National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Atlanta’s National Center for Civil and Human Rights tells the story of the American civil rights movement and the brave people who forever changed history.

The concept of unity, evident in everything from the museum’s programming to the building’s form, inspired the design. As a physical manifestation of unity and harmony, the curved facades represent interlocking arms that cradle the building’s central core. Inside, the glass-paneled central open space recalls the public areas in cities around the world where protests for civil and human rights have taken place.

As visitors move through the building, they experience interactive exhibits and immersive activities. While the issues explored are somber, the Center was designed to inspire conversation and motivate visitors to act. A daylight-filled overlook at the top of the central stair serves as a spot for quiet reflection.

HOK and the Freelon Group collaborated on the design of the building, which is in the heart of downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park and just a few blocks west of the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site.