Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park | Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Overview

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park preserves and interprets the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his role in the American Civil Rights Movement, and the broader story of African American struggle and triumph. Located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District of Atlanta, the park spans more than 35 acres and includes a collection of sites directly related to Dr. King's life, work, and philosophy of nonviolent social change.

This is a site of deep historical significance and emotional resonance. It invites visitors to reflect on the life of a global figure who transformed American society and inspired movements for equality around the world.

Key Sites Within the Park

1. Visitor Center
The Visitor Center serves as the main entry point to the park. It houses permanent and rotating exhibitions focused on the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King’s leadership, and the principles of nonviolence. One highlight is "Children of Courage," an exhibit designed for younger audiences that explains the Civil Rights Movement in accessible terms. Multimedia presentations and historic artifacts help contextualize the broader fight for equality in America.

2. The King Center and Freedom Hall
Established by Coretta Scott King in 1968, the King Center serves as a living memorial and educational institution. It includes Freedom Hall, which hosts exhibits on Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rosa Parks, as well as global movements for peace and social justice. Outside, visitors will find the reflecting pool and the crypts of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.

3. Ebenezer Baptist Church (Historic Sanctuary)
This is the church where Dr. King was baptized, ordained, and eventually served as co-pastor with his father, "Daddy" King. The historic sanctuary has been restored to its 1960s appearance, with period pews and audio recordings of Dr. King's sermons playing throughout the space. Today, it stands as a spiritual anchor for the park and a place of solemn reflection.

4. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home
Located at 501 Auburn Avenue, this two-story Queen Anne-style house is where Dr. King was born in 1929 and lived during his early childhood. Guided tours of the interior are typically offered by National Park Service rangers, though the home is currently closed for renovations until November 2025. In the meantime, ranger-led interpretive talks are available near the site, detailing the King family's life and community.

5. Fire Station No. 6
Built in 1894, this historic firehouse once served the Sweet Auburn community. The station highlights the history of African American firefighters in Atlanta and includes exhibits on life in the neighborhood during Dr. King's childhood.

6. International Civil Rights Walk of Fame
Located near the Visitor Center, this walkway features bronze footprints and plaques honoring prominent civil rights leaders and activists. Inductees include politicians, clergy, entertainers, and educators who have made lasting contributions to the struggle for justice.

7. Gandhi Promenade
A landscaped pedestrian path that includes a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, recognizing his profound influence on Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance. The promenade connects the Visitor Center to the King Center and serves as a contemplative space.

Visitor Information

Address
450 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Operating Hours
The park is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Key areas like the Visitor Center, Fire Station No. 6, Freedom Hall, and Ebenezer Baptist Church follow these hours.
The park is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Admission
There is no entrance fee. All exhibits and attractions within the park are free to the public.

Tours
Tours of the Birth Home are ranger-led and currently suspended due to renovations. Walk-through access to the Ebenezer Baptist Church is available, and rangers are often on-site to provide informal interpretive talks.

Parking
Free parking is available in a lot accessed from John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE, near the Visitor Center. Public transportation via MARTA is also an option, with the King Memorial Station nearby.

Accessibility
The park is ADA-accessible. Wheelchairs and service animals are allowed. Most exhibits are designed to accommodate a variety of physical needs, and park staff are available to assist.

Educational Resources and Programming

The park frequently offers ranger talks, interpretive presentations, youth programs, and public events, especially around the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in January and during Black History Month in February. The site partners with local and national organizations to host lectures, film screenings, and commemorations that highlight issues of social justice, equity, and civic engagement.

For students and educators, the park provides downloadable educational materials and supports school visits with age-appropriate content on civil rights history.

Planning Your Visit

A typical visit lasts two to three hours, but guests interested in engaging more deeply with each site may wish to spend most of the day. Many visitors walk along Auburn Avenue to take in the full historical landscape, which also includes the Sweet Auburn Curb Market and other landmarks of African American heritage in Atlanta.