Exploring the David J. Sencer CDC Museum in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The David J. Sencer CDC Museum is one of Atlanta’s most unique museums, offering an inside look at public health, disease detection, and how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to protect people around the world. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city, this free museum can be a fascinating stop that’s very different from a traditional art or history museum.

Where the CDC Museum Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta

The David J. Sencer CDC Museum is located on the CDC’s main campus in Emory/CDC area of Atlanta, just east of Midtown and southwest of Emory University.

Address:

• David J. Sencer CDC Museum
  1600 Clifton Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30329

It sits in a part of Atlanta known for medical, academic, and research institutions, including Emory University, Emory University Hospital, and the Emory Rollins School of Public Health. If you’re planning a day in this area, you can easily combine the museum with a walk around Emory’s campus or a visit to nearby Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Fernbank Forest.

What the David J. Sencer CDC Museum Is All About

The CDC Museum is a public health and science museum focused on:

• How diseases are tracked, investigated, and controlled
• Major public health events and responses
• The history and mission of the CDC
• Everyday topics like vaccines, outbreaks, and health communication

It’s named after David J. Sencer, a former CDC director who played a major role in expanding the agency’s work in disease prevention.

Instead of paintings and sculptures, you’ll find:

• Interactive exhibits on outbreak investigations
• Historical artifacts, such as old laboratory tools and protective gear
• Multimedia displays explaining how CDC experts respond to health emergencies
• Rotating exhibits on specific topics like epidemics, chronic disease, or global health

If you’re curious about how Atlanta became a global hub for public health, this museum connects the city’s local identity with worldwide health issues.

Is the CDC Museum Free?

Yes. Admission to the David J. Sencer CDC Museum is free.

This makes it an appealing choice if you’re:

• Looking for a budget-friendly activity in Atlanta
• Planning an educational outing with school-age kids or teens
• Organizing a field trip or group visit related to science, health, or history

There may be special programs or teacher workshops that require pre-registration, but standard entry to the exhibits is free.

Hours, Security, and What to Expect at the Entrance

Because the museum is on a secure federal campus, the arrival experience is different from most Atlanta museums.

Typical Visitor Experience

Expect:

• Airport-style security screening (metal detector, bag screening)
• A check-in process with ID requirements
• Controlled access only to the museum area, not the full CDC campus

It’s wise to:

• Bring a government-issued photo ID (especially for adults)
• Allow extra time before your visit for security procedures
• Travel light, as large bags and certain items may be restricted

Before you go, it’s smart to check current hours and security policies in case of seasonal changes, federal holidays, or special circumstances that affect public access.

Getting There: Driving, Parking, and Transit

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from around Atlanta:

• From Downtown or Midtown: You’ll typically take I-85 North, exit near North Druid Hills Road or Clairmont Road, then connect to Clifton Road NE.
• From Decatur: Head north and then west toward Clifton Road and the Emory/CDC area.

The campus usually has visitor parking for museum guests. Signs typically direct you to parking areas designated for the CDC Museum or visitors. Plan a bit of extra time for navigating the campus layout and following security instructions.

Public Transit

If you prefer not to drive:

• Take MARTA rail to a nearby station such as Decatur, Lindbergh Center, or Brookhaven/Oglethorpe, then connect by bus or rideshare to the Clifton Road/Emory area.
• Some Emory shuttles serve the CDC/Clifton Road corridor, though these are primarily for Emory and CDC staff and students; visitors may not always be eligible, so check ahead if you’re considering that option.

Because service patterns and routes can change, many Atlanta residents check transit schedules close to their visit date to determine the best connection.

Who Will Enjoy the CDC Museum?

The CDC Museum tends to appeal most to visitors who are:

• Interested in science, medicine, or global health
• Curious about epidemics, outbreaks, and emergency response
• Looking for a more educational museum than a general entertainment attraction

It can work well for:

• Middle school, high school, and college students
• Adults who enjoy documentary-style learning
• Teachers, public health workers, or medical professionals
• Atlanta residents wanting to better understand what “CDC” actually does here in their city

Younger children can visit, but much of the content is text- and concept-heavy, so it’s especially engaging for older kids and adults.

Main Exhibits and What You’ll See

While specific exhibits can change, most visits include a mix of permanent and temporary installations.

Typical Permanent Themes

Common permanent or long-running exhibits focus on:

• The history of the CDC in Atlanta – how it began with malaria control in the South and evolved into a global health leader
• Outbreak investigations – showing how epidemiologists track down the source of a disease
• Laboratory science – with demonstrations of how diseases are identified and monitored
• Immunization and vaccines – explaining how vaccines are developed and used to prevent illness

Rotating and Special Exhibits

The museum also hosts special exhibits on topics like:

• Specific disease outbreaks
• Chronic disease prevention
• Global health initiatives
• Public health campaigns, posters, and visual communication

These rotating exhibits make the museum worth revisiting if you live in Atlanta and want to see new content over time.

Visit Planning at a Glance

Here’s a simple reference section to help you plan:

How Long to Spend at the Museum

Most Atlanta visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is enough for:

• Walking through the main exhibits
• Watching a few short videos
• Reading displays at a comfortable pace

If you’re especially interested in public health or you’re using the museum for classroom or professional enrichment, you might spend longer, especially if there are special exhibits or activities that match your interests.

Educational and Group Visits

The CDC Museum is a popular spot for school field trips, university classes, and professional groups visiting Atlanta.

If you’re organizing a group:

• Plan to contact the museum in advance to ask about group visit policies
• Ask about maximum group size, arrival times, and any special security steps
• Check whether any guided tours, educator resources, or activity materials are available

Atlanta-area teachers often use the museum to support lessons in:

• Biology and life sciences
• Health and wellness
• History of medicine and public health
• STEM career exploration

Accessibility and Visitor Considerations

The museum is part of a federal public facility, so it is designed with general accessibility in mind. Common features often include:

• Elevator access where needed
• Wide walkways that can accommodate mobility devices
• Seating areas in or near some exhibit zones

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, it’s a good idea to:

• Contact the museum ahead of time and ask about wheelchair access, service animals, and accommodations
• Allow a little extra time for security and navigation on campus

Combining the CDC Museum With Other Atlanta Activities

Because of its location, the CDC Museum fits well into a broader day in the Emory/Intown area. Many Atlanta residents and visitors build itineraries like:

• Museum + Nature:

  • Visit the CDC Museum in the morning
  • Head to Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Fernbank Forest in the afternoon

• Museum + Campus Walk:

  • Tour the CDC Museum
  • Explore Emory University’s campus, then eat in Emory Village

• Science-Themed Day:

  • Combine the CDC Museum with a trip to Fernbank, or another science-focused stop in the city

This makes the museum a flexible option if you’re planning a day that balances learning with more relaxed activities.

When the CDC Museum Is a Good Fit for You

The David J. Sencer CDC Museum is especially worth putting on your Atlanta list if you:

• Want a free, educational museum experience
• Are curious about how public health decisions are made
• Tend to enjoy exhibits that are text-rich and information-heavy rather than purely visual
• Are a student, teacher, or professional in health-related fields
• Live in Atlanta and want to understand what the CDC actually does just up the road

For many locals, visiting the museum also helps put Atlanta’s role in global health into context—turning the CDC from just a name on the news into something more tangible and understandable.

If you’re planning to go, the most important steps are to confirm current hours, bring appropriate ID, allow time for security, and plan transportation to the Clifton Road campus. Once inside, you’ll find a rare look into the world of public health, right here in Atlanta.