The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a thriving museum dedicated to the ongoing fight for civil rights, not only in the United States, but around the world. Many of the exhibits strive to connect past civil rights victories to the ongoing struggles today.
Everyone can find something valuable in a visit to this museum, including young kids. Fans of history and those passionate about social and economic justice will be especially interested. Visitors generally take a little over an hour to see the main exhibits, though temporary exhibits may extend the length of your visit.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do in Georgia and 10 Best Civil Rights Sites in Atlanta (Read all about Atlanta here)
photo by Marco Correa (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
National Center for Civil and Human Rights highlights
The main features of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights are the 3 permanent exhibits. The first is a collection of artifacts and personal effects belonging to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You can see drafts of "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and "Drum Major Instinct" here.
Another exhibition highlights the American Civil Rights Movement as a whole and features Jim Crow and key court cases. Finally, you'll find the Spark of Conviction exhibit, which details the global human rights movement. You'll find information about historical opponents to civil rights like Hitler, Pinochet, and other fascists who are then countered by images and information of modern activists.
photo by Jeremy Thompson (CC BY 2.0) modified
Good to know when visiting National Center for Civil and Human Rights
When you visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, there are some factors to keep in mind. The rules about photography come with a few stipulations. You're free to take pictures as long as you don't do it for any commercial purposes. Additionally, you aren't permitted to take pictures of the Martin Luther King Jr. collection at all.
When you visit this museum, you'll find yourself close to some of the best attractions in the city. The Georgia Aquarium is just a short walk to the southwest, but that's not all. You'll also find the World of Coca-Cola due south past Pemberton Place.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Open: Thursday–Friday and Sunday from noon to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday)
Phone: +1 678-999-8990
Start planning your trip
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Courtland Grand Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
Crowne Plaza Atlanta - Midtown, an IHG Hotel
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown
The Georgian Terrace Hotel
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Sonesta Select Atlanta Cumberland Galleria Ballpark
Sonder Midtown South
