National Center for Civil and Human Rights image

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Museum Cultural center

One of the Top rated Museums in Atlanta


Address

100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States

Website

www.civilandhumanrights.org

Contact

+1 678-999-8990

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (3.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 12 to 5 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 5 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 12 to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 12 to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (43) rights (21) experience (19) exhibits (15) recommend (15) civil (14) Atlanta (14) Rights (14) history (13) movement (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sara Beth W. 1 year ago on Google • 998 reviews
    It's a really amazing place, though not my absolute favorite civil rights museum I've ever seen (for that, go to Memphis's in the old Lorraine Motel.) It's overall succinct and comprehensive. Many of the displays are sound- and video-based, which makes for a noisy place - folks with sensory issues might feel overwhelmed. I have a little ADD and it made it a little hard to focus, but once you step towards an element, it's easy to hear and focus on. There is a definite path through the museum - when I visited, the docent handing out maps and giving overall info said there is a gallery on each floor, so I started at the top where there were less people. You should start on the entrance floor - the middle floor - instead. Entering this space places you in Atlanta specifically and then branches out to the south and the rest of the US before addressing international issues upstairs. And there are plenty of stairs - sections of the museum are on half floors before you make it to the top. There is elevator access to all sections but make sure to ask for help to make sure you see it all - it's not super obvious how to make it around if you're mobility impaired. Then downstairs is a collection of MLK's papers and writing and some other documents which you definitely shouldn't miss. I went down there and found some sort of event going on (I *may* have accidentally party-crashed) and then tried to exit from that floor but they said I had to exit from the main floor upstairs, that that exit was for event-goers only, but as far as I can tell from the outside, that's the exit to the street (vs. the park.) It's just a little confusing and I left a little embarrassed, but I'm glad I didn't miss that downstairs collection, it was worth it! I think the price (~$20 at my visit) is fair for the size of the museum, which is on the smaller side, but parking will cost you almost as much. I parked in the GA Aquarium parking for $17. If you do too, just head toward signs for the aquarium entrance, then on the walkway from the garage to the aquarium, you can head left past the ticket kiosks and into the park and you'll find the Civil Rights museum on your left.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy R. 11 months ago on Google • 239 reviews
    This museum is extraordinary. The way they use technology to really engage visitors makes it easy to learn about Black history. I learned a lot, and while the content can be difficult to read/see/hear at times and also emotional at times, it's important to know and well worth visiting. The staff are very friendly and informative. The building is beautiful from both the outside and inside. We enjoyed this museum more than the aquarium and didn't go to coca-cola. If you only have time for one, pick this museum.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MJ W. 1 year ago on Google • 437 reviews
    This museum is exceptional. From the content, to the lighting, to the friendly and welcoming staff. I LOVE this museum, one informative employee shared that they will be expanding! Cant wait to see more. The videos were extremely well executed. We spent an equal time reading, watching, and listening. We also got a free ticket thanks to Bank of America so we only had to buy one. I can’t get over how emotionally engaging the exhibits were. I loved learning about all the freedom riders. Also the exhibit with telling the story of the four girls bombed at church was creative and very emotional, it reminded me of the Anne Frank museum where her dad reads from her book. It was very moving to hear and see. I highly recommend this museum. Beautiful experience
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Derrick R. 1 year ago on Google • 435 reviews
    Very informative clean and thorough but I wish there were more interactive attractions. The majority of the exhibits is reading walls of information you can get online. There's a lunch counter exhibit where you can experience the struggles of segregation and feel the emotions of the past. I did find it interesting that a lot of the Civil Rights exhibits are in darker rooms whereas the human rights exhibits are well lit and upgraded with technology.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prabhasa K. 2 years ago on Google
    One for the history and culture enthusiasts, but very important for general public as well. Unfortunately, I saw far more crowd at the Coca-Cola factory and this place was practically empty. Hope the center takes initiative to attract more crowd.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raymond Carbonneau R. 1 year ago on Google • 631 reviews
    Very important and impressive collection. The art direction is noteworthy. Many of the experiences are very emotional, allowing you to glimpse the trauma of all sorts of oppressed peoples. The cafeteria sit in audio/somatic experience is particularly distressing. The multiple floors dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr are very special. This is an important place for all demographics to visit, hopefully multiple times.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian L. 2 years ago on Google
    Must see if you're planning to visit Atlanta. Great exhibits. Taking you back in time so you get a clear understanding of the Civil Rights movement and the key actors. No politics for the first couple levels.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sydney M. 1 year ago on Google • 47 reviews
    Wow. This place is one of my favorite places in Atlanta. There is so much information everywhere and so much to take it. All of the exhibits are incredibly put together. There’s a lot to read, so remember to take your time. What makes me sad is that all the crowds are at the aquarium and the Coca Cola museum. I wish there were lines going out the door here too. History, however awful, needs to be learned and understood, even for the young ones, so they don’t repeat history. The cafeteria sit-in experience uses headphones to give you an experience of being a part of a sit-in. It is really difficult and moving and so so harsh on the soul, but equally important. I would recommend anyone going to the aquarium and Coca Cola museum to also come here as well. Just a really great experience.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum that everybody will find something they like. Poster boards, videos, interactive diner counter.... I spent an hour there, and that was definitely not enough time! Highly recommend!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annegret S. 2 years ago on Google
    We spent three emotional, informative, intense hours in the center. Although the exhibition may look small-ish ,the poster, videos and interactive features adress the heavy history America has in the most profound way. The Most moving part of the Center was the interactive lunch counter sit in - this feature alone is worth the entire admission price in my opinion. The American educational system is doing the civil rights movement no justice - and so I’d urge every Highschool student, American , immigrant (like myself) and tourist to visit this center. Also take time to deal with those difficult feelings that come up when reading/listening and experiencing this center - it won’t be easy and will for sure stir up emotions. Last but not least; Judy and Jada - two employees working on 11/20 were absolutely amazing and wonderful. Thank you
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Breitner M. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum is a must! Great collection and awesome displays put into the right context. Easy to find near the Central Park with other venues to check out as well. I totally recommend this place for your next visit if you are in the great city of Atlanta!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan Del V. 1 year ago on Google
    I highly recommend this museum. My favorite part is the audio sit -in interactive experience where you sit on a booth, place both hands on the surface in front of you, put your headphones on and become part of the action that you may may have experienced sitting in the Woolworth's lunch counter in the 60's. The whole experience is very moving and am grateful I got the chance to experience it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ankit P. 3 years ago on Google
    Its location makes Hampton-Beecher Nature Preserve a great addition to any trip into downtown Atlanta, such as to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This dramatic piece of contemporary architecture aims to remind people of the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s led by Martin Luther King Jr. Situated immediately north of Centennial Olympic Park and other attractions including Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, it has three permanent exhibitions. The first contains a number of personal items owned by King Jr, including drafts of his Letters from Birmingham Jail. This leads to an interactive gallery detailing racial segregation. The last looks at the global fight for human rights.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Julia H. 4 months ago on Google • 69 reviews
    The first level of the museum is incredible. There is so much information and there are so many photographs, videos, and recordings from the civil rights movement. The lunch counter sit-in experience is the most visceral thing I have ever seen/heard/done in a museum. It's an intense experience, and it's such a great way to have visitors understand just a fraction of what sit-in protestors were facing. The second level of the museum is a little more disappointing. It largely frames civil rights as things that people in OTHER countries have to fight for. The map of "freedom" around the world was a little ridiculous. There was a section about rights in the US that framed them as "bad stuff in the past" and "good things in the present" that basically said yeah the US was bad for toppling some governments but some of it was good actually. There's also text that states that after the Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, you can't just commit genocide and tell other countries to mind their own business about it - except that it's literally happening right now! The first level has some mention of how Black civil rights leaders were in solidarity with Palestinians, but no mention of Palestine on the second level. I think that second level paints a rosier picture of the present than is justified & paints the United States as more heroic than it is- and I understand that this is likely due to where the museum gets its funding, but that's why I'm only giving it 4/5 stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phil J. 11 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    A great experience where you learn a lot about the history of the civil rights movement, both on an intellectual and on an emotional level. Staff super friendly, exhibits well lit and lots of informative text, this place will leave a lasting impact on the visitor. A bit too pricey, some guests considered not coming in because of the high admission fee. Next to the Georgia Aquarium the best place to visit in Atlanta.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dometrius H. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the visual and auditory stations. The staff is amazing. The ticketing booth staff were friendly and accommodating. They told me about promotions without me having to ask! It was an amazing experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tomasz H. 9 months ago on Google
    Emotional and educational experience. Very clean and set-up perfectly which makes the “story” even more immersive/captivating. Would recommend to anyone visiting Atlanta
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krystalynn D. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the highlights of our time in Atlanta for sure. I did not realize how emotional I was going to get.. in the first 15 minutes of visiting nonetheless. Make sure you do the immersive lunch counter experience.. Staff were also so incredibly friendly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an awesome museum to visit for all people interested in doing their part to make the world a better place for all of mankind. Emotions will run high for many here, but for me it further confirms my resolve to do my part to make life better for my family and community; highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BeanConscript 2 years ago on Google
    Very informative and interesting experience packed with information, difficult to get through in one trip but if determined you can. Most of the museum was dedicated to African American figures and there opposition, another good chunk was dedicated to the individuals affected by dictators and corrupt law, aswell as life sized images of dictators. The museum also had lots of interesting interactive elements and the staff were very nice and made sure we were comfortable and enjoyed everything. Dispute what other reviews state, there is representation of other minorities on the third floor, though the majority is indeed dedicated to Black american history. all around recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas M (Thomas M. 1 year ago on Google
    not too expensive to enter but we went in because there was a wait for the aquarium It's worth it nicely air conditioning and some of the stuff down stairs was very eye opening. they had some nice stuff in the gift shop aswell some of the interactive stuff was cool aswell
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan H. 5 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    I really enjoyed visiting here. I took my time going through the exhibits. The staff was *so* nice! There's even an inclusive restroom! Totally fine to get through here with a suitcase - and I was able to take elevators for most of the places. Not sure if there's one to avoid the stairs that are part of an exhibit. Would recommend going early and taking your time. There's a lot of information to soak in.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Siju Kurian J. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place. A place must to visit in Atlanta. Clean and well organized. Very near to Atlanta Aquarium. This place is 12 minutes walk from Peachtree Marta and Civic Marta stations.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bri 5 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    The museum staff so warm and friendly. Several staff members brought a smile to my face several times during my visit. The museum was clean with hand sanitizer stations available in all rooms. The exhibits were very informative and interesting with a lot of interactive components. Definitely would recommend to others!

  • 4/5 Tabitha P. 6 months ago on Google
    Honestly the subject is super important but I think this museum could be better. The narrative is a bit of a mess, the galleries aren't large enough and they don't have enough about the women of the civil rights movement. Finally, my friend that came with me has some mobility issues, the museum is technically accessible but the exhibits are hard for someone in a wheelchair to read.

  • 5/5 Cody T. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful Museum, I learned a lot here. Not too crowded either which is nice, great informative exhibits.

  • 5/5 Dwight B. 8 months ago on Google
    Very impressive, I wanted to say the Center for Civil and Human rights is a time of history we wish didn't happen, but it did. Well organized display. More importantly, I met several employees and the where very knowledgeable of the center. A big shout out to Rod in Maintenance Department for keeping the center spotless. Had a great time a must see if in Atlanta

  • 4/5 Thomas 6 months ago on Google
    This place is awesome. Taught me a lot about Civil Rights. The only reason I'm giving this a 4 star is because when I was at the museum, I was walking down the staircase and then a staff member came up to me and yelled at me at my friend for "walking on a one-way staircase" and "being too loud". First, there was no sign explaining that it was a one-way staircase. And second, nobody else was complaining about our volume, even the people right next to us! Later, we overheard her talking like "people these days, no respect for anybody". I saw her again on my second trip. Overall nice place but please get some kinder staff. P.S. I noticed that most of the reviews diss the staff, so I'm not alone.

  • 5/5 Sunny Minard (. 3 years ago on Google
    Omg! I was inspired amazed and moved and glad I was able to share this experience with my family. Best to purchase tickets online can't purchase in person.. They follow all covid protocols to a T. Very clean and customer service was awesome!

  • 3/5 Alex C. 9 months ago on Google
    Cool history of 20th century american south, but whitewashes the philosophies of MLK and kwame ture. 2nd exhibit is randomly talking about how the rest of the world hasn't learned what "freedom" is yet

  • 5/5 Carolyn D. 10 months ago on Google
    The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum in Atlanta, Georgia, that tells the story of the American civil rights movement and its global impact. The museum is divided into four main galleries: The Civil Rights Movement explores the history of the civil rights movement in the United States, from the abolition of slavery to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Human Rights Movement looks at human rights movements around the world, from the women's suffrage movement to the anti-apartheid movement. The Power of Nonviolence examines the power of nonviolent protest in achieving social change. The Future of Human Rights explores the challenges and opportunities facing human rights in the 21st century. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and resources, including a website, a mobile app, and a library. Pros: The museum is well-organized and informative. The exhibits are engaging and interactive. The museum does a good job of telling the story of the civil rights movement and its global impact. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and resources. Cons: The museum can be a bit overwhelming for young children. The museum is not wheelchair accessible. Overall, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is an excellent museum that is worth visiting. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the civil rights movement and its global impact. Here are some additional thoughts about the museum: The museum does a great job of using interactive exhibits to tell the story of the civil rights movement. I especially enjoyed the exhibit where you could sit in the "hot seat" and experience what it was like to be a civil rights activist during the Jim Crow era. The museum also does a good job of highlighting the role of women and other marginalized groups in the civil rights movement. I was particularly impressed by the exhibit on the Montgomery bus boycott, which featured the stories of several of the women who were instrumental in organizing the boycott. I would recommend visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights with a group of friends or family. There is a lot of information to take in, and it is helpful to have someone to discuss the exhibits with. The museum is located in downtown Atlanta, so there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. If you are planning a visit, I would recommend making a day of it and exploring the city.

  • 5/5 Jennifer S. 3 years ago on Google
    We always order our tickets online and we picked them up at the window. Everyone we interacted with was knowledgeable and friendly. It took us around two hours to get through but I read all of the facts they have at museums. I highly recommend if you want a history lesson and it's interactive

  • 5/5 Marwan 2 years ago on Google
    the center is a cultural attraction including multiple galleries of human rights movements. small museum but unique and worth the visit

  • 5/5 Matt H. 1 year ago on Google
    Take your family here. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and clearly go to work because they want to. The displays and exhibits are supremely accurate and relevant. I would recommend spending at least 2 hours here. If you have questions about the history, be sure to ask. The lovely human being working in the gift shop summed it up best: “Thanks for coming and being emotional with us”. I highly recommend this stop. Turn off the news, get inspired, then change the world.

  • 5/5 Ben H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a must stop for everyone over age 14. I believe all ages should study and learn our history but a lot of reading is required and this would not be fun if I brought my two 7 year old boys! The Center is designed well and very informative.

  • 5/5 Elise 2 years ago on Google
    I never went inside but plan to !! I was walking past on the way back from the breakfast club and wanted a cool background for pictures. I’m glad I stopped here. I am for sure making a visit here.

  • 5/5 Mimi H. 3 years ago on Google
    A very informative experience in Atlanta. Highly recommend checking it out if you are visiting the city or live here and haven’t gone. Lots of history and stories here that everyone can learn from. Limited access with Covid so you need to book ahead of time.


Call +1 678-999-8990 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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