The Civil Rights Movement in America is a monumental part of our nation's history, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights does an exemplary job of portraying its significance. In fact, some people refer to the museum as the "Civil Rights Movement Museum in Atlanta." But the American Civil Rights Movement is just one of the attractions in this famous museum. You'll get to explore multiple rotating temporary exhibits, as well as a large permanent one that explores civil liberties worldwide.
Exhibits at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights features two permanent exhibits: The American Civil Rights Movement and the Global Human Rights Movement. Temporary exhibitions that rotate every so often supplement both of the permanent ones.
The American Civil Rights Movement exhibit has five sections:
- Upon entering the Introduction/1950's South gallery, you'll walk through interactive displays and walls plastered with photographs depicting life in the era of Jim Crow laws and enforced segregation.
- Next, you'll move onto Freedom Riders, where you'll get to explore a reconstruction of the Greyhound bus that carried the Riders and view a short film.
- After Freedom Riders, you'll arrive at the Lunch Counter, in which visitors are invited to experience a non-violent lunch counter sit-in.
- Next up, The March on Washington Jobs and Freedom is a lively gallery overflowing with numerous multimedia options.
- The final display, The Three Hymns, looks at the senseless violence that exploded after the March including the bombing of the 16th Street Church in Birmingham, and the murders of several prominent Civil Rights advocates.
The other permanent exhibit, the Global Human Rights Movement, takes a broad view of human and civil rights. It encourages visitors to take a more in-depth look into fundamental rights we all share as a species and explores human rights in action across the globe.
Tickets for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum
Visitors and Atlanta residents who wish to explore the National Center for Civil and Human Rights have a few options for buying tickets. One option is to purchase them ahead of time online via the National Center for Civil and Human Rights website. Visitors can also acquire tickets by calling the Center or wait until the day of their visit and purchase on-site.
Those who wish to experience more of Atlanta's top tourist and cultural attractions would be well served with Atlanta CityPASS® tickets. It delivers substantial discounts on admission to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, as well as other exciting options like the Georgia Aquarium, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the World of Coca-Cola, and more.
When to Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum in Atlanta
This much-admired civil rights museum is open seven days a week. Be sure to check the official website before visiting, as hours often change without notice. If you're planning on buying tickets on-site during a peak time (e.g., summer, holidays, and weekends), make sure you allow for extra time to visit, as there may be a line at the ticket office.
How Long is the Civil Rights Museum Tour?
There is no official tour and visiting the museum is a self-guided experience. Visitors should allow for at least 90 minutes to fully explore this thoroughly engaging museum. When you're finished with the exhibits, pop into the gift shop for a fascinating array of souvenirs, apparel, and trinkets.
Finally, as with most tourist attractions, going early during the week is your best bet for minimal crowds.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights Parking
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is located conveniently in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Sandwiched neatly between the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, the museum is accessible by car, public transportation, and ride-sharing services. If you're driving and need to park, you'll be able to choose between a garage at the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola.
A civil rights museum in Atlanta, a city that has witnessed a revolutionary civil liberties transformation over the past 70 years, is a powerful symbol of how dedication and commitment can effect change. Walking the halls of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, visitors will be mesmerized by the compelling stories of those who fought and sometimes died for the Movement. Don't miss your chance to learn all about this momentous chapter of American history – if you live in Atlanta or are planning to visit, make time to visit the Center!
Nearby Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Atlanta, we recommend finding lodging near Atlanta's top attractions like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comVisit the Center for Civil and Human Rights for Less With CityPASS® Tickets
Don't miss your chance to score discounted tickets to the museum and other must-see Atlanta attractions. With your Atlanta CityPASS® tickets, you can save significantly on the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Zoo Atlanta, the College Football Hall of Fame and more! With CityPASS® tickets you can spend less and experience more so you can plan a trip you will always remember!
Header Image © Dustin Chambers