The iconic cornerstone of the civil rights movement is moving forward with the development of a new education and visitor center next to Birmingham’s 16th Avenue Baptist Church.
The facility, sized at 13,000 square feet and currently under construction in the city’s civil rights district, aims to provide a vibrant space for education, reflection, and community involvement. When finished, it will feature classrooms, meeting rooms, dining areas, a tribute to the civil rights movement, and an exhibition hall dedicated to the four young girls who perished in the tragic 1963 church bombing.
Described by church leaders as a venue that “educates, promotes, and empowers,” the center will cater to students, tourists, and community members eager to understand the individuals and events that influenced America’s civil rights struggle. It is conveniently located next to the church’s sanctuary and the pastor’s office.
While honoring its history, the new center looks to the future. It has been designed by CCR architecture and interiors to support school field trips, community gatherings, exhibitions, and public programs. Additionally, it offers a space for visitors to contemplate the continuous fight for justice and equality.
Various supporters, including local foundations, national charities, government organizations, and church congregants, back this project. Significant contributions come from the Alabama Power Foundation, the Coca-Cola Foundation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Jefferson County Commission, Regional Bank, and the Lilly Foundation.
The Birmingham City Council has also allocated $200,000 in funds for centers that received partial support from the U.S. Rescue Plan.
Situated at 1530 6th Avenue North, the 16th Street Baptist Church draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. With the new education and visitor centers, the overall experience is set to be more immersive, linking past, present, and future generations through a steadfast commitment to justice, remembrance, and community engagement.
For more details on the church and its capital campaign, visit 16thstreetbaptist.org.
