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

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is one of the city’s most important cultural and educational destinations. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re planning a short visit, this downtown museum offers a powerful way to understand the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and how it connects to global human rights today.

This guide walks you through what the Center is, what to expect when you visit, how to get there, and how to make the most of your time there as an Atlantan or visitor.

Where the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Is in Atlanta

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is located in the heart of downtown:

National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone (main info): 678-999-8990 (commonly listed main line; verify current hours if you call)

It sits in the Pemberton Place area, right next to:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• Walking distance to Centennial Olympic Park
• Close to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

This makes it easy to combine a visit with other major Atlanta attractions in the same day.

What the Center Is and Why It Matters in Atlanta

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and educational center dedicated to:

• The American Civil Rights Movement, with a strong focus on Atlanta’s role
• Global human rights struggles and ongoing issues around the world
• The stories of individuals who fought for justice, equality, and dignity

Atlanta is often described as the “cradle of the Civil Rights Movement.” The city was home to leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., key organizations, and major campaigns. The Center builds on that local history and connects it to broader, modern human rights conversations.

For Atlantans, it’s both:

• A place to learn about local history that shaped the city, and
• A space to reflect on current social issues in Atlanta and beyond.

Main Exhibits and What You’ll See Inside

The exhibits can change over time, but visitors typically encounter three core themes:

1. Civil Rights in the United States

This section focuses heavily on the U.S. Civil Rights era (1950s–1960s) and Atlanta’s role:

• Stories of local activists, organizers, and churches
• Multimedia presentations that walk you through key events like sit-ins, Freedom Rides, marches, and legislative milestones
• Personal objects, photographs, and documents that make the history feel immediate and local

You’ll see how Atlanta’s neighborhoods, institutions, and leaders contributed to the national movement and how that legacy is still shaping the city today.

2. Global Human Rights

Another major section addresses human rights struggles around the world:

• Displays explaining fundamental human rights principles
• Profiles of activists from different countries
• Interactive elements that show how issues like refugee crises, discrimination, gender equity, and freedom of expression play out globally

This ties Atlanta’s civil rights story to a broader picture and highlights why an international perspective matters in a city that’s now home to diverse immigrant and refugee communities.

3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Atlanta’s Legacy

The Center typically includes material connected to Dr. King’s life and work, often featuring:

• Letters, writings, or artifacts associated with Dr. King and the movement
• Context about his work in Atlanta, including connections to Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Sweet Auburn area
• Insights into how Atlanta became a hub for organizing, education, and Black leadership

While the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Sweet Auburn offers an in-depth look at his neighborhood and church, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights places his work inside a larger story about rights and justice.

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Timing

Hours and ticket prices can change, so it’s wise to verify specific details directly with the Center before you go. In general, here’s what locals and visitors often need to know:

Typical Visiting Hours

The Center usually operates during daytime hours, often including weekends, with modified schedules on certain holidays. Some days may have shortened hours or special events.

👉 Tip: If you’re coming from out of town or planning a group visit, call ahead or check for current hours to avoid surprises.

How Long to Spend There

Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 3 hours inside, depending on how closely they read and interact with exhibits. If you like to:

• Watch all videos and listen to full audio segments
• Read exhibit text in detail
• Discuss with family or a group

…you’ll want to plan on the longer end of that range.

Tickets and Discounts

Ticket options commonly include:

• General admission
• Youth or student discounts
• Senior discounts
• Group or school group rates (usually require advance coordination)

Atlanta residents sometimes look for:

• Combination tickets with nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola
• City passes that include multiple downtown attractions
• Discounted entry through special community days or events

Because pricing and offers change, check directly with the Center or with official Atlanta tourism resources when planning.

Getting to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Atlanta offers several practical ways to reach the Center, whether you’re downtown already or coming in from the suburbs.

By MARTA (Public Transit)

The Center is walkable from several MARTA rail stations:

• Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – often used when coming from the west or east
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line) – common if you’re staying in a downtown hotel
• Civic Center Station (Red/Gold Line) – another option depending on your starting point

From these stations, it’s typically a 10–15 minute walk, depending on the route and your pace.

Using MARTA can be practical if:

• You’re staying at a hotel near a rail line
• You’re coming from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport and want to avoid parking downtown
• You prefer to skip downtown traffic and parking costs

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• The Center is near the intersection of Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW and Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW
• There are paid parking decks and lots in the Pemberton Place / Centennial Olympic Park area

Parking near major attractions in downtown Atlanta is often:

• Fee-based (rates vary by event day and time)
• More crowded during big games, concerts, or conventions at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia World Congress Center

👉 Tip: If you’re local, consider visiting weekday mornings or non-event days to make parking easier and crowds lighter.

Walking Around Downtown

If you’re staying nearby (for example, at a Centennial Olympic Park area hotel), you can walk to the Center and combine it with:

• A stroll through Centennial Olympic Park
• A visit to the Georgia World Congress Center area
• Dining options along Luckie Street NW, Baker Street NW, or nearby downtown corridors

Downtown is a mix of tourists, office workers, and event crowds, so many visitors find it helpful to plan their route ahead of time and stick to main streets.

What to Expect Inside: Atmosphere and Accessibility

Emotional Impact and Content

The content of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is often described as moving and intense. Topics include:

• Racial segregation and violence
• Civil rights abuses
• Ongoing global human rights crises

Many visitors find certain exhibits emotionally heavy, especially interactive ones that immerse you in historical moments. This can be powerful, but it may be challenging for younger children or for individuals who are sensitive to such content.

If you’re visiting with kids or teens, you may want to:

• Prepare them in advance with a basic explanation of civil and human rights
• Check age-appropriate recommendations from the Center
• Plan time afterward to talk through what they saw and felt

Accessibility Considerations

The Center is generally designed with accessibility in mind, which may include:

• Elevators and ramps between exhibit floors
• Spacious galleries that can be navigated with wheelchairs or mobility devices
• Visual and audio components that help people engage in multiple ways

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, calling ahead or checking official accessibility information can make your visit smoother.

Visiting With Kids, Families, or School Groups

Many Atlanta families and schools use the Center as a learning experience tied to history, social studies, and civic education.

For Families and Kids

Things Atlanta parents often consider:

• Age suitability: Older elementary, middle, and high school students tend to get the most out of the exhibits.
• Complex topics: The museum covers difficult subjects like racism, violence, and human rights abuses, though presented with educational context.
• Discussion time: It can be helpful to plan time afterward—maybe at a nearby park or café—to talk through what they learned.

Some families pair a visit to the Center with:

• The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Sweet Auburn (to see his birth home, church, and neighborhood)
• The Auburn Avenue Research Library or local civil rights landmarks for more context
• School projects or reading assignments on civil rights or human rights issues

For Educators and School Groups

The Center commonly provides:

• Group reservations for schools
• Educational programming or guided experiences
• Materials that align the visit with classroom teaching

If you’re an Atlanta-area teacher or group leader, it’s helpful to book in advance, especially during the school year when field trip demand is high.

How the Center Fits Into Atlanta’s Civil Rights Landscape

Atlanta offers several sites connected to civil and human rights. Locals and visitors often combine the Center with other stops to get a fuller picture:

For someone trying to understand Atlanta’s role in civil rights, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights offers:

• A structured, curated overview with interactive exhibits
• A bridge between past and present, showing how earlier struggles relate to modern local and global issues
• A starting point to explore other related sites across the city

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

To make the most of your visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights:

• Plan your timing:

  • Allow at least 2 hours to move through exhibits without rushing.
  • Consider weekday mornings or early afternoons for smaller crowds.

• Think about transportation:

  • If you’re coming from the suburbs, weigh MARTA vs. driving based on traffic and event schedules.
  • Check for major events near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, which can affect traffic and parking.

• Dress comfortably:

  • Expect to be on your feet for a while, moving between exhibit rooms.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer in case gallery spaces feel cool.

• Prepare emotionally:

  • Some exhibits are intense and thought‑provoking.
  • It can help to plan a calmer stop afterward—like a walk in Centennial Olympic Park—to process the experience.

• Use it as a learning starting point:

  • If you live in Atlanta, you may leave with ideas for deeper local exploration, such as visiting Sweet Auburn, attending community discussions, or exploring related programs offered in the city.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is more than a museum; it’s a place where the city’s civil rights legacy meets ongoing global conversations about justice and dignity. Whether you’re an Atlanta resident exploring your city’s history or a visitor building an itinerary, planning a thoughtful visit here can add real depth and meaning to your time in Atlanta.