jackson Street served as the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Coretta Scott King, and their children from 1954 to 1960. During this time, Dr. King was the pastor of the adjacent Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the parsonage became a center for planning and strategizing.Built in 1912 in the Centennial Hill neighborhood, the house was purchased by the church in 1919 to serve as a residence for its pastors. The museum has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during the King's residency, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into their daily lives. The rooms, including the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and Dr. King's study, are furnished with period pieces, many of which were used by the King family.The museum also highlights the violence endured by the King family, most notably the bombing of the parsonage in January 1956 during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The adjacent Interpretive Center features exhibits that chronicle the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the role of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the lives of the twelve pastors who resided in the parsonage from 1920 to 1992. The King-Johns Garden for Reflection provides a space for contemplation and remembrance.The Dexter Parsonage Museum is more than just a historic house; it is a living memorial to the Civil Rights Movement and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. It offers visitors a chance to connect with the past, learn about the Civil Rights Movement, and reflect on the ongoing struggle for social justice.