David J. Sencer CDC Museum

The David J. Sencer CDC Museum is one of Atlanta’s hidden gems and an incredibly inspiring place to visit. It offers a powerful journey through the history of public health and the global fight against infectious diseases—efforts that have profoundly changed and saved millions of lives. The story of the CDC begins right after World War II, when malaria was still a major threat in the southern United States. In 1946, the U.S. government established the Communicable Disease Center (now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) specifically to tackle this deadly disease. Atlanta was chosen not only because malaria was widespread in the region, but also because of the strong public health presence already established here. Emory University played a pivotal role in making the CDC's founding possible: Emory granted 15 acres of land to the fledgling agency—land adjacent to its Druid Hills campus—allowing the CDC to build its headquarters and begin operations. This strategic partnership laid the foundation for what would become the world’s leading public health institution, with Emory and CDC remaining strong neighbors and collaborators to this day. Today, the CDC’s impact reaches across the globe. At the museum, you’ll see how CDC played a leading role in eradicating smallpox, contributed to the near-eradication of polio, pioneered early HIV/AIDS interventions, and responded to major global health crises like Ebola, Zika, SARS, and COVID-19. You’ll discover their legacy of vaccine innovation, pandemic preparedness, health equity leadership, and scientific research excellence. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, moving, and intellectually engaging. You’ll find artifacts like the historic iron lung from the polio era, original smallpox vaccination devices, early field epidemiology tools, and the stunning "Global Symphony" installation celebrating global health milestones. It’s science, bravery, and compassion captured in living history. The museum is free, meticulously maintained, and deeply educational. Visiting the CDC Museum is not just a tour—it's a profound reminder of how far we have come in public health and how critical these efforts remain today. If you’re ever in Atlanta, this museum is an absolute must-visit. You’ll leave more informed, more inspired, and more hopeful.

Visiting was interesting because there was a lot of history shown with pictures and artifacts. Also some areas were restricted. I suppose you can look up what they do there to understand the reason for armed guards.

Atlanta is a great place to be if you love art and design, and this is a great museum that might get overlooked for that purpose. Yes, it's about the CDC and various public health crises first and foremost, but it's a got so many rich examples of art, design, and communication in practice for anyone who is interested in these topics. I skipped the hassle of the inspection by taking a Lyft, and that meant I got to spend more time here. It's not a huge museum, but it feels very information dense- there's a lot to see on every level.

Respect Science. Don’t let political believes and false opinion harms lives. Too much to lose when the organization is run by non-scientists.

It was eh.....thankfully it was free or else it probably wouldn't be worth it. Sparse is an accurate word to describe it. 1st floor has some TV screens and videos, small room off to the side about children and vaccines. A larger area that was all about artwork made during Covid. The floor below was exhibits on the creation of the CDC, diseases and instruments used for disease control. The Covid-19 exhibit was about the size of a postage stamp which was a little underwhelming due to the scope and length of the pandemic.

Very educational and interesting museum with a number of exhibits. The admission on the day we went was free. You will learn about the agency dedicated and tasked with learning and addressing the human condition as it relates to diseases. I learned about the people who go all over the world to work on diseases. The EIS have gone globally to prevent the spread of diseases and to stop the effects of disease of certain populations. The exhibits speak on the PHC evolving into the CDC. Coke Cola played a role. Mosquitos played a role in the CDCs importance in Georgia. A real interesting look into the CDC!

Very secure place. Parking is free, and your vehicle is completely searched. Body scan performed before entering the building. The museum, whether tour guided or self guided, is worth these minor security checks.

Very interesting and informative which I enjoy. Your ID and car gets checked/searched upon entry. Not many interactive exhibits. Overall an educationally cool, free activity.

While my kids are out of school for the summer I thought I'd take off and enjoy quality time with them. I decided to take them here to the David J Sencer CDC Museum. If you visit, you will need to come during regular business hours, which will make it impossible if you work a regular M-F 9/5. If you take a day off, it would be worth a visit. As everyone said, the museum is completely free. When you visit you will need to bring your drivers licenses, go through security at the main entrance. They will ask you to shut off your car, open all the doors, trunk and hood and will ask you to step out of the car. All while a big guy named the Hulk will ask you why you are visiting. Clearly, if you have children in your car it is to visit the museum. Once you park your car in the underground parking lot, the museum is directly on your left and when you enter you will show the security desk your driver's licenses and will go through the security x-ray machine. The museum is the straight ahead as you walk through the x-ray. The museum consists of two floors. The museum really does cover a lot of different topics including infectious diseases (Aids, Ebola, Smallpox, Measles, Polio, West Nile, etc...), clean water supplies, environmental issues, violence's, natural disasters and what the whole role of what the CDC does as an organization. I worked in public health for 8 years dealing with the West Nile Virus and a few other things and definitely feel this is a great place for the general public to learn what public health is all about. I definitely learned a lot here. For children, they have a map for them to walk around and location pictures that they have to discover by looking at all the displays. It's cool and kept my children engaged. This is a place you really only need to visit once, so be sure to give yourself about 1.5-2 hours to visit. [Review #579] (5th Review of 2019)

This isn't a huge museum, but it's a worthwhile stop if you're in Atlanta! The location at the actual CDC makes it tricky to get dropped off/picked up by rideshares - we had better luck calling a ride across the street.

If u are do for a coalonoscpy go here THEY MAY AS WELL TAKE A PEEK UP THEIR WITH THERE INTRUSIV CAR SERCH #metoo I felt like I was crossing the border to new mexico agane. since randy was a part of the aids pandemic it was like traveling back in time and the iron lung added to the decorum I miss that time in '92 when randy would visit his friend swinging richard evry tusday at 5:30 pm they maid me disabel my pacemaker in the metal detector and they confiskated my cpap mashine good thing Emory was only a 5 minute ambulance ride away but randy couldnt come with me since he is banned from the health system for smoking on his ocksigen tank I dont see what tegy are pressed about because smokers need extra anyways!!!

I went to visit on a weekday. A sign said the museum was closed. Since I'd never be there again, I took out my phone so I could at least remember that I was there. A very unfriendly security guard came out and told me I was not allowed to take a picture from that public area. So glad I am forced to fund this place!

This is a good place to learn about the history of the CDC and various campaigns they have produced over the years. I am a scientist in biopharma and I found it really interesting but I am a little biased so I will say many of the exhibits are a little dry for a modern audience. Meaning a smaller child will probably get bored here it is not a science museum. It is also small enough that I would not make a special trip just for it unless you are already in the vicinity. As far as security yes you will have to have your vehicle searched, yes you will have to go through security and get visitors passes. Understand you're talking about being close to one of the most deadly facilities in the entire world. If anything there should be much more security and the museum should be in a separate facility a few blocks away. Why people complain about the security is beyond me. Ignorance and assuming that anything inconvenient to them is bad I suppose.

We visited during the Influenza Exhibit which was very informative and well done. The exhibit was a total of 2 floors with other smaller exhibits on things such as the AIDS crisis, the Tuskegee Syphilis experiment, and polio. At the gate we were required to complete a COVID-19 screening, present IDs, and allow the vehicle to be searched before granting access but the security guards were really nice about it. We have no complaints. If you have time definitely check out this museum. We went through the whole thing in about an hour.

Kind of a weird experience. I drove up with my family with two kids in back. There is a security checkpoint where they ask you where you are going (I thought it would be obvious we were there for the museum, and they gave me a strange look, and seemed like they were surprised. They actually ask everyone to step out of the car and they search it. The security people are friendly but I thought it was strange. Perhaps they should have a separate drive in entrance for the museum. The museum itself is basically a bunch of poster type exhibits to read, we were surprised there was very little about covid and was mainly about influenza, typhoid, TB, HIV etc. Not interactive and I would say not enough to keep a child's interest.

We were running out of things to see and do in Atlanta so we decided to check out the CDC Museum. After visiting the CDC, I think it should be a must see if anyone plans to visit Atlanta. It's so informative, eye opening, and free! Security is very tight and they do a full on car search if you drive in and park in their parking lot. They were very nice and respectful as well as properly thorough. TSA could learn a thing or two from the CDC. As for the exhibits, its a guide yourself museum and there is so much information to take in. The exhibit at the time when we were there was all about the Ebola outbreak. Pretty scary stuff considering how fast it was spreading. The amount of artifacts they had from the scientist notes, etc. was pretty amazing. Scary because it was real life too. There is also a section of the museum where it tells you all about the history of the CDC. It talks all about diseases and vaccinations. Anti-vaxxers should come here. There were not many visitors the day we visited. It would be a good place for a field trip as there is much to be learned. The building of the CDC is nice and of course nothing at all like the one portrayed in The Walking Dead. Come see reality and not movie magic.

CDC is free to the public Mon thru Fri, but their hours parallel business hours. I'm a desk jockey so this doesn't work for me. But one day a year (Museum Day), CDC is open on a Sat. After 3 years of trying to visit this place on Museum Day, it was a success with a great learning experience. The second and third floors have changing exhibits. On this particular Sat, the exhibit showcased "Where Children Sleeps." It was a neat and fascinating look at where children from around the world sleeps. The bf and I made a game out of guessing the geographic area where the children were from. The very bottom floor was more educational and what you would expect to see at CDC. There were different stations with different focus points: history of CDC, small pox, micro organisms, etc. The curators there were excellent. They were cheerful, engaging, and informative, minus one guy. lol. There was one area where you're able to try on a suit for a level 4 outbreak. I was wanting to try the suit on, but as I was wearing a dress, I coaxed the bf into trying it on. :) This area was more of the classroom/educational room. Enter thru the right side gate for visitors. Your car will be checked: opening all doors, trunk, hood, and glove box. It's a quick check, nothing too invasive.

When you arrive they do a light search of your car - we just opened all the doors, trunk and compartments, then stepped out for the 5 minute review.  When you get inside you go through a metal detector and sign in with your government ID.  It seems like a lot to go through, but it really isn't much when you consider it's attached to a federal building and the process doesn't take long. Overall the museum is great.  It's reading intensive so if you're antsy or if you go at the end of a long day you may not be as interested in the stories - which would be a shame because you'd be missing out.  There is so much information in this place.  They have a lot of artifacts and photos to go with the stories and everything is organized really well.  There is a two story wall where they have sculptures of different bacteria going up the whole wall - it was very interesting. Accessibility notes: They have handicapped parking and the building has powered doors as well as several elevators. There are a few turns could be a little tight within the exhibits with a full size wheel chair, but it's doable, especially if you have someone to help you. I went during the ebola exhibit and learned so much, it was very eye opening and I appreciated the attention to detail within the story, including a time line of the most recent outbreak.  The museum is also culturally conscious and informs the visitors of local customs in the affected areas and how the CDC worked with local authorities and people in the community to address the issues in a way that would work with their way of life.

What a great museum! It's free and fairly easy to access. Just make sure you bring a picture ID with you in order to get through security to access the free museum. The museum has both a temporary exhibit and a permanent exhibit. The permanent exhibit shows the history of the start of the CDC and then also depicts various health conditions that have come up over the years. Everything from Ebola to AIDS to legionnaires disease as well as many other diseases were described in depth. The museum is a self-guided tour and has lots of things to see and read about. On the day we visited there was a school group visiting and getting a guided tour by one of the staff members. Though it would have been nice to have a guided tour We enjoyed walking through and reading at our own pace. I highly recommend a visit here and make or you allow enough time to get through security adequately.

The CDC is sort of a weird black sheep federal organization in that it is not part of the general gathering of headquarters of most of the other major ones in or near the District. It has its own culture, and its own very evident politics, and its own museum. Getting in, even just to see the museum, is a hassle due to security. They require a government ID and they search your car, and a lot of people ask you what you're doing there and look at you funny. But there were a reasonable number of intrepid visitors inside. The museum runs a couple of levels; it probably will take between half an hour to an hour to get through for most visitors. Much of it is devoted to things like urban planning and gun violence, not just infectious diseases (i.e. the Ebola quarantines you think of when you think of the CDC). There is thus a pretty broad swath of topics. One sign promotes an urban park as bringing us closer to "nature, humans' natural environment", and there are a few other dubious statements throughout. But it is interesting enough. I imagine there are other parts of the CDC that are more interesting, but the security is so high it's not as visitor friendly as some other institutions of comparable appeal. Gotta keep that smallpox under lock and key.

Loved this hidden gem! Super informative, I loved the open museum layout and mixed media style. Covered a huge range and was very engaging, would totally recommend!

A lot of people forget that the CDC is actually located in Atlanta so they are surprised when just driving a little outside the city, they start to see the signage for "the mothership." As you many of you know, the CDC is the institution supported by the US government to manage all things public health related domestic and abroad. That's a tremendous amount of work and often not always enough funding! For those with only a superficial understanding or even those who wish to one day work for the CDC, the David J Sencer CDC Museum is an excellent place for you to become familiar with all the work that the organization does. Displays with some of the most significant of the CDC's work is shown in layman's terms so that everyone can have an appreciation for what public health truly is. I'll admit that even for myself who has been doing clinical and public health work for a while, this was an excellent place to learn something new about this organization that helps protect our health. If you have a chance to get out of the city, you should take a moment to drop by. This is great for anyone interested in public health!

We visited this museum while there was an exhibit titled The Intersection of Art and Science. Beautiful exhibit. Below the exhibit are the permanent museum exhibits which were fascinating. I'm not sure how much a young child would enjoy this museum as there was a lot of reading. Each section did display examples of relevant objects, for example an iron lung in the Polio display. It is free and we spent about 2 hrs there.

I LOVE this free museum. Security is strict, but friendly. I got teased for mean mugging and staying there for nearly 4 hrs. If you read and watch everything, like I do, plan to be there for a while. The top floor has artwork of various diseases and bacteria. I never would've thought to use doilies to depict anything, but behold, it's been done. I enjoyed reading the explanations behind the creativity. The bottom floor is dedicated to the history of the CDC. It's confusing to determine how the exhibit is organized. Though there's a description on the wall at the end telling people where to start and to go from left to right, I often found that the advice didn't work for every exhibit. Nevertheless, I didn't have an issue with circling back because I was genuinely interested. I've been here before, but I wasn't alone, so I didn't get to read or see everything like I wanted. I'm glad that I was able to see everything this time around. Overall, I would come here again. Can't beat free.

The museum is such a great learning tool for folks who desire to travel, who desire to educate themselves on the history of the CDC, history of diseases, seeing how far we have come with vaccines and why they are important and how much more work that needs to be done. The 2nd and 3rd floor gives you an understanding on the Ebola virus, history, pathways, transmission, protecting yourself etc.... my kids just enjoyed it. The 1st floor all about history, CDC, smallpox, polio, HIV, AIDS, TB, VD, smoking, was great. The Ebola museum section will be up until may 2018. See it before it goes! The Roberts Fam'17

I waver between a 3 and a 4 for this museum. While I'm grateful they have it and that it's free to the public, I think the hours make it inaccessible for most people. The exhibits themselves are educational, but people can't learn anything if they can't visit. Moreover, parking can be difficult unless you know someone who works at the CDC and can tell you if there's an event or something happening. Visitors will have their cars checked and park in the garage next to the Tom Harkin Global Communication Center. Then you will have to register at the security desk with your ID, which can be a pain if you have a bigger group. After walking past security, you'll see the museum on the left. This main floor is where they rotate out the exhibits. At the time of this review (7/20) it is about the recent Ebola outbreak in East Africa. Downstairs is about the history of the CDC.They have water from the tank of the Bellevue-Stratford hotel where the Legionnaire's outbreak killed 25 men in the 1970s! That's pretty cool. They also have an iron lung. I think people in the public health/medical fields would really appreciate this museum--so definitely take your favorite disease-obsessed nerd. If you want to try on a hazmat suit I recommend contacting the museum first. I notice it's the scheduled groups that usually get to try them on. Too long? - Recommend calling if you want to try on a hazmat suit. - Parking can suck if there is an event so watch out -Overall, a cool but small museum about disease. I enjoy it but I think it's difficult to access for majority of people. In my opinion, this defeats the purpose of having a museum.

What a hidden treasure of information. Leaves a lasting impression on the science of disease and epidemics heard throughout a lifetime. Curios minds will be naturally drawn to read all the of the info. Pleased with this choice!

As an epidemiologist, it was like visiting the mothership :D. I loved the experience, but I honestly I wish it was larger. Perhaps expanding it to include more diseases/outbreaks would be great, but I understand the limitations of space. If you've ever wondered how so many diseases are controlled and epidemics are cured, be sure to check out this museum. Account for extra time when entering, as your car needs to be checked by security, and parking can be tough. You need a valid US ID when entering, I believe international visitors can visit as well, but the process may be a bit more convoluted...check the site.

I'm not sure what I expected but it kind of feels like they pulled some stuff together just to say they have a museum. It's really more of a display of diseases and how they were treated. I was scoping the place out as a potential field trip for my 8th graders but I think it's way too advanced for them and would not hold their interest. I agree with other reviewers that the security guards you encounter when you first walk in and hand them your drivers license are not exactly warm and friendly nor did they exude southern hospitality. This does indeed dampen the excitement I had. My husband was hopeful he could try on a hazmat suit but his dream did not come to fruition. I don't know if they have tour guides that you schedule in advance but that would have been nice and could give more insight about the displays.

Did you see Contagion? Then you have to come see this place. For one thing, in the movie, there were very few people walking the halls. In real life, there are TONS of people all the time. (That will explain the parking situation.) There is an uber-cool museum exhibit in the visitor's center - if you're there for sight seeing, definitely stop in. They also have a gift shop which is open during business hours. Not terribly expansive variety, but you can get CDC pens and coffee mugs (to remind you that you were there...) and for your inner nerd, stuffed animal versions of your favorite pathogen... Check it out.

Check out the CDC Museum to learn more about public health history. It's more interesting than it sounds! Public health is everywhere in the world around us: the schools we attend, the air we breathe, the roads we drive on, the food we eat, etc. This museum does a great job taking you through the history of CDC and public health. You'll learn about things like food labeling, HIV testing, chemicals in the environment, and of course, you'll get to try on the "space suit." The museum is free, but make sure you bring your ID to get in. This webpage explains the details of visiting the museum: http://www.cdc.gov/museum/visitor.htm

Great museum for anyone who likes unusual things or has an interest in science. It is well organized and includes a complete history of the CDC. There is an actual iron lung that was used for polio patients. On display is the microscope used at the beginning of the organization and photos of the old Chamblee office. Some of the photos or videos have a minor 'ick' factor depending on the disease covered. Parking is interesting and takes some time. Allow 20+ minutes to go through security at the exterior gate, including opening the trunk and hood of your car and showing a photo ID. The museum entrance is attached to the first level of the garage and easy to find. Note that some days are busier than others and finding a parking place in the multi-level garage can require patience.

This museum is a fabulous niche museum that really held my interest during my entire visit. The mysteries that have been solved by the Center for Disease Control are chronicled here and there are so many cases they have cracked over the decades. This is such an eye opener of a place. This is a don't miss, under-publicized gem of a museum. Note it is associated with the Smithsonian and is world class!

It was a cool little glimpse into the world of the CDC. That said... What the hell guys? No Walking Dead exhibit? No zombie preparation guides (which, as the CDC has said, is also great preparation for natural disasters)? Big wasted opportunity.

Visited the CDC Museum with a big group, and it was amazing! The Museum Education Director Lynda gave us a fabulous tour. The exhibits are fascinating if you are at all interested in public health. Water from the hotel where Legionnaire's Disease was discovered, an adult guinea worm, a legit iron lung. Yes, I know I'm revealing my inner nerd in full technicolor right now, but seriously folks, you'll really enjoy it! Contact them in advance if you need to take a group and they'll expedite security at the door. You can also make a reservation for a docent-guided tour, which I fully recommend. They have a rotating exhibit as well, which right now is an interactive cell exhibit for kids (or enthusiastic adults). The only Federal agency headquartered in Atlanta, stop in and find out what the CDC is all about. You'll be glad you did! And if you need another tiny nudge...it's free!

I love this place. CDC is the leading government health organization for healthcare recommendations and disease outbreak control. Just to see where all of this magic happens is truly inspiring. The labs and offices are amazing. For visitors, there is a museum depicting CDC's role in disease detection and eradication throughout US history and usually some sort of photo display of current field projects. It's really great if you're in the healthcare field or sciences, so stop by and check it out between regular business hours if you're in the area.

Very informative and visually appealing. You don't need to be a science nerd to appreciate this museum and thoroughly enjoy walking through the history of public health. Hours are not ideal, but it's worth making the time to check out.

We had a very disappointing experience. To start, the visitor parking lot was full both days we tried to visit (mid-afternoon). So on our second attempt, we just parked close by and walked over. The security guards (at both the parking entrance and the admissions desk) were incredibly unwelcoming and belligerent, which quickly diminished our initial excitement of the visit. Most notably, my elderly friend took some photos of the front of the building as we were making our way to the entrance -- once we entered the building, the guards told us photographing the outside of the building was illegal, and insisted she delete the photos from her camera. They then reviewed her camera to confirm they were deleted. A blatant and disturbing abuse of their power, especially given it's not illegal to photograph the exterior of the building. The museum itself was fine but nothing you couldn't learn from a few internet searches. Thankfully it was free but personally, I don't think it's worth a trip.