History and Mission of The King Center
The King Center was founded in 1968 by Coretta Scott King as a living memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (The King Center). Its mission is to educate the world on Dr. King’s life, leadership, and teachings, and to inspire individuals and communities to continue his work for justice, equality, and peace. The Center is a nonprofit organization advancing Dr. King’s philosophy through educational initiatives, leadership training, and advocacy programs such as the flagship Nonviolence365® initiative (Nonviolence365®).
Key historical milestones:
- 1968 Founding of The King Center by Coretta Scott King.
- 1977 Dedication of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King’s crypt.
- 1980 Establishment of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, encompassing The King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Dr. King’s birth home.
- 1986 First national Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, spearheaded by The King Center.
- 2025 40th Annual King Holiday Observance with global participation (King Holiday Observance).
Visiting Information
Hours, Admission, and Tickets
- General Hours Open 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day (Discover Atlanta). - Admission Free for all visitors, including parking.
Some special exhibits, workshops, or guided tours may require tickets or reservations (The King Center - Visit). - Birth Home Tours Free, but tickets must be obtained in person at the Visitor Center on the day of your visit (no advance reservations). Tours accommodate up to 10 people at a time and run hourly (every half hour in summer) (NPS - The King Center).
Directions, Parking, and Accessibility
- Address 449 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- By Car Take I-75/85 to exit #248C (Freedom Parkway); follow signs to Boulevard NE and John Wesley Dobbs Avenue (The King Center - Directions).
- By Public Transit MARTA rail to King Memorial Station, or Atlanta Streetcar to the King Historic District stop (MARTA).
- Parking Free visitor parking is available on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue; bus parking on both sides of the street. Arrive early on weekends and special event days.
- Accessibility The Center is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome, and assistive listening devices are available. For additional accommodations, contact [email protected] or 404.526.8900 (The King Center - Visit).
Key Attractions
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Crypt
Set in a tranquil reflecting pool, this crypt is a sacred memorial drawing visitors worldwide (The Clio). - Eternal Flame
Symbolizing Dr. King’s undying commitment to justice and peace (Atlanta Families). - Civil Rights Walk of Fame
Outdoor exhibit honoring global civil rights leaders with granite markers. - Freedom Hall
Gallery space hosting rotating exhibits on civil rights and social justice. - Visitor Center and Exhibits
Features personal artifacts, multimedia presentations, and art installations chronicling Dr. King’s life and the civil rights movement (Atlanta Families). - Ebenezer Baptist Church
Spiritual home of the King family and site of historic civil rights events. - Dr. King’s Birth Home
Restored home open for tours (by ticket only), offering insight into his early life (Georgia Travel Tips). - Library and Archives
Extensive collections open to researchers and the public by appointment.
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
- Nonviolence365® Training
Dr. King’s philosophy is taught through self-paced online courses, trainer-led workshops, and workplace diversity programs (The King Center, Atlanta Tribune). - Youth and Community Programs
Youth leadership development, BE LOVE initiative, annual summits, and service projects (Atlanta Families). - Community Forums
Regular dialogue and events focused on social justice, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. - Volunteer Opportunities
Support site operations, educational outreach, and special events (Travel Pander). - Partnerships
Collaborations with local organizations, schools, and national partners to expand community impact (Discover Atlanta).
Annual Events and Commemorations
- King Holiday Observance (KHO)
Week-long event each January, featuring commemorative services, youth leadership programs, community service, and lectures (King Center News Release). - BE LOVE Day
Annual event held virtually to promote Dr. King’s philosophy of love and nonviolence. - Beloved Community Teach-In
K-12 educational programming and lesson plans (11Alive). - Special Commemorations
Activities marking milestones such as the March on Washington and Civil Rights Act anniversaries.
Travel Tips and Nearby Atlanta Attractions
- Allow at least two hours to tour the Center and adjacent sites.
- Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes.
- Combine your visit with the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Sweet Auburn Historic District, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Explore Georgia).
- Dining Numerous restaurants and cafes are within walking distance in the Sweet Auburn area.
- Self-guided tours Enhance your visit with apps like GPSmyCity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the King Center’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on major holidays.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Admission and parking are free. Birth Home tours require a free ticket distributed on site.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, ranger-led tours of the Birth Home are available; tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Is the King Center accessible?
A: Yes, the campus is wheelchair accessible and offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Free visitor parking is available adjacent to the Center, but plan to arrive early on weekends and holidays.
Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Sweet Auburn Historic District, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Contact and Visitor Amenities
- Address 449 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Phone 404.526.8900
- Email [email protected]
- Website thekingcenter.org
- Restrooms Available in the Visitor Center and Freedom Hall.
- Gift Shop Books, memorabilia, and educational materials on site.
- Food and Drink No on-site dining; local options are plentiful nearby.
- Wi-Fi Not guaranteed; plan accordingly.
Plan Your Visit and Get Involved
The King Center invites all visitors to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and to participate in ongoing efforts for justice, equality, and nonviolent social change. To plan your visit, check current hours and events on the official King Center website, download the Audiala app for curated audio tours, and follow the Center on social media for updates and engagement opportunities. Volunteering, attending events, or supporting educational initiatives are meaningful ways to become part of the “Beloved Community.”
