Visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is one of the city’s most important cultural and educational spaces. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are visiting for a weekend, this center offers a powerful look at both the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and ongoing global human rights issues—all in the heart of downtown.

Below is a practical guide to help you understand what the Center is, what you’ll see, how to plan your visit, and how it fits into the broader Atlanta experience.

What Is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights?

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and educational center that connects Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement with broader struggles for human rights around the world.

It is not just a history museum. The exhibits are designed to:

• Share stories from the American Civil Rights era, especially the 1950s–1960s
• Highlight Atlanta’s role as the home of major figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Explore modern human rights issues, including global justice, equality, and dignity
• Encourage visitors to reflect on their own role in promoting civil and human rights

The Center is especially well-known for its immersive exhibits that make you feel emotionally and personally connected to the history being told.

Where It’s Located and How to Get There

Address:
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The Center sits in downtown Atlanta, in the Centennial Park District, close to several major attractions.

Nearby Landmarks

You can easily pair a visit to the Center with:

• World of Coca-Cola (next door)
• Georgia Aquarium (short walk)
• Centennial Olympic Park (across the street area)
• College Football Hall of Fame (nearby in the same district)

This makes it a convenient stop whether you are spending a full day downtown or just a few hours.

Getting There by MARTA

If you prefer public transit:

• Take MARTA Rail to Five Points Station or CNN Center/GWCC Station
• From either station, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the Center
• Many visitors follow the sidewalks toward Centennial Olympic Park, then walk up to Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard

This is a practical option if you want to avoid downtown parking or are staying at a hotel near a MARTA line.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from around Atlanta or the suburbs:

• From I-75/85, use the Williams Street or Andrew Young International Blvd exits, then follow signs toward Centennial Olympic Park and the Aquarium
• There are paid parking decks and surface lots nearby, often shared with the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

Parking options and prices can change, so it’s wise to:

• Arrive a bit early, especially on weekends or holidays
• Bring a payment card or mobile pay option, as many lots are cashless

What You’ll See Inside: Main Exhibits and Experiences

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is organized into several key exhibit areas. While the specific displays may change over time, the core themes stay consistent.

Civil Rights Gallery: The American Civil Rights Movement

This section focuses on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, with a strong connection to Atlanta’s history. You can expect:

• Stories of activists, students, faith leaders, and community organizers
• Information about boycotts, sit-ins, marches, and court battles
• Context around segregation, voting rights, and racial discrimination
• Personal objects, photos, and recordings from the mid-20th century

For Atlanta residents, this gallery helps connect neighborhoods and streets you may know today with the history of local organizing and leadership.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Related Materials

The Center often features archival materials related to Dr. King, reflecting Atlanta’s role as his birthplace and home.

You may see or learn about:

• Speeches, writings, or personal documents associated with Dr. King
• His leadership from Atlanta during major campaigns
• The ongoing legacy of the King Center and historic Auburn Avenue area

For visitors doing a “civil rights tour” of Atlanta, the Center pairs well with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park on Auburn Avenue.

Global Human Rights Gallery

This section explores human rights issues around the world, tying local history to global challenges. It typically includes:

• Overviews of human rights frameworks and principles
• Stories of individuals and communities facing discrimination or abuse
• Exhibits highlighting topics like refugee rights, gender equality, and freedom of expression

The goal is to show how the values behind Atlanta’s civil rights struggles connect to ongoing efforts worldwide.

Interactive and Immersive Elements

Many visitors comment on the Center’s interactive experiences, which may include:

• Audio and video stations that place you in historical scenarios
• Displays where you make choices and see different outcomes
• Spaces designed to encourage quiet reflection

These immersive features can be emotionally intense, especially for younger visitors, so families often plan time afterward to talk through what everyone has seen and felt.

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Timing

Details can change, but these general tips help you plan a smooth visit in Atlanta.

Typical Hours

The Center generally operates during daytime hours, seven days a week, with later opening or early closing on certain days or seasons.

Because hours can shift for holidays, events, or maintenance, it’s smart to:

• Check the current opening and closing times before you go
• Allow at least 1.5–3 hours to see the main galleries comfortably

Locals sometimes prefer visiting weekday mornings or later in the afternoon to avoid larger crowds.

Tickets and Admission

Admission is typically ticketed, with pricing adjusted for:

• Adults
• Children and teens
• Seniors
• Students or military, if applicable

Some visitors purchase tickets on-site, while others secure them online in advance to better plan their time downtown.

Atlanta residents sometimes look for:

• Local resident discounts, if available
• Combination tickets offered through nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or city pass programs

If you are arranging a school field trip, church group, nonprofit visit, or corporate outing, there are usually group visit options to explore through the Center’s group services contacts.

Visit at a Glance: Quick Reference

Is the Center Family-Friendly? What Atlanta Parents Should Know

Many Atlanta families visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights with children and teenagers.

Things to consider:

• Content intensity: Some exhibits address violence, discrimination, and injustice in direct ways. Parents often choose to guide younger children closely and adjust how much detail they share.
• Recommended age: Middle school and high school students tend to get the most out of the exhibits. Mature upper-elementary students may also benefit with adult support.
• Discussion afterward: Many families plan a conversation at home, at a nearby park, or at lunch to talk through what everyone experienced.

For Atlanta-area schools, the Center is a frequent destination for field trips because it aligns closely with Georgia social studies standards and local history.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

The Center is designed to be accessible and welcoming. While exact features can change, visitors typically find:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and galleries
• Elevators between exhibit levels
• Options for seating or rest areas throughout the space
• Staff available to help with directions, timing, and basic questions

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, calling ahead or checking current visitor information before your visit can help you plan more comfortably.

How the Center Fits Into Atlanta’s Civil Rights Landscape

Atlanta has several major sites connected to civil and human rights. Many visitors build a day or weekend itinerary that includes multiple locations.

Popular combinations include:

1. National Center for Civil and Human Rights + Centennial Olympic Park District

   • Visit the Center
   • Walk through Centennial Olympic Park
   • Add the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola

2. National Center + Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

   • Start at the Center downtown
   • Then drive or rideshare to Auburn Avenue to see:
     • Dr. King’s birth home (managed access)
     • Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
     • Exhibits at the Visitor Center

3. National Center + Atlanta University Center area

   • Combine a visit to the Center with a drive by (or arranged tour of) historically Black colleges and universities such as Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University, which played roles in civil rights history.

For Atlanta residents, visiting these sites over time can deepen your understanding of the city’s identity as a “cradle of the Civil Rights Movement.”

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights also serves as a learning hub for Atlanta’s communities. Programs may include:

• School and youth programs: Guided tours and classroom-aligned activities
• Teacher professional development: Training and resources for teaching civil and human rights topics
• Public programs and events: Talks, discussions, and activities related to current justice and human rights issues

If you are an educator, community organizer, or local leader, the Center can be a starting point for:

• Planning student projects or civic engagement units
• Introducing groups to Atlanta’s history through an accessible, visual experience
• Connecting historical struggles to current local issues, such as voting access, equity, and inclusion

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

Here are a few Atlanta-focused tips to make the most of your time at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights:

• Plan for crowds on weekends and holidays: Downtown Atlanta can be busy, especially if there are events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center.
• Check the weather: Although the exhibits are indoors, you will likely walk outside between attractions or parking. Summers can be hot and humid; winters are mild but can be rainy.
• Bring a light jacket or layer: Indoor climate control can feel cool after walking outside in warm Atlanta weather.
• Consider public transit or rideshare: Parking in the Centennial Park District can be limited or expensive during peak times. MARTA and rideshare can reduce stress.
• Give yourself reflection time: The content is powerful. Many visitors choose to sit for a few minutes inside or relax afterward in Centennial Olympic Park before moving on to the next activity.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is one of Atlanta’s most meaningful destinations, weaving together the city’s civil rights legacy with global human rights issues. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a new Atlantan, or a visitor, setting aside time to explore this Center can deepen your understanding of both Atlanta’s past and the ongoing work of building a more just future.