The Rolling Down Like Water exhibit pays tribute to the resilience of everyday people and iconic leaders alike, highlighting Atlanta’s pivotal role as a cradle of activism. 18 Nov 2025
National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta Reopens with New Experiences and Expanded Programs for a New Generation

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CityPASS

ATLANTA (November 18, 2025) — City Pass, Inc. is proud to highlight the opening of the newly expanded and reimagined National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a pillar of cultural and historical significance in Atlanta – the cradle of the American civil rights movement and the hometown of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As a featured attraction in the Atlanta CityPASS® ticket, the Center stands as a living tribute to the city's legacy of leadership in the pursuit of justice and equality.

Since its original opening in 2014, the Center has connected the powerful history of civil rights in America to the ongoing global struggle for human rights. Through immersive exhibits, it honors those who have fought to protect human dignity and inspires visitors to become changemakers in their own communities.

Following a $57.9 million expansion, the Center now offers an even more engaging experience through innovative storytelling and interactive exhibits. The renovation includes two new wings, six new galleries, and enhanced event and educational spaces, further establishing the Center as a dynamic national destination for education, reflection, and civic engagement.

“Our reopening arrives at a time when understanding our shared history feels more urgent than ever,” said Jill Savitt, president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. “This Center was built to show how history speaks to the present. These new galleries allow people to experience both the courage of those who came before us and the call to continue their work today.”

The Center's updated and expanded galleries bring history to life in powerful new ways:

  • Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement – The Center's signature gallery returns with new storytelling and updates that enhance one of the most powerful visitor experiences: the Lunch Counter simulation, where guests take a seat at the counter and experience the courage of protestors who faced hatred with calm resolve.
  • A Committed Life: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection – This reimagined gallery features a rotating selection of Dr. King's personal papers and writings. Visitors encounter Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as never before—as a man, a father, a pastor, and a leader whose humanity deepened his moral vision. In a new tradition, the Center will feature a guest curator for each rotation. The inaugural guest curator is Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, the youngest child of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.
  • Everyone. Everywhere: The Global Human Rights Movement – Highlights defenders and activists around the world and includes A Mile in My Shoes. During this immersive installation, guests walk in others' stories, encouraging empathy and connection.
  • Action Lab: A hands-on space where visitors can design personal civic engagement plans and discover practical ways to make a difference in their communities.
  • Special Exhibitions Gallery: For the first time, the Center features a gallery for temporary exhibitions, beginning with "Reclaiming History: Selections from the Tinwood Foundation," which showcases Southern Black artists whose work confronts injustice and celebrates resilience.
  • Broken Promises: The Legacy of the Reconstruction Era: Opening December 6, this gallery examines the Reconstruction period as a crucial foundation for understanding the Civil Rights Movement. It features historical artifacts and includes the marker commemorating Mary Turner's lynching, interpreted through the work of artist Lonnie Holley.

Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for more information.

"This expansion is a powerful reminder of how institutions like the Center can inspire action through education and storytelling," said Megan Allen, CEO of City Pass, Inc. "We're proud to partner in a space that honors the past while empowering future generations to lead with courage and compassion."

Guests can explore the National Center for Civil and Human Rights as part of a curated Atlanta CityPASS® experience that includes admission to five of these six attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, College Football Hall of Fame, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This bundled ticket offers savings of up to 49% off regular admission rates. Visit CityPASS.com for more information.

About CityPASS®: For 28 years, CityPASS tickets have provided travelers with significant savings in a destination's top attractions. Based on over 88,000 customer reviews, the tickets have an average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. CityPASS tickets are currently available in 17 North American destinations: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay and Toronto. Since 1997, more than 30 million CityPASS tickets have been sold. For more information, visit media.citypass.com.

Prices and programs are subject to change. CityPASS® and City Pass® are registered trademarks of City Pass, Inc. and the exclusive property of City Pass, Inc.

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