Local’s Guide to National Center for Civil & Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is one of Atlanta’s most powerful museums, with exhibits that connect the history of the American Civil Rights Movement to human rights issues around the world today.
I’ve visited as an Atlanta local, and it’s the kind of museum that stays with you long after you leave. Some exhibits are deeply emotional, others are thought-provoking, and together they make the experience feel much more personal than simply reading about this history.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers what to expect at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, what stood out to me, and the practical details that can help you make the most of your time there.
About the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights opened in Atlanta on Memorial Day 2014. The Center aims to inspire visitors with immersive exhibitions, dynamic conversations, and engagement in educational programs.
More than just a museum, the Center is also a human rights organization that hosts performances, lectures, educational programing, human rights training for law enforcement officials, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion experiences for workplaces.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights Exhibits
See what’s on at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Exhibits focus on the American Civil Rights Movement, global human rights initiatives, and the papers of Martin Luther King, Jr., and more.
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Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement
Rolls Down Like Water is an exhibition that focuses on the fight for civil rights in America, from segregation to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968.
You’ll begin your tour of the museum here, learning about life in the 1950s South with Jim Crow laws and enforced segregation. You’ll get a look at Atlanta’s thriving African-American community that established itself despite this adversity.
Next, you’ll learn about the Freedom Riders and Lunch Counter Sit-Ins, forms of non-violent protests that took place in the 1960s.
The exhibition takes you through the March on Washington and ends with the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Broken Promises: The Legacy of Reconstruction
The Broken Promises exhibit explores the period following the Civil War, when newly freed African Americans gained new rights and opportunities, only to face violent resistance and widespread discrimination.
Through historical artifacts, personal accounts, and immersive storytelling, you’ll learn how voter suppression, racial violence, and economic exploitation undermined the promises of freedom and equality.
The exhibit tells this history through the perspectives of four journalists, including civil rights activist Ida B. Wells. You’ll discover how the struggles of the Reconstruction Era continue to influence American society today, particularly when it comes to voting rights and racial justice. It’s an important exhibit for understanding the history that laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.
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Everyone. Everywhere: The Global Human Rights Movement
Everyone. Everywhere. is an exhibition that focuses on the global human rights movement and features interactive exhibits for a deeper understanding of the issues.
You’ll walk through a gallery of portraits of prominent human rights defenders. These people devoted themselves to fighting for equality and freedom, took on powerful leaders, and pursued human rights through peaceful protests.
In the exhibit “Who, Like Me, Is Threatened?”, you’ll see yourself in the struggles of others. Using interactive mirrors, this immersive installation puts you face-to-face with another person as they tell you their story of persecution.
You’ll end this exhibit with a look at Human Rights in Action. This section details human rights issues and abuses that affect us all, and that we can effect. You can look at human rights campaigns since the end of WWII and explore a map of the state of current global human rights.
A Committed Life: The Morehouse College Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection
Located on the lower level of the museum, the collection in A Committed Life displays personal papers and items from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The selections are rotated periodically and are grouped by theme. When you visit, you may see papers related to peaceful protest instructions, the legacy of the March on Washington, and more.
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The People’s Game: Soccer & Human Rights
The People’s Game explores how the world’s most popular sport has brought people together and inspired movements for social change.
Through historic artifacts, videos, and interactive displays, you’ll learn how soccer players, teams, and fans have challenged racism, inequality, discrimination, and human rights abuses around the world.
You’ll discover stories like the U.S. Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay, soccer leagues organized by political prisoners on Robben Island during apartheid, and the role of soccer in bringing communities together during conflict.
There’s also a collection of signed jerseys from legendary players like Pelé, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, plus a hands-on foosball game that emphasizes teamwork. Even if you’re not a soccer fan, this exhibit shows how sports can give people a platform to stand up for their rights.
Children’s Gallery: Change Agent Adventure
The Children’s Gallery is an interactive exhibit designed for children ages 12 and under to learn how they can make a difference in their communities. Set up like a secret headquarters for young changemakers, the gallery uses hands-on activities to teach kids about empathy, fairness, belonging, and standing up for what’s right.
Action Lab
The Action Lab takes everything you’ve learned throughout the museum and helps you think about how you can make a difference in your own community. This interactive space focuses on turning awareness into action, with activities that encourage you to reflect on the issues you care about and discover practical ways to get involved.
Things to Do at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Experience the Lunch Counter Sit-In
The Lunch Counter Sit-In simulation is one of the Center’s most powerful exhibits. After learning about the training involved in non-violent protests, you can participate in this simulation that places you in the shoes of a non-violent protestor in 1960 “sitting-in” at a whites-only lunch counter to protest segregation.
During this emotional simulation, you’ll sit with your hands on the counter, close your eyes, and listen to the threats levied against protestors and see how long you can endure the abuse.
Attend Special Events and Programs
The Center offers ongoing programming for young professionals, families and children, students, and adults. You can attend both virtual and in-person programming ranging from book talks to workshops to film screenings.
Explore the Gift Shop
The Center’s gift shop offers apparel, accessories, jewelry, toys, books, and gifts related to civil and human rights. The gift shop is open during museum hours.
Visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Admission: General admission tickets for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights cost $26 for adults, $21 for seniors ages 65+, $20 for children ages 7-12, and free for children 6 and under.
Flex, “anytime” tickets cost $28 for adults, $23 for seniors, $22 for children, and free for children 6 and under.
Military and student discounts are offered at the ticket window with ID.
You can also get discounted tickets using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission is at 4 p.m.
Parking: Parking for the Center is available at the World of Coca-Cola or Georgia Aquarium parking garages.
Non-flash photography is permitted in all except the “Voice to the Voiceless” gallery. Food and drink, including personal water bottles, are not permitted inside the galleries.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights FAQ
How long does it take to go through the National Center for Civil and Human Rights?
Plan to spend about 2-3 hours exploring the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. With the museum’s expanded galleries and interactive exhibits, you may want to allow additional time if you enjoy reading the displays and exploring every exhibit.
Is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights worth visiting?
Yes! The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is one of Atlanta’s most thought-provoking museums. Its immersive exhibits help you understand the American Civil Rights Movement, global human rights struggles, and how ordinary people can create meaningful change. The interactive displays make the history especially powerful and memorable.
Is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights good for kids?
Yes, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights welcomes families, although some exhibits explore difficult subjects, including racism, segregation, and violence. Parents should be prepared to discuss these topics with younger children.
The Children’s Gallery: Change Agent Adventure is specifically designed for children ages 12 and under, with hands-on activities that teach empathy, fairness, and the importance of standing up for others.
Is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights included in Atlanta CityPASS?
Yes! The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is included in the Atlanta CityPASS, which offers discounted admission to five Atlanta attractions. If you’re visiting several of Atlanta’s major museums and attractions, CityPASS can help you save money on admission.
What is the Lunch Counter Sit-In experience?
The Lunch Counter Sit-In is an immersive simulation that recreates the harassment faced by Civil Rights protesters during the 1960s. You’ll sit at a replica lunch counter, put on headphones, and listen to the verbal abuse and threats directed at protesters challenging segregation.
It’s an intense and emotional experience that helps visitors understand the courage required to participate in nonviolent protests. The simulation may be upsetting for some visitors, so participation is optional.
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Get admission to your choice of 5 from the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Top Atlanta Tours
A guided tour is always a good way to get to know a city! Check out these top Atlanta tours.
- 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car
- Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour
- Atlanta Beltline & Historic Inman Park Food, Art & History Tour
Where to Stay in Atlanta
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your Atlanta vacation!
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- Top Hotel: The Candler Hotel
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Craving More Atlanta Activities?
If you need more things to do while visiting Atlanta, check out these top posts:
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- A Guide to Visiting Zoo Atlanta
- Local’s Guide to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta
- Local’s Guide to Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta
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- Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
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Cheers!
Paige
Have you visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta? Let me know in the comments!
