Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
This historic museum traces the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who changed the course of American history. The struggle for equality for Black Americans is chronicled here, from the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s.
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from $32.00
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The area
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Restaurants
360 within 3 miles

Bistro Two Eighteen
225
0.5 mi$$$$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Paramount
168
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Green Acres Cafe
32
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • American

Urban Cookhouse
16
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Magnolia BBQ and Fish
11
0.2 mi$ • Barbecue

Pizitz Food Hall
90
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Vegetarian Friendly

Cafe Dupont
199
0.5 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Roots & Revelry
72
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options

Zoes Kitchen
36
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Chick-fil-A
5
0.2 miAmerican
Attractions
80 within 6 miles

Kelly Ingram Park
296
358 ftHistoric Walking Areas • Parks

Civil Rights District
144
282 ftHistoric Walking Areas

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
22
0.1 miSpeciality Museums

Alabama Theatre
217
0.3 miTheaters

McWane Science Center
954
0.4 miScience Museums • Aquariums

Carver Theater
6
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Theaters

Alabama Historical Radio Society Museum
1
0.2 miScience Museums

Birmingham Museum of Art
544
0.5 miArt Museums

4th Avenue Business District
1
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Birmingham's Railroad Park
294
0.5 miParks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,279 reviews
Excellent
1,029
Very good
208
Average
27
Poor
4
Terrible
12
Aubrey C
Atlanta, GA24 contributions
Well done, learned a lot, engaging style, though exhibits feel dated. I liked that they gave a historical overview of the Civil Rights movement both in the country and specifically in Alabama. We spent over 2 hrs here. I read a lot more than I usually do in museums, though many of the plaques in the same area were repetitive.
When we went, we had to purchase timed tickets, so I would recommend getting them online in advance! We also had to check our purse & backpack. They had small lockers to rent for $1, we were able to squeeze both bags into one locker. I'd recommend packing light/leaving larger bags in hotel if you come! We parked in a city garage across the park from the museum, which was convenient.
When we went, we had to purchase timed tickets, so I would recommend getting them online in advance! We also had to check our purse & backpack. They had small lockers to rent for $1, we were able to squeeze both bags into one locker. I'd recommend packing light/leaving larger bags in hotel if you come! We parked in a city garage across the park from the museum, which was convenient.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin E
London, UK145 contributions
Unless you've been living under a rock, you will have heard about Birmingham's role in the US Civil Rights struggle. This Institute does a fantastic job of telling the story of the (still ongoing) struggle through exhibits, films and stories. Simply a must-see
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nylady21
Philadelphia, PA750 contributions
Couples
The experience in the BCRI was one of the most impactful Museum tours I have ever done. The design was expertly Co st cited with displays, timelines, videos and personal stories. I can’t recommend it highly enough to understand the evolution of the fight for civil rights. Take several hours to really view, read and learn.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EaglesFan27
Reading, PA590 contributions
Solo
I believe everyone should take the chance to learn about our history. The museum highlights the civil rights movement and shows how the people of Birmingham played a role. Museums are the best we got for time travel and this one did a good job of presenting the movement as it happened.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Megan
Malinta, OH84 contributions
Excellent museum! The information is emotional but timely. They had a great combination of artifacts, reading, and different charts, pictures, videos, etc to put things into perspective. I enjoyed seeing the two different versions of a classroom, and I thought it was very interesting how you entered "a church" to read that info, a "house" to read that particular info, etc. The museum immersed you in the information. We spent about two hours here, and it is right across from the 16th street church and a park with sculptures and statues. This is a good place to visit if you are interested in the Civil Rights era
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susanna J
59 contributions
Family
We had a free afternoon in Birmingham and decided to visit this museum. We had booked tickets well in advance before doing any research on the Institute. We debated on whether or not to go, based upon controversial awards associated with the Institute. (Apparently the Institute and Museum are separate. The museum does not get into current American politics which we appreciate). In the end we decided to go. We stayed for an hour and a half and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. This museum is very well displayed. There are some amazing artifacts, such as a Freedom Riders bus. My favorite part was the glass wall that allowed me to look at the Birmingham church as I read about the bombing and simulateously saw where this horrific act occured. The last section focuses on the struggles for civil rights around the globe. I suggest the museum consider including the horrific abuse the Chinese Muslim Uighurs are enduring at hands of their own government. This is one of worst abuses going on in our world right now and it is often under reported in our media. Overall a good visit and I recommended. I would keep in mind though that they only allow very small puraes. We have visited hundreds of historic sites and museums and this is the only museum with this policy. Not a huge deal, but just keep in mind if your purse is large. If the weather is nice, I suggest you go to the park across from the museum and read the displays.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stellybelly
Alabama2 contributions
Family
My family and I joined a large group of homeschool students for a visit to the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Institute. My middle school students had just finished reading The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis and our high school students read The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois.
The Civil Rights Institute is a beautiful museum filled with interactive exhibits, video, historical accounts, visual poetry, art and much more. Every student was completely immersed in the details of each exhibit. There is something for every age at this establishment. Everyone at the museum went above and beyond to answer our questions and guide us through history.
This museum is one of Birmingham's finest and one you definitely do not want to miss.
The Civil Rights Institute is a beautiful museum filled with interactive exhibits, video, historical accounts, visual poetry, art and much more. Every student was completely immersed in the details of each exhibit. There is something for every age at this establishment. Everyone at the museum went above and beyond to answer our questions and guide us through history.
This museum is one of Birmingham's finest and one you definitely do not want to miss.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TN_Traveller_12
Nashville, TN48 contributions
We had some time to kill while in Birmingham for a baseball tournament, so we decided to visit the B'ham Civil Right Institute. I didn't really know what to expect, but the visit was incredibly informative. The tour starts with a short movie about the origins of B'ham (which is far younger than I realized). You then follow a series of chronological exhibits showing what life was like in the city during the 1950s for black and white families, how the civil rights movement started in different parts of the American south in the 1950s and 1960s, and how the movement changed the country. Many of the exhibits are very powerful emotionally. They weren't "preachy" but told the history of the civil rights movement clearly. We spent about 90 minutes here, and we were taking our time. Definitely worth a visit.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jean H
Pleasant Prairie, WI296 contributions
Growing up White in lower-middle class America, I had no idea what minorities were going through in the 1950s and 60s, then television brought the Civil Rights movement into our living room. I remember seeing the water cannons and dogs used against the protestors. The exhibits here really put you back into that era and give deeper understanding to what it meant to be Black in America, especially in the Deep South. The 16th Street Baptist Church is right across the street; it was the scene of a bombing that killed four young girls and put Birmingham at the center of the Civil Rights movement.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl J
Indianapolis, IN418 contributions
Family
A must see educational experience for all. The institute does an excellent job with the timeline of the Birmingham Civil Rights movement. Plenty of exhibits you could hear the voices of the past. Deeply moving and crucially important for our teens to experience. Thank you.
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cost of admissions
Sherri J
Silvis, IL90 contributions
yes it costs 11.00 it is best to get a reservation time you can spend as much time as you need. The cost also includes the shuttle ride to the Peace and Justice Lynching Monument as well. Well worth the money.
how much was a tour guide?
Nancy W
Maryland Heights, MO72 contributions
No charge
keith g
Inverness, UK1 contribution
wheres nearest airport to fly into from the uk?
jeaneans2017
Lawerenceville, United States4 contributions
Atlanta would probably be the nearest major airport. It is a two-hour drive from Atlanta to Birmingham Alabama.
Kimberly P
Clermont
I'll be pulling a travel trailer. Is there a place for me to park?
moviegeekjn
Phoenix, AZ1,847 contributions
When I was there, parking spaces were plentiful around the civil rights areas of town.... but it will be more challenging in downtown shopping/restaurant areas (not impossible)
Steph P
New York City, NY26 contributions
Does anyone know the music choices they used in the opening film?
Frog Price
Moody, AL100 contributions
the music is on the credits.
NewName123
Saint Louis, MO59 contributions
About how long does it take to see the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute?
Sue M
Gold Coast, Australia500 contributions
Allow at least an hour but if you are really interested you can spend much longer. Especially if you engage one of the staff who can talk with you about so much more.
Sgoes
Cincinnati, OH358 contributions
Is parking available on-site at the Institute?
Michelle D
2 contributions
We parked in the 16th Street Church parking lot with no problem although, as another poster responded, there is also parking on the street.
Be sure to leave a little extra time to stroll through the park across the street and, of course, club me the steps to the doors of the church. Very moving.
Frequently Asked Questions about Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is open:
- Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 2 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Birmingham Civil Rights Institute:
- (0.51 mi) Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection
- (0.51 mi) Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.48 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler
- (0.50 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Birmingham Downtown
- (0.40 mi) Tourway Inn
- Restaurants near Birmingham Civil Rights Institute:
- (0.17 mi) Dawson's Burgers Wings & Fries
- (0.18 mi) Chick-fil-A
- (0.21 mi) Green Acres Cafe
- (0.46 mi) Bistro Two Eighteen
- (0.20 mi) Magnolia BBQ and Fish