Home - National Center for Civil and Human Rights

History Returns. Our Grand Reopening Begins November 8.

Human Dignity in Action

Step into living history. Discover the courage of everyday people and your own power to protect human rights.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is more than a museum. It’s a journey into truth, memory, and movement. Here, the stories of those who fought for freedom meet the changemakers of today. Come witness the past and leave ready to shape what’s next.

The past lives here. The future moves through you.

Featured Exhibits

Walk through moments that shook history and still shape our world. From the fight against Jim Crow to global struggles for human rights, our exhibitions ignite empathy and action.

Sit at a 1950s lunch counter, feel freedom songs ring through Jim Crow, then cross oceans and decades to stand with today’s human-rights defenders.

Rolls down like water

Rolls Down Like Water explores pivotal moments of the American civil rights movement through interactive experiences that invite deeper engagement.

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Everyone. Everywhere.

Justice has no borders. This gallery is a welcoming space that spotlights human rights defenders from around the world.

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A Committed Life

Centered around the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, A Committed Life invites visitors to take a closer look at Dr. King’s life.

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Your Visit, Your Way

Create a guided path based on your time or interests, or use our Plan Your Visit tool to shape the experience that’s most meaningful to you.

Education with Purpose

Because understanding human rights is the first step to protecting them.

Resources for educators committed to developing tomorrow’s leaders.

Our Work in Action From reflection to resolve

Our initiatives turn learning into leadership sparking civic action, cultural connection, and systemic change.

Truth + Transformation

Advancing cultural repair through truth-telling, accountability, and collective action.

Culture Connections

Building equitable workplaces through dialogue, learning, and lasting change.

LGBTQ+ Institute

Empowering queer voices through advocacy, research, and pride.

Meaningful Reflections from Our Visitors

“Incredibly informative. Lots to see, learn and be challenged. Moments of overwhelming emotion that serves of a reminder that we should all be instruments of justice.”

“This [Lunch Counter] was an experience for my daughter and I, we both talked about holding back tears!! My daughter was speechless to learn about these brave young North Carolina A&T college freshman!”

“What a powerful experience this was! The lunch counter evoked so many emotions; fear, horror, anger, and an immense sadness. I couldn't sit through the whole thing, I broke down. I highly recommend this museum for everyone!”