Pemberton Place
Pemberton Place is a cultural and entertainment destination in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, just north of Centennial Olympic Park in the Luckie Marietta district. It is home to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, also called the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The area attracts more than 4 million visitors annually (Veronika's Adventure).
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History
The area originally comprised ten city blocks filled with businesses and residences. It began declining by the mid-20th century and was described as a “long forgotten district of downtown” by the early 1990s (Wikipedia).
The Coca-Cola Company helped revitalize the area in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The company acquired property and developed Coca-Cola Olympic City as part of a wider effort to rejuvenate downtown Atlanta and present the city to an international audience (Travel Buddies). In 2002, The Coca-Cola Company donated the land to the city, paving the way for the development of major visitor attractions (Wikipedia).
The aquarium opened in 2005, followed by the Center for Civil and Human Rights in 2014. Today, Pemberton Place’s attractions, community events, and educational programs form part of the area’s continuing development. Its transformation has been described as a lasting legacy of the 1996 Olympics and the investment in downtown Atlanta. The area is expected to continue evolving as Atlanta develops (Exploding Travel).
What to see
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums. It is described as housing more than 8.1 million US gallons (31,000 m³) of marine and freshwater, and also as holding over 10 million gallons of water. One account reports more than 100,000 animals from 500 species, including four young whale sharks, four beluga whales, and two manta rays; another describes its collection as thousands of marine animals (Wikipedia).
Exhibits and experiences include:
- Ocean Voyager A 100-foot-long tunnel through a 6.3 million-gallon tank with whale sharks, manta rays, and other large marine species.
- Cold Water Quest Beluga whales, sea otters, and African penguins in a cold-water habitat.
- Tropical Diver Coral reefs and tropical fish.
- Dolphin Coast A dedicated dolphin area with daily shows.
- Behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, which can be booked in advance.
Plan on spending at least 2–3 hours exploring the aquarium. It does not offer printed maps; visitors can download a Georgia Aquarium Digital Map in advance. Half-day tours that include round-trip hotel transfers are also available.
World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola is a museum and permanent exhibition about the history of the Coca-Cola Company, founded by Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton. It explores the company’s history and advertising through exhibits and entertainment areas, including:
- The Loft More than 200 historical and international artifacts related to Coca-Cola.
- The Vault The secret formula and the myths surrounding it.
- Taste It! Samples of more than 100 beverages from around the world.
- 4D Theater A 3D film experience with physical effects including moving seats and wind.
Allow about 1–2 hours for a visit. The gift shop sells Coca-Cola merchandise.
Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights, also known as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, connects the American Civil Rights Movement with contemporary human rights struggles around the world. It has four interactive, thought-provoking exhibitions, including a gallery for rotating exhibits from the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr., Collection. Visitors can see Dr. King’s personal papers and items.
Named exhibits include:
- Voice to the Voiceless Papers and artifacts belonging to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Rolls Down Like Water An interactive account of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
- Spark of Conviction Global human rights issues and people who have fought for justice and equality.
The center also hosts educational programs and has designated event spaces. Allow at least 1–2 hours to explore. Visitors who cannot attend in person can access audio segments for at-home installations and an Interactive Virtual Tour of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Events and tours
Pemberton Place hosts events throughout the year. Atlanta’s Finest 5K takes place annually in August and brings together more than 2,500 runners, spectators, and Atlanta Police Department officers to raise funds for Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta. The event includes a showcase of APD specialty units, including SWAT, the Phoenix One helicopter, and the Mounted Patrol (Atlanta Police Foundation).
Other options include docent-led tours at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, guided tours at the attractions, and the Atlanta's Black History and Civil Rights Tour.
Practical visiting information
Location and getting there
Pemberton Place is at 126 Ivan Allen Boulevard in downtown Atlanta. The address is also given as 126 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW and 126 Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard Northwest.
The nearest MARTA station is Peachtree Center Station, about a 10-minute walk away. On the Atlanta Streetcar, get off at the Centennial Olympic Park stop. Drivers can use covered on-site parking, including the Pemberton Place parking deck. Parking rates are reported as $10–$15; check fees and availability, especially during peak times or special events. Designated parking spaces are available for visitors with disabilities.
Opening hours
Reported hours differ between the available listings:
- Georgia Aquarium Daily, 9 AM–6 PM; another listing gives 9 AM–9 PM Monday to Thursday and says it opens from 8 AM Friday through Sunday, without specifying those days’ closing times.
- World of Coca-Cola Daily, 10 AM–5 PM; another listing gives 10 AM–7 PM on weekdays and says it stays open until 9 PM on weekends. The last ticket is sold two hours before closing.
- Center for Civil and Human Rights Daily, 10 AM–5 PM; another listing gives 12 PM–5 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and 10 AM–5 PM on Saturdays. Last entry is at 4 PM daily.
Check the attractions’ official websites for current hours, events, and temporary closures.
Tickets and passes
Reported ticket prices are:
- Georgia Aquarium Adult $35.95; child (3–12) $29.95; senior (65+) $31.95.
- World of Coca-Cola Adult $18; child (3–12) $14; senior (65+) $16.
- Center for Civil and Human Rights Adult $19.99; child (6–12) $15; senior (65+) $17.99.
Tickets can be purchased online through the attractions’ official websites or through third-party vendors. Advance purchase is recommended to save time and avoid lines. A skip-the-line option is available for the World of Coca-Cola.
An Atlanta CityPass offers discounted admission to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It is valid for nine consecutive days. A CityPASS® is also described as a way to save time and money and skip some longer lines.
Accessibility, dining, and other facilities
All the attractions are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are permitted. The World of Coca-Cola offers wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis; mobility scooters and strollers are also welcome. Visitors needing special assistance can contact the attractions in advance.
There are cafes and snack bars inside the attractions. Pemberton Place also has gift shops, including the World of Coca-Cola shop, which sells branded merchandise. Free Wi-Fi is available at many of the attractions.
Security personnel are present throughout the complex, with signs and information points to assist visitors.
Tips
- Weekday mornings are suggested for avoiding larger weekend crowds. Checking the local event calendar can help identify nearby events or festivals that may draw crowds.
- Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer; spring and fall may provide a more comfortable visit.
- Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring a water bottle, particularly in summer.
- Check attraction websites for changes to opening hours, special events, and temporary closures.
- Some attractions may restrict flash photography; check their guidelines before taking pictures. Outdoor areas also offer settings for family photos and selfies.
- Guided tours can add context to a visit. Book tours in advance where possible.
Nearby places
Nearby options include Centennial Olympic Park, with its green spaces, Fountain of Rings, and public art; CNN Center; and the College Football Hall of Fame. The Centennial Olympic Park walking tour link includes Pemberton Place.
Skyview Atlanta is a Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views. Ponce City Market, a short drive away, has a food hall with over thirty eateries serving options from sushi to hot dogs.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours?
Reported hours vary:
- Georgia Aquarium Daily, 9 AM–6 PM; another listing gives 9 AM–9 PM Monday to Thursday and an 8 AM opening Friday through Sunday, with no closing time specified for those days.
- World of Coca-Cola Daily, 10 AM–5 PM; another listing gives 10 AM–7 PM on weekdays and until 9 PM on weekends.
- Center for Civil and Human Rights Daily, 10 AM–5 PM; another listing gives 12 PM–5 PM Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and 10 AM–5 PM Saturdays. Last entry is at 4 PM daily.
Check the official attraction websites for current hours.
How much do tickets cost?
Reported prices are:
- Georgia Aquarium Adult $35.95; child (3–12) $29.95; senior (65+) $31.95.
- World of Coca-Cola Adult $18; child (3–12) $14; senior (65+) $16.
- Center for Civil and Human Rights Adult $19.99; child (6–12) $15; senior (65+) $17.99.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online through the official websites of the attractions and through third-party vendors such as CityPASS®. Advance tickets are recommended.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available at the Pemberton Place parking deck and in covered on-site parking areas. Reported rates range from $10 to $15.
Are the attractions accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Yes. All the attractions are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are permitted. The World of Coca-Cola offers wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis and welcomes mobility scooters and strollers.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Options include Georgia Aquarium half-day tours with round-trip hotel transfers, docent-led tours at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and other guided tours of the attractions. Booking in advance is recommended.
