Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument spans four city blocks and includes the A.G. Gaston Motel, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. These connected spaces together tell the story of the civil rights struggle in this city.

In April and May of 1963, civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King Jr. organized nonviolent protests against segregation from a hotel base in the city. These demonstrations drew international media attention to what was happening.

The 4th Avenue Historic District shows where Black-owned businesses and entertainment venues once thrived during segregation. Walking through this area today, you can see the buildings and streets that formed the center of community life.

The National Park Service offers guided tours and educational programs to help you understand the history on the ground. Most of the site is open and walkable, though the hotel building is currently closed for restoration work.

Kelly Ingram Park features sculptures showing police dogs and water hoses used against protesters during demonstrations. These powerful artworks provide a stark visual record of the violence that occurred.

Location: Birmingham

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/bicr

GPS coordinates: 33.51583,-86.81405

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42