Try the Web App

Martin Luther King Jr. Bust

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Try the Web App

Was it a dream deferred, or a dream finally realized? Here at the Martin Luther King Jr. Bust in Savannah, that question hangs heavy in the air. This bronze bust, unveiled on January 15, 2022, King’s 93rd birthday, marks the first monument in Savannah to honor Dr. King. The bust sits in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, at the northern end of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, in the Plant Riverside District. It’s a significant location, a symbolic endpoint to a street named in his honor. The story of this bust is complex, a blend of triumph and controversy. Surprising as it may seem, Savannah, a city with a majority African American population, took decades to erect a monument to this iconic civil rights leader. Dr. King’s connection to Savannah runs deep. He visited the city multiple times, even practicing his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Second African Baptist Church on Greene Square. In 1964, he declared Savannah “the most desegregated city south of the Mason-Dixon line.” The creation of this monument, a collaboration between The Kessler Collection, the Georgia Power Foundation, and the City of Savannah, was ten years in the making. However, its unveiling wasn’t without its critics. The likeness of the bust has been debated, with some feeling it doesn’t capture Dr. King’s features accurately. The artist, Franco Castelluccio, an Italian sculptor, also known for his work at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside, faced criticism for his interpretation. But despite the controversy, the Martin Luther King Jr. Bust stands as a testament to a dream, however delayed, finally taking form. It invites us to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King, his impact on Savannah, and the ongoing struggle for equality.

The story of Martin Luther King Jr. Bust in Savannah is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Savannah and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Savannah in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Savannah with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Savannah – only with Explory.

More Places in Savannah

Pooler

Ever wonder how Pooler, Georgia, got its name? It is a tale of railroads, a Civil War meeting, and a

Explore

Mount Marriah Church

Standing before Mount Marriah Church, do you feel the echoes of a community’s unwavering spirit? Mount Marriah Missionary Baptist Church

Explore