Background

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

A powerful and solemn memorial in Montgomery, AL, dedicated to the victims of racial terror lynchings and the legacy of slavery and injustice in America.

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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, and African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow laws. Opened in 2018, this six-acre site serves as a solemn space for reflection on America's history of racial inequality and injustice.

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.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle that connects the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum.
  • Be prepared for an emotionally intense experience as the memorial confronts a difficult history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is located at 417 Caroline Street in Montgomery. From downtown Montgomery, including areas around the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa and the Convention Center, the memorial is accessible by foot. The walk is approximately 16 minutes. Be mindful of the weather, especially during summer.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the vicinity of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Bus routes 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, and 12 have stops within walking distance of the memorial. From the Intermodal Transfer Center, various bus lines can get you close to the memorial. Check the local Montgomery public transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. A single ride fare costs $1.25.

  • Shuttle

    A free shuttle service operates between the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The Legacy Museum is located at 400 N. Court Street. Shuttles depart approximately every 15 minutes from the museum and drop visitors off near the entrance to the memorial at 417 Caroline Street. The shuttle operates from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. This service is free with your admission ticket.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A typical ride from a downtown hotel, such as the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, to the memorial 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. Limited parking is available near the memorial. Parking is available at the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, and visitors can take the free shuttle to the memorial. Metered parking is available throughout the National Mall area for $2.30 per hour, with a maximum duration of 3 hours. Some hotels, like the Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center, offer free parking.

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Discover more about The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice stands on a hilltop overlooking Montgomery, Alabama, as the first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people and those terrorized by racial violence. The memorial recognizes the thousands of lynchings that occurred across the U.S. between 1877 and 1950, many of which went undocumented. The memorial features over 800 six-foot monuments, each representing a county in the United States where racial terror lynchings took place. The names of more than 4,400 Black people killed in racial terror lynchings are engraved on these steel monuments. As visitors walk through the memorial, they encounter suspended columns evoking the horror of lynchings. Replicas of the monuments are available for counties to claim and display locally, encouraging communities to confront their histories of racial violence. The memorial also includes a garden, sculpture groupings, and explanatory texts to contextualize racial terror. Kwame Akoto-Bamfo's sculptures on slavery confront visitors at the entrance, while Dana King's sculpture honors the women who sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The memorial displays writings from Toni Morrison and words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with a reflection space dedicated to Ida B. Wells. Visitors are encouraged to allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully experience the memorial. A free shuttle service connects the memorial to the Legacy Museum, which provides additional context on the history of racial injustice in America.

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