This memorial is located on the outside of the Legacy Museum in a small plaza. It is located behind…read morewhere the shuttle picks up to take visitors to the memorial park. This is a very nice memorial that is intended to honor the thousands of Black people lynched in the years immediately following emancipation, whose names may never be known. The memorial has bench seating on its permitter and features a fountain that lists 560 names of lynching victims, a small representation of the thousands killed between 1865 and 1876. You will find sculptures of 3 African heads of different ages coming out from the center of the water fountain. They are very detailed and almost look real. I can feel their pain. At the end of the fountain you will see a wall that reads a follow: "May we never forget all those who suffered and died because they asserted their basic human right to be free". It is very somber memorial and is respectfully done. It educated me as well. I really did not think about the mass lynchings that were conducted post emancipation by white mobs. The fact that everyone was not happy and did not approve of emancipation is commonly overlooked. Many of those people resorted to violence to express their disapproval and maintain supremacy. I like this mural. It is a one of a kind and honors a somewhat forgotten group. The fountain/water table, sculptures and wall and masterfully done and look awesome. You just have to see it for yourself. Anyway, as with most memorials that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. More than likely you will stop here while visiting the Legacy Museum, but if not, you should at least make this part of a larger itinerary.

As an artist and art educator I appreciate a well designed and curated museum and this one is…read moreperhaps one of the best I've ever been in. Really powerful stuff here, I think every adult in America needs to experience it. I would caution that I think it would take a well prepared and mature child to visit here, it really drives home America's ugly racial past.

This is a polished steel sculpture located in the center of a roundabout in Montgomery, near the…read moreNational Memorial for Peace and Justice. It is a collaborative piece by Jon Cook, Barrett Bailey, Robert Minervini, and Chuck Parkinson and was dedicated in March 2015. The sculpture is meant to honor the people that took the long march from Selma to Montgomery in protest of unfair voting rights, who passed that same corner on their way to the Capitol. The sculpture is well maintained and very reflective. I am surprised that the sun beaming off of it does not blind drivers navigating the roundabout. This sculpture is part of the Selma to Montgomery Trail and has a City of Montgomery Interpretive Sign at the location. The sign is #8, titled Five Points and has a picture of MLK and his wife Coretta leading a march. The sculpture kind of resembles the image in the photo and depicts a silhouette of people marching which little children on both ends and flags flying in the background. There are no identifiable people in the sculpture. They are all abstract, which means that you can put who you want in the sculpture and that it can apply even to today with the people marching for police reform and justice. It is a simple, but yet powerful piece and I really like it. When I saw it, I just had to stop and find out more about it. Luckily the roundabout that it is located on is not very busy, so, I was able to park on the street nearby to get out and get a closer look. Once you are at the center of the roundabout, there is a stone walkway that you can stand safely on and admire the sculpture up close. Anyway, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. You may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, such as the near-by National Memorial for Peace and Justice or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

Parking here can be tricky. I was able to find some free street parking. There is metered street…read moreparking available as well within a reasonable walking distance. Outside you will find a waterfall running down a wall that has a quote from Martin Luther King. There is also a large circular black granite water table that has the names of 41 people killed (Martyrs) in the name of the civil rights struggle. It was designed by Maya Lin in 1989. In order to enter here you must have a must, submit to a temperature check and go through security screening. This is one of the few museum in the area that allows photos inside. The Center is very small. The first room that you come to is the The Martyr Room and features 74 people, that are known as "The Forgotten", and the 41 "Civil Rights Martyrs" that are listed on the memorial outside. Sadly, it is an extensive list and has Emmet Till, Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers, and other less notable names. The main section of the Center is the Apathy is Not an Option: Orientation Theater. It seats about 75 or so and is very nice. The movie that they play here is on a schedule and the timer is located in the previous room. It tells you when the next showing is. The movie is amazing and is a must see. It is well put together. I really loved it and am glad that I waited for it. The rest of the Center has pictures of people on the walls with phrases and/or personal stories on them It is titled The March Continues: Today's Activist. The Center's last area is the Wall of Justice: A Space of Reflection, a video wall with names falling down. You can put your name on the wall, by agreeing to a pledge. It does not stay there, so if you are going to get a picture of it then you better do it fast. You end you tour in the small gift shop that sells key chains, t-shirt, and pencils/pens, and pictures. It does not take long to make it through the center. I spent about 45 minutes here and that included watching the movie. There is not much to the Center, but is is still worth a visit if you are in the area and have time.

I wouldn't call this a museum. Memorial center, as named, is appropriate…read more It is worthwhile as the staff are super nice and helpful, the film is informative, and it goes over personal accounts of those involved in the civil rights struggle. But that's about all that's here. This isn't in-depth; it took me less than an hour to complete my visit--but it's a good adjunct to the EJI museum and memorial. And near the freedom rides museum. Each museum is only five dollars, so you can see the EJI museum and memorial, the civil rights memorial center, and the freedom rides museum for 15 total dollars. Why not?

Beautiful fountain with a a deep history!! It's in a beautiful part of the town. The city is just…read moreenriched in history and is a must see. It is gorgeous and you can tell the city keeps this well maintained. To park, you'd have to find street parking or a lot a walk over but it absolutely worth it and view the Capital from the fountain. There are also shopping and lunch spots are within walking distance. No matter what your ancestry is, you should see this and learn about the history of Montgomery, Alabama.

My daughter did a report on Rosa Parks in school and on a road trip down to Gulf Shores we decided…read moreto come see her bus stop. In getting a photo with Rosa, we were in awe of the cast iron Court Square Fountain-- which is directly in front of the stop. There's a gorgeous Greek goddess on top of it. Birds at the base. I'm told there are others like it in Memphis and Bowling Green. We met a local as we were sightseeing and he said the fountain was the center of slave trade. Slaves, livestock and land were auctioned at this spot. Overall there is so much history involved with Court Square Fountain! Very cool, worth a see.

So much history is simply demolished. Some cities, like Montgomery, have sites such as these that…read morereassemble these otherwise forgotten bits of bygone days. It's fun to ramble through these old buildings that are all quite well-preserved. If you have children, multiply the time you spend here by two or three or four.

January 12, 2013, Tony and I did a self guided walking tour of Montgomery, Al. We had a great day…read more The weather was warm and lovely. We happened upon this 6 block historical section of old homes in Montgomery, Al. There are new homes here. Here is a brief history of the buildings: Tour the Authentic 19th Century Village Today There are no facades or newly constructed buildings here! Our 19th century village features completely authentic 19th and early 20th century homes and buildings that have been saved from demolition, carefully restored, and reopened to the public as a history museum. At Old Alabama Town, you will learn how early Americans of all backgrounds lived and worked in Central Alabama. History lives at Old Alabama Town, where six blocks of authentically restored 19th and early 20th century structures beckon you to step back in time to the days of one-room... Self-Guided Tours We offer self-guided tours Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last ticket is sold at 3 p.m., though visitors are free to explore until 4 p.m. Upon purchasing admission at the Old Alabama Town Reception Center, guests will receive a property map to guide them on their walking tour of our Living and Working Blocks. Visitors are free to explore at their own pace and leave and return throughout the day. Costumed interpreters are available on each block to answer questions. A fully guided tour of the Ordeman House is also included in general admission. Tours of the Ordeman House are available Monday-Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Ordeman tour times are subject to change without notice. Call 1-888-240-1850 on the day of your visit to confirm times.

This is the best museum we have seen on our civil rights tour so far. Lots of movie clips…read moreintegrated with the exhibits so sitting alternates with standing and listening and watching alternates with reading. Take the Time machine ride in the children's wing first if you possibly can. And watch for references to all the women leading the movement that we often don't hear about.

The absolute one thing I wanted to do when I found out I was going to be in the Montgomery region…read morewas to come to this museum. My heart broke when I was online looking at the surrounding areas and saw that this was (at that time) temporarily closed. Due to updating of exhibits with new technology. I was a bit down because of this because I have been obsessed with Rosa Parks since high school. I was just going to let it slide until I did a bit more researching while in the city. I went to their website and noticed that they were reopening on MLK Day...the day I was to leave to head back home. I started to hatch a plan to allow me to visit, I couldn't pass it up. With them opening up on MLK Day they were doing a special where you got half off admissions. Not that bad of a deal. There are two portions to this museum, the main exhibit and a children's portion of it. Both cost $7 and when I found out I was going to pay just $7 for both that day, I thought why not. But I will touch on this a bit later. DISCLAIMER: Don't be like me and take pictures, it is not allowed. Let me explain. When I came here I was in a rush, when I came inside I was asked if I was here for the museum or if I was here to use the restroom. They were allowing people gathering for the MLK Day parade outside use the restroom. I said that I was here for the museum. The guy working the host stand hurried me into the museum as a group just went in. Rushing me in since the start of the museum was a video presentation. With that, he did the honor system with me (yet again), told me to pay and opened the door and let me inside. With all the hurry of getting inside, I wasn't given time to read anything of the rules or be given a rundown or the rules. More on this a bit later in the review. Once you enter you are greeted by a replica of the Montgomery City Bus that Rosa Parks stood her ground on. The bus is equipped with video screens that fill in for the windows. This portion of the museum is totally immersive, as you watch the interaction taking place on the bus, hearing the overhead voice to fill in the gaps, watching the actors portraying the events, lights guiding your eyes to parts in the room to keep you in the moment (portions outside of the bus). Also, you will notice that you are on what is supposed to be a street. The street that this historic event takes place, once you figure this out you will notice you are technically standing in front of the theater, near a payphone. But you are immersed into it all that you don't realize it until the lights come up and guide you to the rest of the museum. Once out of this you then go through each and every moment that followed Ms. Parks action. Including MLK's entrance into the movement, the use of personal cars to help people get to work when boycotting the bus (and the targeting of the those given rides), The eventual end of the boycott, the continued progression of the Civil Rights Movement, and so on. All the while educating you. I wish I could have met Ms. Parks in person, this museum brought more information to light for me about her. This should be called a memorial on top of a museum and library. To touch base on the admission. The other portion of this is a children's based interaction and could be skipped by adults in you do not want to take this in. It is an interactive 'ride.' You enter the 'bus' and are driven through history. It is made to be an educational tool to teach children about segregation. The bus is meant to be a time machine that mashes up history a bit by having historical figures 'meet' and educate those on the ride. The bus does move and vibrate and there are flashing lights, it is interesting to experience, but not a must.

This is a unique sculpture that you can only see if you are standing directly in front of it. It is…read moremade up of more than 300 pieces of cut steel. At first all you will see is the black steel spires in a "V" shape and wonder, what is this all about. But it will eventually makes sense though.Trust me. If you are having difficulty seeing it, try looking at through your phones camera. Sometimes that helps. The sculpture sits out front of the Rosa Parks Museum and Library Across from Troy College. Its location used to be a fountain. There is metered street parking in front of the sculpture and within a reasonable walking distance that makes it easy to park, get out and take a closer look. The sculpture is identical to one located at Maxwell Air Force Base at the site where she worked in the 1940's. They are referred to as sister pieces, with the only difference being their backgrounds. It is the work of Ian Mangum, a US Air Force employee, and was dedicated in December 2021. The project was funded by the Alabama Power Foundation, Troy University and Air University Foundation The art work itself is very nice, but I love how it appears to just be some poles coming from out of the ground until you line up just right with it and the portrait reveals itself. It depicts a headshot of Ms. Park with her signature glasses on. It is a creative and wonderful piece. I would say it was one of a kind, if there were not two of them. I loved this piece and its home is very appropriate and it provides a great welcome to the museum. Anyway, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. You may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area. You more than likely will be visiting the Rosa Parks Museum when you come across this sculpture anyway. Either way you should make this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

I had visited the museum and memorial when they first opened and was blown away then. Now, the team…read morehas really built up a learning and honoring enterprise that everyone should visit. The sculpture garden and the boat ride to it are beautifully organized and provide space for reflection and learning at your own pace. Relying on the shuttles is your best bet to not have to back track. Make sure you know the shuttle schedule and routes ahead of time, though, so you don't get too delayed.

Traveling the world, I've been to a sculpture park or two, but none as powerful as the Freedom…read moreMonument Park. Located along the Alabama River on land that was stolen from indigenous peoples and later used to enslave people, the park is sacred. Here's our experience. 1) Tickets: Our group got tickets to all three Legacy Sites online. All three tickets cost around $5 per person, an affordable place to make the sites accessible. Shuttles are offered between the three. We took the boat from the boat ramp to Freedom Monument Park, which takes around 15 minutes with a narrative playing about Montgomery as you sail through the water. 2) Experience: Turn off your phone (you can only take photos of the very first sculpture, National Monument to Freedom, and the reflection waterfall) and take your time. Plan to spend at least an hour if not two to read every plaque and gaze at the powerful art, large and small, along the path. To start, the path walks through the story of Indigenous peoples who were victim to oppression. It then transitions into the Black story in the U.S.A. with art, old slave quarters, and more. Some you can walk inside. Others you see from the distance. At the end, there's a giant monument listing the surnames of over 100,000 people included in the first census after emancipation. On either side of the monument are bowls of flowers to lay in the little stream in front of the grand monument. Afterwards, go inside the small center to use the restrooms, get water, or dive deeper into what you just witnessed.

I do love a free museum and I love beautiful artworks, so stopping at the Montgomery Museum of Fine…read moreArts felt like an easy yes as we were passing through Alabama, especially since the museum offers free entry and free parking and keeps generous hours most days of the week . The building sits inside the Blount Cultural Park, and once you step inside you realize how much there is to see here, from American paintings to regional art to a wide range of decorative works drawn from a collection of more than 4,000 pieces. We ended up spending about two hours wandering through the galleries, which felt just right for a relaxed visit before getting back on the road. The museum's layout makes it easy to move from one gallery to the next without feeling rushed, and the mix of sculptures, paintings, and glasswork keeps things interesting, especially when you turn a corner and find something completely different in tone or scale. The Caddell Sculpture Garden adds another dimension to the experience, offering an outdoor space designed for reflection and seasonal change. Accessibility is clearly a priority here, with elevators to all floors, seating throughout the galleries, accessible restrooms, and even EnChroma glasses available for color‑blind visitors upon request . Free Wi‑Fi is available indoors and outdoors, and the museum shop has been recently renovated to highlight work by regional artists, which makes it a pleasant final stop before heading out again though they were only accepting cash today as the credit card machine was broken. All in all, it's the kind of museum that rewards both a quick visit and a longer stay, and it's absolutely worth the stop if you're anywhere near Montgomery. [Review 306 of 2026 - 287 in Alabama - 25494 overall]

Really exceptional art collection in a lovely location…read more Worth your time and money!! Finding the location and parking were both easy. Gift shop was not entirely wonderful...no compelling "must buys"