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Civil Rights Memorial: A Place for Reflection and Remembrance

A moving tribute to the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, designed by Maya Lin, in downtown Montgomery, Alabama.

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The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, designed by Maya Lin, honors the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement. A circular black granite table displays the names of 41 individuals who died between 1955 and 1968, with water flowing over the engraved names. It serves as a contemplative space, encouraging visitors to remember the movement, honor those who were killed, and consider how far the country still needs to go in its quest for equality.

A brief summary to Civil Rights Memorial

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center next to the memorial to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and the individuals honored on the memorial.
  • Take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for civil rights and the ongoing struggle for equality.
  • The memorial is accessible 24/7, allowing for visits at any time of day or night.
  • Consider visiting nearby civil rights landmarks such as the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and the Rosa Parks Museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Civil Rights Memorial is located at 400 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery. From the Alabama State Capitol, walk two blocks east on Dexter Avenue, then turn left onto Washington Avenue. The memorial will be on your left, across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit, also known as 'The M', provides bus service throughout the city. Several bus routes stop near the Civil Rights Memorial. Check the Montgomery Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ride fare is $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A short ride from downtown hotels or attractions to the Civil Rights Memorial will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and distance.

  • Parking

    Metered street parking is available on Washington Avenue and surrounding streets. Meters are enforced weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Parking is free on weekends, holidays, and evenings. There are also several parking decks within a quarter mile of the memorial. AirGarage provides parking management solutions in Montgomery, especially convenient for visits to the Civil Rights Memorial. City of Montgomery parking facilities include approximately 2,500 spaces, including five security patrolled and lighted decks.

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Discover more about Civil Rights Memorial

Located in downtown Montgomery, the Civil Rights Memorial stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. Designed by Maya Lin, who also created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the memorial is a powerful and moving monument to a pivotal time in American history. The memorial features a circular, black granite table where water emerges from the center and flows across a timeline of major events and the names of 41 men, women, and children who were killed during the struggle. Lin's design draws inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.'s paraphrase of Amos 5:24: “until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream,” which is inscribed on a curved black granite wall behind the table. Visitors are encouraged to touch the water and the names, creating a personal connection to the individuals and the events commemorated. The memorial is located in an open plaza, accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Adjacent to the memorial is the Civil Rights Memorial Center, which offers exhibits, educational materials, and a theater to further explore the history and significance of the Civil Rights Movement. The center encourages visitors to reflect on the power of activism and to take a pledge to work for justice by adding their name to the Wall of Tolerance.

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