
Photo by Beth Miles.
With Birmingham’s rich history in the Civil Rights Movement during the ’50s and ’60s, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is the city’s most well-known attraction.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER for more tips on how to
live your best life on a budget in Birmingham
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Important 2022 Information from BCRI:
“The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is pleased to welcome back visitors after temporarily closing in 2020 due to COVID-19. The historic galleries at The Institute are open to the public on Thursday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the last admission at 2:00 pm. In order to control the number of visitors on site, advanced timed ticketing is required. In order to maintain public safety, face coverings will be required for all staff and visitors, except for children 2 and under. Any visitor showing signs of illness will be asked to visit at a later date. All public spaces are sanitized and deep cleaned every day. Strategically selected areas are sanitized several times each hour. Social distancing guidelines will be followed.” (via BCRI website. Full Policy Here.)
Passport Cancellation Station is located in the ticket booth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The BCRI serves as the cornerstone of the Civil Rights District beside the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park.
The building, which was designed by New York architect Max Bond features a self-guided tour of the permanent exhibits including the Human Rights Gallery, the Movement Gallery, the Confrontation Gallery, and the Barriers Gallery.
A variety of Special Exhibits and Traveling Exhibits are also available. The museum is family-friendly and offers educational programs for all ages (free to some groups, see below).
Location: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 328-9696

Statue of Dr. Fred Shuttlesworth. Photo by Beth Miles.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Discounts
Visit Online Ticketing & Visitor Guidelines Here
Important COVID-19 Update
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a Smithsonian affiliate, is pleased to welcome back our visitors after temporarily closing due to COVID-19. Advanced online timed ticketing is required.
Tour and Gift Shop Hours
Closed: Sunday – Wednesday
Open: Thursday-Saturday, 10 AM- 3 PM
*Note: Last admission at 2:00 pm.*
- $15 – Adults
- $13 – College Students / Military / AAA Members (with ID)
- $5 – Seniors and Youth who reside outside Jefferson Co.
FREE admission for all kids 3rd grade and under
FREE admission for all Jefferson Co. students 4th-12th grade
FREE admission for active military and families Memorial Day through Labor Day (see Blue Star Program)
Ask about discounts for AAA and Smithsonian Members.
Become a member:
For continuous discounts and perks throughout the year, you can become a BCRI member. There are a variety of options, and your support funds BCRI’s general operation for the community at large.
The most popular is for individuals ($35) and families($70). This includes daily free admission, complimentary guest passes, invitations to member events, gift shop discounts, and a Birthday Club membership with a free gift for kids 6-12.
For more information on the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, click here.
You might also be interested in:
- Signing up for Birmingham on the Cheap’s emails
- Birmingham on the Cheap’s event calendar
- National restaurant deals for seniors
- Free Admission/Discounts at Birmingham’s Civil Rights Institute
Leave a Reply