We visited the Carter Center on Jan 6, 2026 as part of Road Scholar's "The Civil Rights Movement - Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham" program. It is the home of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Access to the library is by appointment only. Tickets to the museum were covered by our program. Upon entering the Carter Center, the first thing we did was lunch at the Kitchen at Copenhill cafe. The cuisine was all-American, and decent enough. By the time I began exploring the museum proper, we had 100 minutes to spare. The way to the museum was into the gift shop, and then through either auditoriums A or B. The Carter Center is (so far) the only museum I've been to where the gift shop comes before the galleries. Given the limited time, I got to see three of the gallery sections. The first gallery section, aptly named "The Man From Plains", covers Carter's years before becoming POTUS. Exhibits cover his relationships with various people ("Black And White"), farming background ("Farm Family"), small-town education ("A Plains Education"), naval career ("A Career Officer?"), religious upbringing ("A Man Of Faith"), and courtship and marriage ("Jimmy And Rosalyn"). Easily my favorite section of the galleries, I got to appreciate (profoundly) Carter the person, human being and humanitarian. (Footages of this section are found on my YouTube channel in playlist "2026-1: The Civil Rights Movement - Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham", titled "Day 3: Jimmy Carter Museum, Part 1 - The Man From Plains".) The next gallery section is my least favorite, and not just because Carter wasn't all that great a POTUS. It covers the 1976 presidential election and his only term of office from 1977 to 1981. Exhibits include "The '76 Campaign", "The Walk Down Pennsylvania Avenue", "Inaugural Celebration" (including the Bible used in the swearing-in ceremony), the Oval Office (during the Carter administration), "Camp David Accords", and "Final Year - Two White Houses". No surprise that the focus is on the achievements than the failures. As photos the posted by others on Google show, there is apparently more that I didn't see because I wasn't aware of them. Wish I had a map of the museum. The final gallery section is my second favorite. It covers Carter's humanitarian work post-presidency, and is wonderfully illustrated by exhibits "Nineteen Eighties... Nineteen Nineties... Two Thousand and Beyond", "Building Hope", "Renewing Spirits", "Waging Peace" and "Recognition from Home and Abroad". The latter displays numerous accolades including a Grammy award, a Gates award, a Nobel Peace Prize, and (with Rosalynn) two Presidential Medals of Freedom. Situated near a window is the presidential lectern (supposedly) from the Carter administration where visitors can take photos of and with it. I took three of myself standing in front it. There is more that I didn't see because I wanted to go to the koi pond, but time had ran out. (Footages of the last two sections are found in "Day 3: Jimmy Carter Museum, Part 2 - Presidency & Post-Presidency". Same channel and playlist.) If I had more time, I would see the rest of the museum's content, the koi pond, the Japanese garden, and the Jimmy Carter bust near the museum entrance. What I did see impressed me so much that I'm adding presidential museums as places of interest for future travels. I recommend spending at least half a day to appreciate the museum and grounds of the Carter Center. read more

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We walked here after visiting the farmers market to find out that admission was free because of a holiday! My hubby and I have been wanting to go so we took that opportunity. It's a nice museum and $12 as regular admission for adults seem reasonable. There's also a walking trail part of the Carter Center than you can enjoy. My fave part here was the replica of Jimmy Carter's Oval Office. Since it was a holiday today, they even had free cupcakes for everyone. read more

The Carter Center - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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This was my first visit to a presidential library or center or anything of the sort and I'm glad I went. Not only was Jimmy Carter a pretty amazing human, his presidency was truly interesting for everything that was happening in the world at the time. The experience is much like a museum about his life which is really interesting. There are obviously a lot of details about his presidency including a few artifacts. The model of the oval office is as close as I'll ever get to seeing the real thing and is actually very striking to experience. read more

The Carter Center - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

A nice recounting of Jimmy Carter's presidency and accomplishments in his four year tenure. $12/ticket for adults. Not busy on a Thursday morning. read more

The Carter Center - Oval Office replica - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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I wanted to come and pay my respects to former President Carter since President Biden announced January 9th would be a National Day of Mourning and felt it was my civic duty. We parked at Pounce City Market and walked the belt line to the Carter Center. They also had shuttles that ran all day from the King Center and certain MARTA stations that dropped you off right in front of The Carter Center. Security was tight but also a breeze to go through. I was a little surprised but the only thing we had on us was our keys and wallets. No bags were allowed. I purposefully left my cellphone behind. You can bring your phone with you but they do ask you not to take pictures/video once inside and I wanted to make sure I was being respectful. There were two lines. You can go through the museum which lead to the repost room or there was a line that went directly to the repost room, if you just wanted to come and pay your respects. We got in that line because we were pressed for time. When we got to the repose room, you could take a little time to view President Carter's casket and pay your respects, and there was also a book you can sign. The room was big enough to where you can linger around and not be rushed through. One of the volunteers told us that the viewing was around the clock and the Air Force Honor Guards and Secret Service guarded President Carter's casket. I thought it was pretty cool and convenient that the viewing was 24 hrs. We were in and out in exactly 23 minutes and it was very moving. I was VERY impressed on how well organized everything was. The lines moved quickly, there were plenty of volunteers, and everyone was so nice. It was fitting for the kind of person President Carter was. An extraordinary experience for an extraordinary man. read more

A beautifully curated museum of the life and legacy of President Carter and his wife Roslyn Carter. The attention to detail is very personal. The artifacts are interesting and informative. The museum is charming and easy to walk through. Located inside Piedmont Park- lovely grounds Walking trail surrounds the property Very serene read more

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Amazing place to visit and to learn and to be inspired ... Thank you Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter - for all that you are and all that you have done. Thank you CC staff for your amazing work and dedication to continuing the mission of waging peace. read more

I learned so much about President Carter's life and administration while being at the Carter Center. The exhibits were well organized and there is something for all ages There is also a side exhibition about how Jimmy Carter influences movies to be filmed in GA. I now have a goal to visit each Presidential Library in the US. read more

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I came here to view the "Georgia on My Screen: Jimmy Carter and the Rise of the Film Industry." Jimmy Carter is quite special to me as he was the FIRST president I was legally able to vote for. I remember the Reagan Carter campaign in my hometown of Oakland CA. I will never forget the experience as my beautiful mother took me to vote with her. I asked her who she was voting for and of course, she did not tell... she told me to vote my conscience. So when he didn't win... I cried. I was devalued. But I won't go into further details about that here! It's just that I never knew if this museum living in California so so be a new resident of Georgia--it was like finding a gem in a cave! This exhibition traces the beginning with then-Governor Jimmy Carter's creation of the first state film office, the exhibition traces the development and impact of a multibillion-dollar industry in the state. OMG!! Is all I can say!!! You will be totally in awe and appreciation for this means to the state of Georgia (or should be in MY Opinion!!!) Seeing this exhibition is trip worthy ALONE! BONUS: This is a Presidential Museum! And it is full of amazing and wonderful displays and interesting information about Jimmy Carter as well as other prominent Presidents and remarkable events that are worth Telemann exploring. The grounds are beautiful (even in the rainy weather we saw them in) and you will get a sense of peace as you walk the trail way to enter the museum. To connect with my first voted for President Jimmy Carter and now be a resident of his hime state is quite magical for me! And... to visit an era where the man running for president cared about the people he served and the fact that he was a man of integrity was quite humbling and hopeful for me. All I can say is if you hav not visited this amazing full of historical wowzers...GO! It's well worth the affordable admission price. I plan to visit again to stay LONGER!! ;-) Tips: GO FREE AMPLE PARKING ON SITE!!! &... The exhibition will be on display through the end of the Year!!! read more

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It was a beautiful day for a museum visit and the Carter Center did not disappoint. Located on the edge of Atlanta it chronicles the first political and humanitarian life of President James Earl Carter. I learned a few facts regarding this remarkable man that endeared him even more to me. The son of a segregationist, his early relationships with the tenant farmers on his father's land shaped his ideals regarding racial justice. He championed the civil rights of African Americans. Loved the museum. read more

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Ok, I know a lot of y'all Yelpers probably weren't even born when Jimmy Carter was president but the Carter Center is still definitely worth a visit if you're visiting Atlanta! Tucked away in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood, it's a wonderful piece of American and political history that's worth the effort. It's a surprisingly large museum containing memorabilia of President Jimmy Carter's four years in office and work post-presidency which is really fascinating! Step back in time as you learn about his inauguration and challenges he faced in 1976: post-Watergate, post-Vietnam national trauma, deflationary recession, the Cold War and more. And then follow President Carter's works over the last 20 years as he spends the rest of his life working on healthcare (river blindness) problems and freedom issues (democratic vote in Nicaragua) in the developing world, very impressive! And from what I've been told, the grounds are lovely in the springtime when everything is blooming. While there will be many who will argue that President Carter was not particularly effective during his four years as the country's leader, I would argue that he brought a moral compass to the nation at a time it badly needed one. The Carter Center is a wonderful reminder about the history and legacy of a man who wanted the world to be a better place, regardless of socio-economic status. If you're a fan of politics and US history certainly stop by and learn more about this humble, peanut farmer from GA! read more

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The Carter Center is one of the most serene, educational, creative institutions I've ever been to. I'm so grateful for their dedication to all the programs they have. The staff, from receptionist to executive director, are wonderful caring people. I will continue to visit and support the Carter Center. And check out the artwork, it's so incredible! read more

An oasis in the city. Very appreciative to have it so close by. Are there any community cleanup days here? We love this place but in the last 6 months it really seems to have gone down hill. It used to look like a golf course read more

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum should not be confused with the Carter Center. The Carter Center makes ongoing efforts to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope. Just next door to the Carter Center, the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum offers a nice glimpse into the Carter Presidency. There you will see lots of memorabilia, historical displays, and exhibits & events (not to mention a gift shop). But whatever takes you there, be sure to spend some time in the surrounding gardens. Thirty-five acres of gardens surround the center, and they are open to the public year-round. This is a perfect spot for a springtime picnic or a quick stroll. And when you're done, nearby Virginia Highlands offers a wide variety of culinary experiences to round out the day. read more

A well done presidential museum. I learned so much more about President Carter. He was a trail blazer against racism in Georgia and such a humanitarian. The museum really makes you feel like you are a part of his life. A must visit for tourists in Atlanta. Breeze through an overview in an hour or take 2-3 hours to watch all the video elements and soak it all in. read more

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OK full disclosure, I work here (in the center, not the museum). Since a lot of people use this site for food I thought that I'd go ahead and mention that there is a restaurant inside the Carter Center. The menu rotates daily through a roster of cafeteria and Americanized ethnic favorites think - Salisbury Steak, Chicken Pot Pie, Fajitas, Fried Chicken, Entree Salads, etc. From what I understand, local catering company, Proof of the Pudding, staffs the kitchen. The food is good and inexpensive, though it is cash only (ATM located in the dining room). It's only open from around 11-2 Mon-Fri, but if you're in the area and want a cheap homestyle meal that you can enjoy outside on a beautiful patio overlooking a coy pond and a view of the ATL skyline, then it's worth a stop. read more

This is one of my favorite places in Atlanta to go and roam, though not perhaps fully for the reasons it was intended. I've only been actually INSIDE the center once, a long time ago, and I don't remember it at all. What I like about the Carter Center is the gardens. The building is surrounded on two sides by beautiful flower gardens and fountains and walkpaths that go through the flowers to strange little nooks. There seems to never be anywhere else around. It seems almost like you're wandering in a deserted palace of some sorts. Magical in many ways. The back side of the center has a large field that seems to stretch until you can't see it anymore. There is a rather large pond where I've seen men fishing, again surrounded with grass and hills. There is also a little Japanese pond with rocks you can walk on to the center. There are more people on this side of the building usually, but still not very many. It's a secret little place that I almost don't want to unveil. But you should take some time and wander a bit. I think you could make a pretty awesome game of Capture the Flag here, though it would probably be illegal. read more

Often The Carter Center and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum are confused. They are both part of the same building - but the Museum is open to the public. The Center does have guided art tours by the fabulous volunteers. With 6+ original Andy Warhols and other pieces, the art tour is worth it alone. The Museum was just recently renovated and re-opened on Oct 1 2009 (President Carter's 85th birthday). It has incredible new features including an interactive table in which you travel to the different areas in which the Center works and "a day in the life" section that pulls from President Carter's diary while he was President. read more

This place is a quaint building hidden in the middle of Atlanta. There are ducks all over the place so watch your step when you walk around the garden area. I liked that there was a lot of history in the building. I always found it funny how a guy from Plains, GA who framed peanuts became the president. There is a place to host dinners and stuff at the restaurant there. read more

I LOVE presidential history so the libraries/ museums are a natural for me. I flew to Atlanta to visit my sister, a freshman at Emory - but my secret was that I really wanted to go to the Carter Center. I wanted to love the Carter Library SO MUCH. I mean, Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer who became President - if that isn't interesting, I don't know what is! The information about Jimmy, his life, and his presidency seemed to be very sparse - I wanted so much more! Unfortunately, the Carter Center does little to capitalize on any of the interesting portions of Jimmy's life. Nor does it really dive into any of the really critical issues that took place during his presidency. It is also clear that the Center was built and decorated in a rather unfortunate time - so expect polyester. I'm hopeful that a redecoration could provide some positive changes. As others have stated - the gardens surrounding the Center are beautiful. The gift shop also has great items ranging from serious to kitschy. read more

Unfortunately I didn't have time to check out the gardens that Blake B. and Coley W. tout in their reviews, so next time I visit I guess the Carter Center will get that fifth star! I just got through watching the entire West Wing series from start to finish (over 4 months!), and I stopped in here in the middle of that phase. So, needless to say I was focused more on the Presidential aspects than the horticultural. The history of Pres. Carter's life was really interesting, I'd find it hard to predict that a peanut farmer could get elected President today... The gifts presented during Carter's term were also really neat to see, kind of like judging how much your relatives like you when you go through the wedding gifts! However, I nearly wet my pants when I saw the Oval Office (see reference to West Wing above!). That alone was worth the price of admission for me. read more

OK, for now it's not about the good work, like eradicating river blindness and observing elections. It's about the almond croissants! I'm at an interesting, inspiring event: The 31st Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy. It's good, I'm taking notes like crazy. But Proof of the Pudding does their food, and at break time they have these small, flaky, perfect almond croissants, and big fat rasberries, and blackberries. So super good. Yesterday Mrs. Carter sat one table over from me, all day long, taking notes her own self. She's a model for using your senior years well. But I digress--the food is dandy and healthy, the setting is beautiful, the organization and service is flawless, and the people are nice. If you have a chance to attend an event here, grab it. read more

Check out the Gardens! The Carter Center Museum is great to visit, and their humanitarian efforts are inspiring, but my plug for the day is the gardens behind the museum. I visit just to enjoy the peace and quiet of the 35 acres of woods that are part of the Center. Several different areas are landscaped by a variety of master designers, and my personal favorite is the tiny but beautiful Japanese Garden. Freedom Parkway is right around the corner, but it feels like stepping into a different world, far from all the traffic & chaos. read more

The Carter Center is an incredible museum, research institute, and negotiation center for diplomats. It has a private resident for President Carter and beautiful 36 acres of grounds, masterful architecture, and incredible exhibits. Every one of these words in the previous sentence is worth a paragraph or two, I don't even know where to start. The grounds: received landscape architectural awards, great place to jog or have a picnic and a beautiful view of downtown ATL. The buildings: beautiful round structures from the 1980s which have timeless appeal and endless usability. Extremely successful forms that are pleasant to look at and be inside. Museum: wow, amazing exhibits that are technologically advanced, pertinent, quietly Presidential without being gaudy, and a great tribute to the Carter's work. Staff: pleasant, very professional, and quiet. They are like the people you would expect to meet at the White House, not random southerners who tell you too much about their lives. They talk to you in response, not just blabber on about anything. This is my top ATL tourist destination, hands down. read more

It's strange that I've visited the Carter Center many times to use the bathroom when I've visited the Freedom Park Farmer's Market, but I until now, I had never visited the Carter Center museum. This museum is wonderful. The videos are terrific. The political history is amazing. I learned so much about Jimmy Carter, who is one of America's greatest, if not the greatest humanitarian. The museum is quite large. We spent two hours at the museum and we lad to leave because we had an appointment. I will be returning soon to visit the rest of the museum. read more

Learn all about former president Jimmy Carter. See what the oval office looked like when he served (each president gets to redecorate the office). Check out campaign posters and buttons. See short films about what the country was like while he was in office. Then go outside and really enjoy the Carter Center. One thing a lot of people don't know about the Carter Center is that, in addition to the Library, there is a gorgeous Japanese garden with very tranquil pond where you can go and read in the shade or otherwise just relax. It's an underutilized spot. read more

In my younger and more vulnerable years, I spent a lot of time inside the Carter Center and I think that it's a first-rate institution. First-rate in that the architectural planning is thoughtful, with an artistic and pleasing decor. The temperature is pleasant and the general ambiance is one of comfort and peaceful dedication to something larger than one's self. Evil things do not come to the Carter Center. Check out the Japanese gardens out back - those and the general area are a good place to take your friends or romantic interests - you may even be able to get away with having a picnic (?). People here were pretty laid back. One great thing to do in Atlanta is try to take an arranged tour of the Carter Center - and hear about its past and role in recent history. Some areas are open to the public. There's much of interest in this thoughtful, unique structure. read more

As good as it gets. a great mix of education and history about the south and the Carter's as a family. Worth the time!!!

I found the Carter Center nice place to go if you enjoy history. Having seen it once, I don't feel the need to go back. It encaptures the short time he was in office. They have displays representing the campaign process as well as some beautiful gifts he was given from leaders around the world. Since I was not born yet and grew up in another state, it was a part of history I was not familiar with. I found it to be a nice snapshot of history. The gardens outside were lovely too. read more

Check out the Carter Center gardens. The gardens in season are gorgeous and the area around the center's ponds at least used to be very dog friendly. Anyone have updates on that? The rose garden is beautiful! Occasionally you will see brides doing photography there too. read more

What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! It is not every day you get to visit a Presidential Library and Museum. Mr. Carter is an incredible man and we all know that beside every great man stands an equally incredible woman, Mrs. Carter. I had no idea Mr. Carter received a Grammy, how cool. Also, spend time walking the grounds and gardens, very lovely. read more

Presidential libraries have so much history about US Presidents you might know too much about. This was my first visit too one and now I am hooked! I want to visit more of them! This was a perfectly laid out museum of President Carter's term. Very insightful and a go at your own pace museum. This was a great way to spend a raining southern day! I would recommend bringing any of your friends and family who are history buffs! Just a great gem in Atlanta! read more

I commend the Carter Center for the events and exhibits that they put on, but unfortunately they seem unable or ill equipped to handle large turn out. We have been to events in which trying to attend has been chaotic. For example, we arrived today at 6:10 for an event that started at 7pm (doors opened at 6). After waiting in line for nearly an hour we were told we would not be able to attend but could stand in the lobby and wait for the book signing. I am certainly not upset that the event was at capacity, but the lack of communication and organization was frustrating. When we first arrived we were in line with only about 10 other and lead to believe we would be able to get in, but after that, there were no updates at all and the crowd began to grow. Because there was no real line and no one was keeping the crowd informed people started to get rude and pushy. It was very disappointing. I have been to similar events in other cities, and all was made well by having a system in placed to keep people in line and informed. I will also say, every time I have been the security guards have been nothing but delightful and the highlight of my interaction with people at the center. read more

Jimmy Carter Center and Museum. I wish I had thought of research to conduct or a project to propose and research before coming here but alas I did not. I went through the museum, watched the mini-documentary, and felt completely up to speed on the Carter era. I miss the peacemakers that were James Earl Carter and Walter Mondale. The gift shop clerk had the aura of someone who has been forced to deal with too many stupid people in his lifetime. He overdid it on the warning of the museums impending (in 50 minutes) closure. I thought he might resort to writing it out in crayon after explaining it to me in numerous and very simplistic ways. I finally told him that only did I comprehend his basic instructions, but that I would set an alarm at five til, to insure I was good and gone by 4:45. read more

The security guard set the tone of the visit with a demeaning and disrespect attitude. After seeing a sign for no food/beverages while checking in, I asked about water & the sales person informed me a water bottle was not allowed. I asked if I emptied it, could I carry it in my purse & she said that would be fine. After adding my clean drinking water to the reflection pool, I re-entered only to be stopped by one of two security guards and told I had to dispose of my empty water bottle, it didn't matter. When I politely explained I had approval from someone else, she told me it didn't matter. Dump it now. Another gentleman guard intervened and said it was OK, at which the 1st woman told me to put it in my bag right now, very nasty. My bag was with my sister at the gift shop. She came at me and told me again before I could get there. If it's good enough for TSA, it should be good enough for the Carter Center, especially since I acknowledged I had the water in my bag when they couldn't see it. The Center itself was interesting, videos, picture,and object collects all excellent, but after my experience, I wouldn't be back with other guest. read more

If you are planning an event, I would definitely recommend the Carter Center! They responded to my request for information right away, held the date I requested until I could get there and view the property, had all sorts of information prepared for me, and answered all my questions thoroughly. The staff was friendly, the gardens were beautiful, and there are so many interesting things to see. Definitely an A+ for your event! read more