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4 separate statues of the four little girls who were killed in the 16th st Baptist Church bombing Photo: NPS Photo

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

National Monument · Alabama

Plan your visit Directions
  • LocationBirmingham, AL
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursToday: Closed
  • Weather now84°F Sunny
  • Alerts 1 active alert

In 1963, images of snarling police dogs unleashed against non-violent protesters and of children being sprayed with high-pressure hoses appeared in print and television news around the world. These dramatic scenes of violent police aggression against civil rights protesters in Birmingham, Alabama were vivid examples of segregation and racial injustice in America.

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Statue of a boy being grabbed by a policemen who is holding a dog posed to bite on a leash
Statue in Kelly Ingram park dedicated to Birmingham Foot soldiers — NPS Photo

Alerts (1)

Park ClosureA.G Gaston Motel Closed for Construction The 1954 wing of the A.G. Gaston Motel is closed for renovation. Visit the Temporary Visitor Center in the Birmingham Ci… Read more

The 1954 wing of the A.G. Gaston Motel is closed for renovation. Visit the Temporary Visitor Center in the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute at 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 open Wednesday–Friday 10 am to 4 pm. The construction is expected to take 18 months. When completed the site will increase accessibility with a new elevator, new exhibits to tell the story of the building and Project C, and revitalize this historic landmark. Follow the link for more information.

More on NPS.gov

Things to Do

3 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Colored Photo of the front of the 16th St. Baptist Church
Hundreds of people visit Birmingham each year to see the 16th St. Baptist Church and learn about its important role in Birmingham's Civil Rights Movement — NPS Photo

Facilities & Services

Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Visitor Centers

  • A.G. Gaston Fall 2024

    A.G. Gaston Motel (Temporarily Closed)

    Visitor Center

    The 1954 wing of the A.G. Gaston Motel, including the visitor center, is temporarily closed. The A.G. Gaston Motel served as the headquarters for the Birmingham…

    Directions

    Details
    The 1954 wing of the A.G. Gaston Motel, including the visitor center, is temporarily closed. The A.G. Gaston Motel served as the headquarters for the Birmingham campaign. In April through May of 1963 civil rights leaders, including Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., took up residence at the motel where they strategized and made critical decisions about the non-violent campaign that targeted Birmingham’s segregation laws and practices. Several key events of the campaign publicly unfolded at the property.
  • Just Outside

    Temporary Visitor Center (Birmingham Civil Rights Institute)

    Visitor Center

    Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument opened this visitor center in August 2026, while renovations of the A.G. Gaston Motel continue. The visitor center is located…

    520 16th St N., Birmingham, AL Directions

    Details
    Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument opened this visitor center in August 2026, while renovations of the A.G. Gaston Motel continue. The visitor center is located inside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute which helps connect the Birmingham Civil Rights story to the larger struggle for civil rights history.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Today: Closed · Brochures and NPS Passport Book Available

Hours details
  • Brochures and NPS Passport Book AvailableToday: Closed

    Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument brochures and NPS passport stamp are available for visitors at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on Sunday's, 1:00 - 5:00 PM and Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The A.G. Gaston Motel is currently closed to the public and updates for the Motel opening will be available on the NPS park website at a later date.

    MondayClosed
    TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday10:00AM - 3:00PM
    Thursday10:00AM - 3:00PM
    Friday10:00AM - 3:00PM
    Saturday10:00AM - 3:00PM
    SundayClosed

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

A.G. Gaston Motel, 1510 5th Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203

Get directions Map & directions info

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

84°F
Sunny · feels like 84°
  • Today 86° 62°
    Sunny
    4% rain
  • Tomorrow 88° 65°
    Sunny
    2% rain
  • Wednesday 89° 66°
    Sunny
    2% rain

Updated 19 min ago

What to expect by season

Temperatures can soar to extremes of heat and humidity in the summer and fall to damp, wet, cold in the winter. Visitors should dress in comfortable clothing during the summer season, wear comfortable shoes, and use sunscreen. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. In the spring and fall, visitors should have a light jacket available as temperatures can drop suddenly. Winter temperatures can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to extremely cold.

Getting There

A.G. Gaston Motel, 1510 5th Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203

Via I-65 North or South From I-65, take I-20/59 NE towards Atlanta. Exit at the 17th Street Exit (first exit off of I-20/59).

Full directions

Bear right and proceed to the light. From that light go two blocks to 6th Avenue N. Turn right on to 6th Avenue N. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is one block up on your left. A.G. Gaston Motel The interior of the A.G. Gaston Motel is currently closed to the public and updates for the Motel opening will be available on the NPS park website at a later date.

Get directions NPS directions Official NPS site

Mailing address: Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, Birmingham, AL 35203

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