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Host your next gathering in a space that inspires action

VIEW OUR EVENT SPACES

The Center’s event spaces offer a meaningful setting grounded in justice, dignity, and history. From intimate conversations to large-scale celebrations, every event becomes part of a larger story about community and change.

The Glenn

The Glenn is a sophisticated private hall designed to impress and inspire. With soothing slate-grey accents and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the scenic Fountain Terrace, this modern venue seamlessly blends elegance with purpose. Six striking custom shadow boxes, each highlighting civil and human rights initiatives from around the globe, provide a meaningful backdrop that elevates every occasion.

Highly versatile, The Glenn can be tailored to fit your unique vision. Optional features include a collapsible dividing wall for breakout spaces, a built-in sound system, and two discreet drop-down projectors with screens seamlessly integrated into the etched natural wood ceiling. These details make it equally suited for corporate receptions, impactful speaking engagements, formal banquets, or unforgettable celebrations.

 

Capacity highlights:

  • 260+ guests seated theater-style
  • 170 guests seated banquet-style
  • 300+ guests for a vibrant cocktail reception

 

The Glenn offers the perfect balance of style, flexibility, and inspiration to create truly memorable events.

Pre-function

The spacious Pre-Function lobby greets visitors with a private events entrance through glass doors onto sparkling terrazzo floors, allowing guests to flow easily between the museum galleries and the Center’s diverse event spaces. Upon entry, guests are welcome to gaze upon the Fragments artwork and a suspended portrait installation celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

The Pre-Function lobby accommodates up to: 

  • 75 guests, seated theater-style
  • 60 guests, seated banquet-style
  • 100+ guests, for a moving cocktail reception 

Atlanta Boardroom

A flexible and intimate space framed by elegant wood-paneled walls inscribed with quotes from throughout the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Featuring a built-in A/V system and catering staging counter, this exclusive room is ideal for board meetings, workshops, or roundtables, and can make a perfect VIP area as a rental addition to a larger space.

The Atlanta Boardroom accommodates up to: 

  • 75 guests, seated theater-style
  • 50 guests, seated banquet-style
  • 80+ guests, for a moving cocktail reception 

East Wing

The East Wing is a sleek and flexible space that can be customized to suit the needs of a range of events. With a built-in LED screen for presentations, wall space for branding opportunities, and an attached greenroom for speakers or VIP guests, this event hall is perfect for everything from conferences to cocktails. 

The East Wing accommodates up to: 

  • 190 guests, seated theater-style
  • 140 guests, seated banquet-style
  • 300+ guests, for a moving cocktail reception 

Freedom, hope, & justice classrooms

With a smoothly folding glass wall, the East Wing can be divided into three unique classroom spaces available to rent individually. Visiting school groups can make use of plug-and-play presentation systems to build upon the transformative lessons found in our acclaimed museum. These breakout spaces are also perfect for seminars or workshops during corporate and non-profit conferences alike. 

Each of the Classrooms accommodates up to: 

  • 40 guests, seated theater-style
  • 30 guests, seated banquet-style
  • 24 guests, seated classroom-style 

Main Lobby & Mezzanine

The Main Lobby and overhanging Mezzanine serve as an impactful and dramatic space for a variety of evening events. A three-story window facade offers a captivating view of Pemberton Place illuminated by Atlanta’s city lights. Our acclaimed 30’ mural celebrates the power of 20th-century protest movements worldwide, and two floors of entryways into our Civil and Human Rights Galleries instantly welcome curiosity. 

The Main Lobby & Mezzanine accommodate up to: 

  • 250 guests, seated theater-style
  • 150 guests, seated banquet-style
  • 800+ guests, for a moving cocktail reception throughout the exhibits 

Georgia-pacific fountain terrace

The scenic outdoor Fountain Terrace is a landmark along Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. that welcomes event guests with a sense of grandeur and meaning. The towering twin water features stand as a breathtaking centerpiece that echoes the words of Nelson Mandela and Margaret Mead. Visitors are inspired by this testament to the mission of the Center while enjoying the gorgeous open space surrounded by beautiful architecture. 

The Fountain Terrace accommodates up to: 

  • 150 guests, seated banquet-style
  • 400+ guests, for a moving cocktail reception 

Skyline Terrace

The Skyline Terrace provides evening events with a sweeping balcony overlooking a gorgeous view of the Atlanta skyline. Nestled into the copper wing of the Shirley Clarke Franklin Pavilion alongside the green lawn of Pemberton Place, this outdoor space provides the perfect mix of privacy and open-air splendor.

The Skyline Terrace accommodates up to: 

  • 150 guests, seated banquet-style
  • 300+ guests, for a moving cocktail reception 

Glenn a

Glenn A is an intimate and versatile extension of The Glenn, perfect for smaller gatherings that still demand elegance and impact. Framed by soothing slate-grey accents and featuring six custom shadow boxes highlighting powerful civil and human rights initiatives, the room inspires conversation and connection. Modern amenities include a built-in sound system and a discreet drop-down projector with screen, seamlessly integrated into the etched natural wood ceiling. 

Whether hosting an executive meeting, educational presentation, intimate banquet, or cocktail reception, Glenn A offers a sophisticated setting tailored to your needs.

 

Capacity highlights:

  • 90 guests theater-style
  • 60 guests banquet-style
  • 120+ guests cocktail reception

Glenn b

Glenn B is a stylish and versatile extension of The Glenn, designed to offer a more intimate setting without sacrificing sophistication. With soothing slate-grey accents and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the scenic Fountain Terrace, this space fills with natural light and provides a serene yet inspiring atmosphere for gatherings of all kinds.

Perfectly suited for executive meetings, educational presentations, intimate banquets, or elegant cocktail receptions, Glenn B is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a seamless experience. A built-in sound system and a discreet drop-down projector with screen, seamlessly integrated into the etched natural wood ceiling, make it easy to elevate presentations or enhance the mood of your event.

 

Capacity highlights:

  • 120 guests seated theater-style
  • 90 guests seated banquet-style
  • 150+ guests for a vibrant cocktail reception

 

Glenn B combines intimacy and impact, making it the ideal choice for smaller-scale but highly memorable events.

The Franklin

The Franklin is a stunning, state-of-the-art event hall that redefines versatility and sophistication. Designed with flexibility in mind, this dynamic space can transform seamlessly to host everything from high-level conferences and panel discussions to elegant banquets, lively cocktail receptions, and stylish celebrations.

At the heart of the room is a grand 165-inch LED screen, providing a dramatic platform for impactful presentations, live streaming, or custom visuals. Expansive wall space offers prime opportunities for branding and décor, allowing you to personalize the environment to reflect your event’s theme and style. A built-in greenroom provides a private retreat for speakers, performers, or VIP guests, ensuring comfort and convenience behind the scenes.

The Franklin’s unique folding glass wall system allows the hall to be divided into three breakout spaces, each with its own character, perfect for workshops, seminars, or smaller sessions that complement a larger program. The dazzling foyer with terrazzo floors adds an extra layer of elegance, welcoming guests with a striking first impression and serving as an ideal spot for registration, networking, or pre-function gatherings.

 

Capacity highlights:

  • 190 guests seated theater-style
  • 140 guests seated banquet-style
  • 300+ guests for a flowing cocktail reception

 

The Franklin combines cutting-edge amenities with modern design, making it the perfect canvas for extraordinary events.

WEST WING ROTATING GALLERY

Step into a one-of-a-kind setting where art, history, and skyline views converge. The West Wing Rotating Gallery offers an elegant and exclusive third-floor space that places your guests inside one of our immersive exhibits, surrounded by powerful storytelling and breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline and Georgia Pacific Terrace.

Perfect for social receptions, intimate private parties, or company banquets, this distinctive gallery combines the grandeur of its soaring stone columns with the intimacy of a private event space. Every gathering held here is elevated with meaning, ensuring your guests leave inspired and impressed.

 

Capacity highlights:

  • 250 guests seated theater-style
  • 175 guests seated banquet-style
  • 250+ guests for a dynamic cocktail reception

     

The West Wing Rotating Gallery transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences—where every moment is framed by beauty, history, and purpose.

FIRST FLOOR BUYOUT

The First Floor Buyout grants you exclusive access to three remarkable spaces—The Glenn, The Franklin, and The Atlanta Boardroom. All connected into a spacious pre-function lobby that encourages guests to mingle, network, and move seamlessly throughout the floor. Perfect for breakout sessions, engaging conversations, and interactive workshops, this versatile layout adapts beautifully to your vision.

Whether you’re hosting an all-day conference with multiple tracks, a dynamic corporate retreat, or a lively evening reception, the space ensures your guests have both the intimacy of private rooms and the energy of shared gathering areas.

Your rental includes a private event entrance with convenient shuttle and rideshare access, plus the stunning Fountain Terrace—an outdoor gem ideal for networking breaks, cocktail hours, or photo opportunities against the backdrop of the Atlanta skyline.

Capacity highlights:

  • 170+ guests for a seated banquet
  • 800+ guests for cocktail reception

     

With sophistication, flexibility, and inspiration woven into every detail, the First Floor Buyout sets the stage for unforgettable experiences your guests will talk about long after the event ends.

FULL FACILITY BUYOUT

Imagine claiming one of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks as your own—over 60,000 square feet of breathtaking space reserved exclusively for you and your guests. A full facility buyout of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights transforms the entire building into your private stage, where every gallery, lobby, and terrace becomes part of your event experience.

Host a sophisticated banquet among world-renowned exhibits, or let the energy spill across dramatic indoor and outdoor terraces with skyline views for a vibrant city celebration. Every moment is elevated by the Center’s inspiring architecture and powerful history, ensuring your event is more than just a gathering, it’s an experience your guests will never forget.

 

Capacity highlights:

  • 1,500+ for a cocktail reception

This is more than a venue, it’s a destination where history, culture, and celebration come together to create unforgettable memories.