Dexter Parsonage Museum, River Region Travel Guide

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Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of a civil rights icon at the Dexter Parsonage Museum, the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Dexter Parsonage Museum

Visit the former home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family in Montgomery, Alabama, during his time as pastor at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. This carefully preserved house offers a glimpse into their lives during the tumultuous years of the Civil Rights Movement and stands as a testament to the struggle for equality.

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.

Consider booking a joint tour with the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a more comprehensive understanding of Dr. King's life and work in Montgomery.
Allow ample time for reflection in the King-Johns Garden, a peaceful space for contemplating the values of the Civil Rights Movement.
Note the visible scars from the 1956 bombing on the parsonage steps, a stark reminder of the violence faced by the King family.

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Explore Dexter Parsonage Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Dexter Parsonage Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Dexter Parsonage Museum is located within walking distance of several other 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 Dexter Parsonage Museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. 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. No costs involved.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout downtown Montgomery. A ride from the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) to the Dexter Parsonage Museum will cost approximately $20-$30 and take around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. A short ride from other downtown locations, such as the Rosa Parks Museum or the Civil Rights Memorial, should cost between $8-$15.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104. From I-85, take the Union St exit and follow signs to downtown. 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.

Discover more about Dexter Parsonage Museum

The Dexter Parsonage Museum, located in 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 has been carefully restored to reflect its appearance during the King's residency, with many original pieces used by the family. Visitors can explore the various rooms, including the living room, dining room, bedrooms, and Dr. King's study. 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. The King-Johns Garden for Reflection, located on the grounds, provides a serene space for contemplation and remembrance.The house witnessed history unfold as Dr. King and his family navigated the tumultuous years of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. The parsonage became a sanctuary, a meeting place, and a target of violence, forever etching its place in the annals of American history. In January 1956, the home was bombed, highlighting the violence they faced. Today, visitors can still see visible scars from the 1956 bombing.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 step back in time and experience the challenges and triumphs of a pivotal era in American history.