Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Did you know that Atlanta, Georgia, is home to one of the most interesting and inspiring museums in the United States? Atlanta’s National Center for Civil and Human Rights pays honor to the American Civil Rights Movement. The center is a great place to begin your exploration of Atlanta’s rich history of civil and human rights advocacy and accomplishments, while also raising awareness of current worldwide human rights challenges.

Here’s everything you need to know about the museum and what a day trip would be like with friends or family.

What is an Experience Like at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights?

At the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, you begin your journey by learning about Atlanta’s rich history. The museum is a powerful reminder of Atlanta’s significance in the civil rights fight. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum should be on your itinerary to learn more about how Atlanta’s people fought for the expansion of voting rights in the United States and more.

The “Voice to the Voiceless” exhibit can be found on the lower level (behind the main entrance). Additionally, the slogan “I have a dream” is projected in more than 20 languages on the wooden walls of this museum honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Also included in this collection are MLK’s most renowned speeches, along with letters and notes he sent to encourage others to keep fighting for justice.

Additionally, you can learn more about the people of various ages, races and genders who fought in the Civil Rights Movement on the Freedom Riders Wall and the Wall of Martyrs.

Finally, you can share your own story. The museum’s oral history booth, located on the second level, allows visitors to tell their tales on civil and human rights struggles. The videos are then sorted through, and some of them are shown on the wall.

Tips for Visitors

Plan to be there for a few hours. Even while you can get through everything in an hour and a half, it’s recommended that you set aside at least two hours to read, observe, and look at all the exhibits.

Take note of the atmosphere in every room you enter. Is it a dark place? Most likely, it represents a horrible time in history. Is there a lot of natural light in the room? Perhaps it portrays a happier time in history.

Make your way around to the Ivan Allen Boulevard side of the building before you enter the building to check out the magnificent sculpture. An image of Nelson Mandela and Margaret Mead’s words nicely encapsulates what the center is all about.

Where is the National Center for Human Rights?

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is located on 215 Peachtree St. NW in downtown Atlanta between the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. The museum has the following hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday (last entry at 4 p.m.). It’s also open from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays (the last entry is at 4 p.m.).

Throughout history, several rights have been tightly linked to “nobility”—or denied—to various immigrant groups, native groups, women, enslaved people and their descendants. Exploring the National Center for Civil and Human Rights shows you and your family the stories of women, formerly enslaved people and aboriginal people fighting for their rights and inspires visitors to make a difference in the world.

Visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights website for more information about making a trip to this inspiring destination.