National Center for Civil and Human Rights — Attraction in Atlanta

National Center for Civil and Human Rights: An Eye-Opening Journey

Nestled amidst the vibrant Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the profound impact of civil rights movements throughout history. While the museum may be smaller in size compared to some of its neighbors, it packs a powerful punch with three floors of thought-provoking exhibits.

Location and Convenience

The center is conveniently located within walking distance of the Georgia Aquarium and other world-renowned museums, offering a comprehensive cultural experience. The proximity to these attractions makes it easy to immerse yourself in a day filled with historical and scientific exploration.

Exhibits and Impact

Despite its smaller footprint, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights boasts an array of immersive exhibits that delve into critical issues of justice, equality, and human rights. It features interactive displays, compelling documentaries, and artifacts that bring the stories of civil rights leaders to life.

Storytelling Through Media

One unique aspect of this museum is its use of short video clips and immersive seating areas. These segments provide a captivating way to engage with the content and feel transported back in time to witness pivotal moments in history. They evoke emotions and foster a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for civil rights.

Global Perspective

While the museum primarily focuses on the American civil rights movement, it also sheds light on global human rights issues. The exhibits explore topics such as the fight against apartheid in South Africa and the ongoing struggle for equality around the world, emphasizing the universality of human rights.

Educational Value

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is an invaluable educational resource for students, educators, and anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of social justice. The exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of key historical events and their lasting impact, inspiring visitors to reflect on their own roles in promoting civil rights and human dignity.

Conclusion

Though relatively small in size, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights stands tall as a powerful advocate for human rights. Its impactful exhibits, immersive storytelling, and global perspective create an unforgettable experience that will stay with visitors long after they leave its walls. Whether you're a history buff, a social activist, or simply someone who believes in the power of equality, this museum is a must-visit destination in the heart of Atlanta's...

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...

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...