We have made a trip to Monroeville as a day trip before, and enjoyed it, but the time to go is to see the live performance of To Kill A Mockingbird. It is fabulous. The first act is outside in a beautiful arena. There are roomy wooden chairs, and you will need cushions. Check the weather closely ... We were extremely cold in May, 2014. The second act was inside the courthouse, and the AC was sooo cold. With jackets and a blanket we were miserably cold. Take a bag to carry layers you can peel on and off because it is worth it! Even if the weather is hot outside, prepare for the cold courtroom. The Courthouse was fun to poke around in. Radley's and the Courthouse Cafe had delicious food!
A beautiful courthouse and courtroom. I LOVE the way that you can walk all over the courtroom. No ropes keeping you back. Full access and a chance to sit at counsel tables, sit in the jury box ... And the rooms explaining the book and movie were exceedingly well done.
My wife surprised me with a trip to Monroeville, AL. I said, "What and Where?" She said TRUST ME! So, I lowered my expectations and went along for the ride. I was expecting something unusual, and that's what I received. I was expecting a great 'hole in the wall restaurant,' and I didn't get that.......mercy! The production, sights, smells, and WONDERMENT of it all literally blew me away! I am, no doubt, a creative and need inspiration. The OLD MONROE CC&HM was just that.....Absolutely beautiful place, great show, even more FABULOUS INSIDE THE COURTHOUSE. My favorite movie came alive as I participated! WOW! The meal on the other hand, didn't happen.......Mickey D's.......MERCY!!!
Driving through Alabama you must take a detour to visit Monroeville, not just the old courthouse, but the surrounding town. After reading and watching "to Kill a Mockingbird" I just had to visit. I was shocked at how quiet the town was when I arrived, but entering the courthouse takes you back in time to the Harper Lee's childhood and brings back good memories of the film. You can wander round the courthouse (both at floor level and from the gallery) undisturbed and restored to the set up of the film. You get a great insight in the museum into the childhood of both Harper Lee and Trueman Caopte and a great guie to walking through the town of Monroeville. The tour itself was not as interesting as I would have hoped (most sites are no longer there), but you doget to see some beautiful old homes and such a quaint town. A must visit for all in Alabama
A group of us visited Monroeville, AL and attended the play. We had a great time. Earlier in the afternoon, my husband and I toured the museum and gift shop. We were greeted by very friendly staff members and my husband was asked to serve on the jury of the play to be held later that evening.The museum was interesting and had a 10 year old video/documentary playing in one area with a couple of comfortable chairs. To see the museum and watch the 55 minute video would only take an hour and a half or two hours at the most. The museum tour is free.The gift shop in the museum had a good variety of souvenirs and we boosted the economy. The play was presented in two acts. The first act was presented outside in an amphitheater. The sets were great. For reference, I would definitely suggest taking a seat cushion for the wooden chairs. One irritation about the play being outside was the noise from cars and motorcycles driving by with very loud mufflers. The second act of the play was inside the courthouse. It can be difficult when moving inside to get seating together for a group of people since there are no reserved seats. The play was very good and the actors did a great job. I would definitely love to go back again! Tickets for the play were $50 each.
A trove of information on Harper Lee and Truman Capote....both former residents (Lee still lives here) and lots of historic documents relating to To Kill a Mockingbird and the annual play.
We travelled to Monroeville specifically to visit the Old Monroe County Courthouse and Heritage Museum, and we were not disappointed. The exhibits are extremely well done, and being able to view / sit in the actual courthouse where Harper Lee spent considerable time watching her father practice law was inspiring. The staff is extremely courteous. If you're a fan of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, I definitely recommend adding this to your 'bucket list' of places to visit!
The courthouse is still has that old town feel. Nice displays for Harper Lee and Truman Capote. The whole town is almost preserved, old houses and history all around. Nice local shops around the courthouse. I think it is a nice place to see while passing through just to add it to your list of places you have seen.
Every year the Monroe County Courthouse puts on the production of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and it was phenomenal. The cast was incredible and the courthouse is beautiful. The old courthouse is the location for the 1962 film and is also the location of the trial/second act in the play. This is a bucket list must! Come early and explore the courthouse and the history on Harper Lee, Truman Capote and the town of Monroeville. The courthouse also has a great gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir. There is no fee to visit the courthouse but the play tickets for the 2014 season were $50 per ticket and worth every penny!
We stopped at the Chamber and got a walking tour of downtown which gives you all the places you want to see and experience To Kill A Mockingbird. A must see town if you like Haper Lee and Truman Capote.