Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham, AL
A museum that traces the civil rights movement in Birmingham and the wider South through exhibits, film and personal accounts. It faces Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church, so plan to walk all three in one visit.
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opened in November 1992 in Birmingham's Civil Rights District. The multimedia permanent exhibition covers the history of African American life and the struggle for civil rights, including the 1963 Birmingham campaign and the Children's Crusade. The tour is designed as a self-guided journey through Birmingham's role in the civil rights movement. An oral history project preserves the accounts of participants. The Congressional Gold Medal for the four victims of the 1963 church bombing was entrusted to the institute for display.
Across the street are the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park. Parts of the neighborhood were designated the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in January 2017. The sites are close together and can be combined on foot. Allow half a day for the museum, park and church. The subject is serious, and a quiet visit without time pressure suits it best.
- Nearest town
- Birmingham, AL
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 33.5159, -86.8147
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Brookside GreenwayCampsite10 mi from Birmingham Civil Rights Institute · 46 pitchesElectricityShowers
- Oak Mountain State Park CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Birmingham Civil Rights InstituteTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Hoover RV ParkMotorhome stopover13 mi from Birmingham Civil Rights InstituteMotorhomes
- South Birmingham RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Birmingham Civil Rights InstituteMotorhomes
- Hargis Christian CampCampsite16 mi from Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Campground #3Campsite23 mi from Birmingham Civil Rights InstituteTentsCaravans
All campsites in Alabama · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Birmingham Civil Rights Institute?
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is in Birmingham, AL, at GPS 33.5159, -86.8147. It is about 78 mi from Selma.
Can you camp near Birmingham Civil Rights Institute?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Brookside Greenway, about 10 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Birmingham Civil Rights Institute?
Places worth a stop nearby: 16th Street Baptist Church (0 mi), Sloss Furnaces (1 mi), Vulcan Park and Museum (2 mi) and Rickwood Field (2 mi).
When is the best time to visit Birmingham Civil Rights Institute?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)