About the Organization
Preserves birthplace and childhood neighborhood of civil rights leader. Includes Ebenezer Baptist Church, King Center, and Freedom Hall documenting Civil Rights Movement.
Established in 1980 and administered by the National Park Service, this 35-acre national historical park encompasses several significant sites in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn Historic District related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. The park includes Dr. King's childhood home at 501 Auburn Avenue (built in 1895 and purchased by his maternal grandparents in 1909), where he was born in 1929 and lived until 1941. The home is currently undergoing renovations through November 2025, with park rangers providing presentations about the site. The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was baptized, ordained, and served as co-pastor with his father, underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration in 2001 to return the sanctuary to its 1960s appearance, complete with original stained-glass windows and surround-sound recordings of Dr. King's Sunday sermons.
The park's visitor center features the multimedia exhibit "Courage To Lead," which traces the parallel paths of King and the civil rights movement through an interactive "Freedom Road" experience. The "Children of Courage" exhibit specifically engages young visitors with stories of children in the civil rights movement. Freedom Hall at 449 Auburn Avenue showcases exhibits about Dr. and Mrs. King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rosa Parks, featuring a Grand Foyer, large theater auditorium, bookstore, and international artwork. The park hosts year-round events including the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church every third Monday in January, along with special lectures, performances, and temporary exhibits providing fresh perspectives on the civil rights movement.
What to Experience
- Dr. King's birth home on Auburn Avenue, with ranger-led presentations
- The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized and co-pastored, with ranger-led church talks
- The temporary visitor center and park exhibits
- The "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden
- Year-round, free ranger-led activities open to the public
Planning Your Visit
The park is located in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn district at 450 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, and can be reached at (404) 331-5190. All ranger-led activities are open and free to the public, but hours and program schedules are set by the National Park Service and change over time. Confirm current details and plan your visit on the official website at nps.gov/malu.
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