Atlanta's Civil Rights Museum Debuts First Children's Exhibit

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights launches "Change Agent Adventure" to teach kids about empathy and activism.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:36pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a child's hand reaching out to touch a large, stylized globe, repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the global and empowering themes of the new exhibit.The new children's exhibit at Atlanta's National Center for Civil and Human Rights aims to inspire the next generation of global activists.Atlanta Today

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta has unveiled its first-ever children's exhibit, called "Change Agent Adventure." The interactive gallery, located 4,000 miles beneath the Earth's surface, aims to introduce kids 12 and under to human rights, fairness, and empathy through engaging activities like designing historical hats, connecting with youth activists, and experiencing global cultures through a silent disco.

Why it matters

The new children's exhibit at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights reflects a growing trend of museums and cultural institutions creating immersive, age-appropriate experiences to teach young visitors about important social issues. By sparking curiosity and a sense of empowerment in the next generation, the "Change Agent Adventure" exhibit hopes to inspire the civil rights leaders of the future.

The details

Visitors to the "Change Agent Adventure" enter through a special door and take a "magic elevator" 4,000 miles beneath the Earth's surface to a whimsical, secret headquarters-themed exhibit. Inside, kids become "agents of change" and learn about young participants in the civil rights movement, design hats inspired by historical figures, and connect via phone with global youth activists like Malala Yousafzai and Mari Copeny. Other activities include a silent disco with music from around the world. After completing the adventure, kids "teleport back" to the surface and are encouraged to put their new skills into action in their own communities.

  • The "Change Agent Adventure" exhibit officially opens to the public on April 25, 2026.
  • The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is located in downtown Atlanta, near kid-friendly attractions like the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium.

The players

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

A museum in Atlanta that explores the American Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.

Jill Savitt

The CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, who explained the concept behind the new children's exhibit.

Malala Yousafzai

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning education activist from Pakistan who children can connect with virtually as part of the exhibit.

Mari Copeny

Also known as "Little Miss Flint," a youth activist who raised awareness about the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and who children can connect with virtually as part of the exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“We built it in the middle of Earth, 4,000 miles below Atlanta, because that's equidistant from every kid on the planet, and we wanted it to be fair.”

— Jill Savitt, CEO, National Center for Civil and Human Rights

“We wanted to create a space where kids can learn how to take action. How they can tap their own power to make a difference in the world.”

— Jill Savitt, CEO, National Center for Civil and Human Rights

What’s next

The "Change Agent Adventure" exhibit at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights will open to the public on April 25, 2026.

The takeaway

The new children's exhibit at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights represents a growing trend of museums and cultural institutions creating immersive, age-appropriate experiences to teach young visitors about important social issues. By sparking curiosity and a sense of empowerment in the next generation, the "Change Agent Adventure" exhibit aims to inspire the civil rights leaders of the future.