Museum
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
MelissaSome booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, situated in Atlanta's Freedom Park, offers an immersive journey into the presidency and post-presidency of Jimmy Carter. The museum features a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, interactive exhibits on the Camp David Accords and the Iran hostage crisis, and rotating galleries showcasing Carter's humanitarian work. Visitors can stroll through the serene Japanese garden, which includes a koi pond and a waterfall, and explore the adjacent Carter Center, which continues his global peace initiatives. The library's archives hold millions of documents and photographs, though public access is limited to the museum. The site's modern architecture and thoughtful landscaping make it a peaceful retreat within the city.
Don't miss
- Full-scale replica of the Oval Office, complete with Carter's personal touches
- Interactive timeline of the Camp David Accords and Middle East peace efforts
- Rotating exhibits on Carter's Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian work
- Serene Japanese garden with a koi pond and walking paths
- Temporary exhibitions featuring artifacts from Carter's life and career
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
You can visit on your own (paid entry, check official site for current rates and discounts. online booking recommended to skip lines). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inMuseum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket4.1★ · 126 travelers~24 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →
Most bookedWorld of Coca-Cola General Admission Ticket4★ · 1,123 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$27 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleAtlanta Highlights Private Tour5★ · 19 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$175 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Allow extra time for the Japanese garden and the Carter Center's public spaces.
- Photography is allowed in most areas except where noted. No flash in exhibits.
- Bag checks are conducted at entry. Leave large bags in your car.
- Free parking is available on-site, but spaces fill quickly on weekends.
A bit of history
Opened in 1986, the library and museum were built to house Carter's presidential papers and artifacts. It is one of 15 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. The Carter Center next door was founded in 1982 to advance human rights and democracy worldwide.
Common questions
Can I visit the Carter Center without a museum ticket?
Yes, the Carter Center's public areas (including the garden) are free. The museum requires a ticket.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, there are interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt. Kids under 6 enter free.
How long does it take to see everything?
Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours. The garden adds about 30 minutes.
Are there guided tours?
Self-guided tours are standard. Audio guides are available for a small fee. Group tours can be arranged in advance.
Can I see President Carter's actual Oval Office desk?
The replica is exact, but the original desk is in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
More attractions in Atlanta
