Plan Your Visit

Historic photo of the A.G. Gaston Motel taken in 1954.
A.G. Gaston Motel. Photo taken in 1954.

Photo courtesy of Birmingham, Ala. Public Library Archives

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument was established in 2017, and encompasses roughly four city blocks in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The National Monument includes the A.G. Gaston Motel, which served as the headquarters for the Birmingham campaign. From April through May of 1963, leaders of the civil rights movement, including Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., took up residence at the motel. Here they strategized and made critical decisions about the non-violent campaign that targeted Birmingham’s segregation laws and practices. In addition to the day in - day out work of the campaign that occurred at the motel, several key events of the campaign publicly unfolded at the property.

The National Park Service has partnered with the City of Birmingham to restore the A.G. Gaston Motel to its appearance during the Birmingham campaign of 1963. The 1954 wing of the A.G. Gaston Motel is temporarily closed for renovations. When completed, the renovations will increase access and create exhibit space to share the stories of A.G. Gaston and the Civil Rights Movement.
 
A ranger stands looks at an 8 foot tall rolling mural. A motel is seen above and in the background.
Basic Information

Find out what you need to know before you visit.

A road with streetlights. Parked on the road is a 4 door car. Part of a sign is visible.
Directions & Transportation

Help getting to the monument.

A large brick church with domes with a statue of 4 girls in a park.
Places to Go

Visit 16th St. Baptist Church and other sites affiliated with the national monument to learn more about Civil Rights Movement history.

The Historic Bethel Baptist Church
Things to Do

Tour churches where meetings took place; stroll through parks where protesters marched; reflect in museums where artifacts are stored.

A statue of a African American man on the stand in a courtroom.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Learn about the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham and how it influenced the movement in America.

A brick building is dappled with late afternoon light. The sign says A.G. Gaston Motel.
Operating Hours

Explore exhibits or stamp your passport stamp at our visitor center. Explore other sites connected to the national monument.

A ranger stands in front of a motel answering questions.
Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions at the national monument.

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
1914 4th Ave North
Suite 440
Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone:

205-679-0065

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