International Civil Rights Center & Museum image

International Civil Rights Center & Museum

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Conference center History museum Local history museum Learning center Meeting room

Archives & exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement at the site of the historic Greensboro sit-ins. People often mention tour, museum, guide, experience, history, guided, Civil, Rights, recommend, counter,


Address

134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401

Website

www.sitinmovement.org

Contact

(336) 274-9199

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (530 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (45) museum (28) guide (22) experience (22) history (17) guided (15) Civil (13) Rights (13) recommend (11) counter (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Stef G. 1 year ago on Google
    I wish photography was allowed, but I fully respect why it is not. This was a powerful trip. The tour guide we had was amazing. While many parts were not captioned, the staff worked with me to provide access to my deaf peers. The counter is an amazing experience, as is the entire tour. Go when you can. I am sad to see how few white folks were there to absorb and learn. We must learn from our past and that includes learning from our painful truths.
    19 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kylie 1 year ago on Google
    Wow. Such a powerful place with an incredibly important story to tell. Jeanne was our tour guide and she was fantastic! The subject matter is difficult, especially the hall of shame, but it’s a story that needs to be told. I’m so glad I went and visited this historic place.
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 RobertsMom N. 1 year ago on Google
    Very impressive. Definitely worth a visit. They have guided and self- guided tours. Both very informative. Very well organized. We respected their instructions & only took photo of the lobby area.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denzel 1 year ago on Google
    My first time going and I did the staff-led tour. Im amazed at how the museum looks on the inside! Way above my expectations… our staff guide was Jeanne and she was very knowledgeable and engaging. 10/10 No phones on the inside and masks are required
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard N. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a good guided tour, Gene, was our guide and she was absolutely amazing!!! She has great knowledge and a fantastic way of sharing. The tour was around one and a half hours long. Definitely visit if you get a chance and ask for Gene as your guide.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany G. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic experience at this museum. The staff are very helpful and friendly, the history here is so fascinating to see up close and personal, and I feel like I learned so much from these folks! I will definitely come back and invite friends!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dark S. 2 years ago on Google
    Solid local museum about the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement in 1960s America. The exhibits are well done and the staff knowledgeable and friendly. They have the antediluvian policy of discouraging photos. Still, the museum is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in the American Civil Rights Movement.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A C. 1 year ago on Google
    Museum was awesome! Guided tour was approx 2 hrs. Only allowed to take pics of outside, lobby and gift shop. So much history. Recommend!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sky T. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a historic building that inspired the sit-in movement of the 60s. The tour is $25 for adults and $15 for youth (K-12) and is about an hour long. They also have an online tour that you can purchase for a limited viewing as well. I had La'Tonya as our docent and she did an outstanding job at bringing the history of this place to life. Unfortunately, photo nor videos are not allowed on the tour, but it will leave an unforgettable impression on you. It's wild to think this was the norm over a half century ago. We've come a long way and there is still some more to go. This place will definitely put perspective on things. For eats, I highly recommend Crafted: The Art of the Taco and Cheesecakes by Alex that are a few minute walk from here. They both have some super delicious foods!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ronald B. 6 months ago on Google
    The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement. It is located at the site of the historic Greensboro sit-ins, and it tells the story of the movement through interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts. The museum is well-organized and informative, and it does a great job of explaining the complex history of the Civil Rights Movement in a way that is both engaging and educational. I was particularly impressed by the exhibit on the Greensboro sit-ins, which included a recreation of the lunch counter where the sit-ins took place. Mrs. Washington our tour guide was passionate, thorough and kept our group together and used her platform to bridge the gaps in togetherness right in the tour. I was appreciative of her companionate wise words during such an emotionally wrenching time for reflection. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the Civil Rights Movement in a more hands-on way. For example, there is an exhibit where visitors can sit at a lunch counter and experience what it was like to be a black person in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. There is also an exhibit where visitors can learn about the different forms of nonviolent protest that were used during the movement. They just purchased the building adjacent to them. So more expansion is in the future. Be sure to donate extra for the build out and the staff so we can keep this history out in the open. Overall, I highly recommend the International Civil Rights Center & Museum to anyone interested in learning more about the Civil Rights Movement. It is a powerful and moving experience that will stay with you long after you leave. Here are some additional details about the museum: It is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Saturday. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $14 for children ages 6-17. The museum offers a variety of educational programs for groups and schools. The museum is located at 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401. • Metered street parking is available
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 unleashed g. 1 year ago on Google
    We did the self guided tour yesterday which consisted of a ~30-40 minute video followed by a walkthrough of the exhibits. Masks are required and no photos allowed. Self guided tour is $15, guided tour $25, no senior discounts. Being older, we were familiar with the history of the civil rights movement but the museum offers stories of individual leaders and victims, and highlights the historic events in Greensboro. If you make your way to the 3rd floor, you will find the international displays. With the exception of the lunch counter and a few artifacts, the majority of exhibits were photographic in nature, accompanied by written narratives. I came away with more empathy for persons whose ancestors lived through this dark period of American history. The mindset of the people who committed these atrocities is unfathomable today, 60 years later. My biggest disappointment was overhearing a tour guide talk about politics to a group of young people. Her comments were not factual, were very biased and in support of the democrat party. I was glad to see one of the students fact-check her. Overall, I’m neutral on recommending a visit. Most of the information is publicly available, though the lunch counter is iconic and probably worth the visit. With the exception of Darren, who was very personable and helpful, the rest of the staff were not so much and the very opinionated narrative from the tour guide made me glad I didn’t pay extra. I think it’s important for visitors to form their own opinions and not be told what to think.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Corinne T. 1 year ago on Google
    I had an amazing experience at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum this weekend. I am local and hadn't been since I was young. I wound up going with a group of coworker and it was a fantastic experience. The guides are excellent. The perfect combination of knowledgeable and great at explaining the atrocities committed against People of Color in the civil rights ear while also being hopeful for the impact and change the current/future generation can bring. I recommend this to everyone.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jude S. 9 months ago on Google
    We have been to many civil rights museums including in D.C. and Montgomery, AL and found this museum to be a real find. It was very informative at the personal level. Our docent, Jeanne Dulin, was exceptional. I would highly recommend the guided tour for the full experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica S. 9 months ago on Google
    Took the guided tour with Darren... great learning experience! Don't be afraid to participate, he's very engaging. I've been to quite a few museums like this (e.g., Memphis, Atlanta) and this one is very well done. Even if you've been to other Civil Rights Centers, I guarantee you'll still learn something at this one. Gift shop is also great with lots of books to extend your learning. Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Don M. 6 months ago on Google
    An excellent museum. I first saw the hour-long video tour and then walked through the museum. The video-tour is just that. It's a walk through the museum with different guides in different sections explaining things as they would on a live tour. The guides are engaging and it works very well. When I went through the displays I had a much better appreciation for each section. I understand that live tours are available when guides are available. Whether you are lucky enough to get a live guide or you watch the video tour, either way this museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the civil rights struggle.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chel L. 5 months ago on Google
    Tour guide was amazing. If you are a person of color, don’t be surprised when you see white people. They do come, but mostly to clear up how they history was taught to them too. Rooms are tight but it’s intentional.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna A. 9 months ago on Google
    Visited on 7.19.23 with zero expectations, but we were all mesmerized by our tour guide, Angela. She is a wealth of information and we agreed someone that we could listen to for hours on end. The tour pacing is perfect. The displays are powerful!! The price is reasonable, $15 for student and $20 for adult. The gift shop is cute and quaint. There was no line or wait to buy tickets and every single lady we met was delightfully friendly. We enjoyed our initial tour so much that we visited 4 days later, so we could bring new friends with us to experience it with us. I'm sure all tour guides are awesome, but when we return (and we will!), we'll call ahead to make sure Angela is working, because she is a phenomenal story teller as she shares the history packed in that museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lake K. 1 year ago on Google
    An interesting museum worth the trip mainly to see the preserved Woolworth counter that started off the associated wave of civil rights protests. Many of the most interesting items inside are along this theme, such as an actual example of a 'separate but equal' drinking fountain. A few odd points: despite the name, I don't recall anything "international" inside. A mask mandate is still being enforced, which seems bizarre in April of '23 when the building is nearly empty. Also, photography (even with the flash off) is forbidden. The reason for this is unclear. Perhaps to discourage people from jumping over the partitions, sitting on the historic seats, and pretending to sit in? Still, it's off-putting, since seeing the counter is a huge part of the draw of showing up at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paula M. 10 months ago on Google
    We took the 2 hour guided tour and Angela our guide was amazing in sharing knowledge. The galleries each told a part of the history of the movement including the original lunch counter where 4 Black A and T College Freshmen began the first sit-in to protest segregation. We would highly recommend visiting here.

  • 4/5 Lisa M. 1 year ago on Google
    My son and I came today for the very first time. I opted for the staff led tour which was fantastic and extremely engaging. The layout of the museum is astounding and very captivating with the gallery picture walls and videos. The 2 tour guides we had as my son stated were amazing! One made the personal connection and shared that she was from and went to High school in Greensboro and knew 2 of the NCA&T 4. The other tour guide was phenomenal because she spoke so fervently and powerfully! My 12 year old son was intrigued. Job well done Ladies! Afterwards, we made our way to the Gift Shop....this is where the outstanding experience took a TURN. A young White woman saw us walk in and chose not to acknowledge or speak to us. After about 20 seconds as I perused the shop, I saw an African American woman employee sitting down and she said hello. After choosing a few items for my Son and I, the white employee named Gabrielle still said nothing and rung up the 4 items. I stated that the little book lighter was included with the book I was purchasing and pointed to the SIGN she was standing at when we walked in. She proceeded to tell me that wasn't right. I pointed again and suggested she read the sign. She got annoyed and called the other employee and she went to look at the sign. I was right. She rang me up and didn't say a word. I looked in the bag and told her to give me my receipt. THIS tail end encounter with this white employee was horrible and ill. It is VERY apparent that Gabrielle does NOT honor nor recognize the honor and credibility of the establishment she WORKS at. I shared this ugly experience with Darren- Tour assistant and he told me to call the CEO. I did and am waiting for him to return my call because he NEEDS to be aware of the low quality customer service that is taking place in the gift shop.

  • 2/5 Heather C. 8 months ago on Google
    We were asked to leave by our tour guide, Angela. Very disappointing experience. We purchased these tickets in advance only to be asked to leave just after the tour started because our child was acting in a manner appropriate for an elementary school-aged child. The facility has no problem accepting payment for elementary school children, but then doesn’t allow them to tour when they are acting their age? Tour is not family-friendly. Don’t take your kids. Fifty-five dollars down the drain.

  • 5/5 Sonya W. 9 months ago on Google
    My daughter and I visited the museum this week and had a wonderful experience. Our tour guide, Angela, was amazing. You are guided through moments in history that sparked the civil rights movement and also why the work must continue. I would recommend this museum to ALL. You will walk away well informed.

  • 5/5 Luis Javier M. 8 months ago on Google
    What an amazing experience! Our tour guide, Keyshawn, really brought the whole experience several notches up. I highly recommend the guided experience. I loved how the museum connects the past to the present and makes us reflect on the path already traveled and reminds us that there’s still work ahead. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Sheri W S. 2 years ago on Google
    We chose the self guided tour for time reasons, but in listening to the tour guide and the interaction she had with the group, I would highly recommend that option. $15 for self and $25 for guided. Please stop in gift shop and support this awesome foundation! Give yourself 2 hours at least!

  • 2/5 Jennifer P. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited 6 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Fast forward to March of 2022. Our visit was awful. The person at the counter was very rude to a large group of senior citizens that just paided hundreds of dollars to visit...telling one lady that was paying and trying to ask a question about her receipt "You need to clear away from my counter now". At least a third of the exhibits seem to be 'not accessible' any more. Staff seems angry when you don't want to visit their theater. (My child had seen the video in school numerous times). We felt like we were unwelcome and a bother. On a positive note, the lady working in the gift shop was wonderful.

  • 5/5 Carnice M. 6 months ago on Google
    What a wonderful engaging experience! To learn about American history through the African-American experience. I would highly recommend a trip to learn about the rich history of the civil rights movement in our backyard (NC). Recommend getting a guided tour of the museum. Our guide Darren was beyond words PHENOMENAL!!! He brought all of the rich history alive and synthesized it in such a way that conveyed the African-American spirit of resilience, the realities of our history, and the hope for change for all of humanity. It was a therapeutic experience and I am so thankful for this museum and Mr. Darren!

  • 5/5 Dr. Mia Su Cary she, h. 7 months ago on Google
    Powerful, heavy, educational tour today through the International Civil Rights Museum. Our guide Jeanne Dulin was extremely knowledgeable, and what a beautiful voice. Thank you! Everyone should visit this important landmark.

  • 5/5 Mara S. 6 months ago on Google
    A very moving and informative museum experience, more about life than simply history...well worth a visit (or several -- there's a lot to absorb!). Our guided tour (with Darren) was excellent.

  • 5/5 Kathryn K. K. 2 years ago on Google
    This tour guide was very passionate over chewing gum because she mentioned it once again when we were inside the first exhibit.

  • 5/5 Demetrius H. 6 months ago on Google
    Great African American History (Civil Rights) Display And Tour Discussion That Was Exceptional Curated By Darren Diku McGill And Staff !

  • 4/5 keiko h. 6 months ago on Google
    I was visiting from California and received tickets to this museum as a gift. I was super excited because I’m always interested in learning more about my history so I can pay homage to the leaders who came before me. This entire museum is beautiful and well put together. However, our tour guide was very rude. I’m quite disappointed with her behavior we were the only Black people on the tour, you would think she’d connect with us and make us feel welcome but no we were subjected to rude comments the entire time. We stopped to use the bathroom in between the tour and she asked my mom “all of them had to go?” “Was that more important than this?” “I have to go all the time but I don’t go.” As if we did something wrong by having to go to the bathroom. Finally when my sister looked at her watch to check the time she ask her “do you have somewhere to be.” I don’t understand what warranted this. I really hope moving forward she can be nicer and more welcoming. You can lose a lot of people just by your energy. The rest of the staff were very nice and pleasant. The man in the front was very nice and had southern hospitality so was the bookstore attendant.

  • 5/5 Minda H. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience! This museum is a must for all to see. It's very educational and our tour guide Dillon was awesome! I would encourage anyone visiting the Greensboro area to make this museum part of their plans. I highly recommend it for kids 12 and up too. It's a good positive way to start the conversation about race relations in our country for those that don't really know or understand.


Call (336) 274-9199 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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