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National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, GA

Photo: Marco Correa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day PickIconic

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW · Atlanta, GA

Why you should go…

This downtown Atlanta museum sits at Pemberton Place beside the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. The Rolls Down Like Water gallery takes you through the Civil Rights Movement and includes a lunch counter sit-in simulation with headphones. MLK: A Committed Life shows papers and artifacts from the Morehouse College King collection, and a separate gallery turns to human rights struggles worldwide. A 2025 renovation added six new galleries, including a children's gallery.

  • #civil rights museum
  • #history museum
  • #martin luther king
  • #downtown atlanta

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to National Center for Civil and Human Rights, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    World of Coca-Cola

    Under $25

    Pop the cap on 130+ years of fizzy history, vault secrets, vintage ads and a tasting room with 100+ sodas from around the globe.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Georgia Aquarium

    $25–$50

    One of the world's largest aquariums, whale sharks, belugas and manta rays glide past a jaw-dropping 100-foot viewing window.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Children's Museum of Atlanta

    Under $25

    An interactive children's museum in Centennial Olympic Park with hands on exhibits for ages 0 to 8.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Centennial Olympic Park

    Free

    The 1996 Olympics' living legacy, splash in the Fountain of Rings, catch free concerts and lounge on 22 downtown acres.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    College Football Hall of Fame

    $25–$50

    A three-story wall of 700+ team helmets, interactive games and a 45-yard indoor field, heaven for football fans of any stripe.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    High Museum of Art

    Under $25

    The Southeast's leading art museum, Richard Meier's gleaming white building is a masterpiece before you even step inside.

    1.9 mi awayMore like this