International Civil Rights Center & Museum | Greensboro

The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is housed within the former F.W. Woolworth Company store.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a two-story structure constructed primarily of brick. The facade features large display windows at street level and a series of smaller, rectangular windows on the second floor. The architectural style is characteristic of mid-20th-century commercial buildings.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 310 North Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. It is approximately 1.5km north of the city center. On-street parking is available in the vicinity, with several paid parking garages located within a 0.5km radius. Public transport options include the Greensboro Transit Authority bus routes that service Elm Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed as a F.W. Woolworth Company store, opening in 1940. It gained national significance as the site of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the preserved lunch counter where the sit-ins took place. Educational exhibits detail the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Guided tours are available daily.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided within the exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the museum. Food vendors and restaurants are located in the surrounding downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays outside of peak lunch hours (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM) offer a less crowded experience. The museum is open year-round, with no specific seasonal weather considerations impacting indoor access.

Facts & Legends

The original lunch counter stools from the 1960 sit-ins are still in place. The museum actively works to preserve the authenticity of the space as it was during the protests.

Nearby Landmarks

• Tanger Family Branch YMCA (0.3km Southwest)
• Greensboro Cultural Arts Center (0.4km South)
• Carolina Theatre (0.5km South)
• LeBauer Park (0.5km South)
• Smith-Hairston Building (0.6km West)