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plan your visit

how it works

An immersive docent-led tour through historic Temple Beth El 

The Beth El Civil Rights Experience features a tour through Temple Beth El where visitors explore Birmingham’s civil rights history through the lens of the Jewish community.

This 90-minute, docent-led tour is open to the public and includes: 

  • A short documentary connecting the 1958 attempted bombing of Temple Beth El with the present-day threat of white supremacy 

  • Audio stories from congregants who reflect on the Jewish experience in Birmingham 

  • Participatory exercises with hands-on source material to discover Jewish community members during the Civil Rights Movement

Hours & Pricing

Notes & faqs

  • Tours are made by appointment for groups of 10 - 70 people

  • Groups of 50+ receive a 15% discount

  • Options for kosher lunch and dinner are available to all visiting groups. Catering is priced separately based on menu selection.

  • We do not offer tours on Shabbat. Additionally, we will be closed in observance of the following holidays in 2025:

    • April 13 & 14 (Passover)

    • April 20 (Passover)

    • April 26 (Memorial Day)

    • June 2 & 3 (Shavuot)

    • September 1 (Labor Day)

    • September 22, 23 & 24 (Rosh Hashanah)

    • October 1 & 2 (Yom Kippur)

    • October 7 & 8 (Sukkot)

    • October 14 & 15 (Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah)

    • November 27 & 28 (Thanksgiving)

    • December 24 & 25 (Christmas)

  • Groups booking on September 21, 29, or 30th or October 3 - 6 may be subject to additional fees due to limited staff capacity around the High Holy Days.

  • We want this experience to be accessible to all. Groups needing financial assistance can reach out to info@templebethelexperience.org .

Per Person Pricing (Groups of ten or more)

  • $15 / adult 

  • $10 / student 

  • $7 / local student (Jefferson or Shelby County middle and high-school students)

tour Hours

  • Regular tour hours are Mon - Fri, 9 - 5pm

  • Additionally, we offer evening and Sunday tours, subject to a $200 security fee

Interested in visiting the exhibit in a group of less than ten people? We offer hour-long private tours during regular tour hours. Our private tour price is $25/per person. Additionally, we offer periodic Community Tours with open sign ups and our free, audio tour is always available via TravelStorys.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We have hosted all kinds of visitors, including school classes, corporate teams, researchers, foundation staff, religious organizations, and public officials.

  • Indicate your group size in the reservation form so we can propose alternatives.

  • We offer hour-long private tours during regular tour hours. Our private tour price is $25/per person. Additionally, we offer periodic Community Tours with open sign ups and our free, audio tour is always available via TravelStorys..

  • The experience takes place at Temple Beth El, which is located in the Five Points South neighborhood at 2179 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205. We are approximately 10 minutes from the Birmingham airport, 90 minutes from Montgomery, and 2.5 hours from Atlanta. Parking and arrival details will be sent upon booking confirmation.

  • Yes, so we do our best to minimize disruptions for staff and congregants.

  • No, but you might consider wearing comfortable shoes as we will be walking through various spaces. We will also be outside for one of the tour stops, weather permitting.

  • While we cannot guarantee a full experience program, we will do our best to accommodate based on scheduling.

  • We offer a 15% discount for groups of 50+.

  • As part of our security measures, we closely monitor people coming in and out of the building. For that reason, we kindly ask that groups arrive promptly and enter the building together. Parking and arrival details will be sent upon booking confirmation.

  • Yes, groups interested in visiting on Friday afternoon are welcome to join for Shabbat at no additional cost. Groups are welcome to visit us on Saturday for Shabbat services if their visit coincides; a courtesy fee may be assessed for our weekly luncheon depending on the size of the group.

  • Yes, photos are encouraged throughout the tour, though we ask that phones be kept silent.

  • Yes, catering is available for a kosher meal and priced separately with the kitchen team upon reservation request.

  • Yes, and additional accessibility needs can be shared in the reservation request.

  • Yes, there is an onsite parking lot that can accommodate vehicles and buses. Parking and arrival details will be sent upon booking confirmation.

  • The experience is intended for people age 12 and older. As a content advisory, visitors should be aware that some of the documents contain offensive and discriminatory language. These materials are included in the interest of historic accuracy.

  • No, the experience is open to all. Even if this is your first time in a synagogue, you are welcome here. Kippot will be provided as head coverings prior to entering the chapel.

  • Thank you! Please share your inquiry via email with info@templebethelexperience.org.