News Release

The_King_Center_Reflecting_Pool_Renovation

Tomb of Dr. and Mrs. King

Gary Tarleton, NPS

News Release Date: October 9, 2017

Contact: Carmen Luisa Coya-van Duijn, (404) 408 - 2103

Contact: Anne Torres, [phone]

In preparation for the 50^th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 4^th, 2018) and the 50th Anniversary of the founding of The King Center (June 23^rd-26^th, 2018), various areas of The Center will be temporarily blocked off for renovations. The reflecting pool, one of the most visited sites in Atlanta, encompassing the crypts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, will be refurbished. These renovations are being done in anticipation of the millions who are expected to visit the site next year, commencing in January of 2018 for the King Holiday Observance, with the subsequent anniversaries in April and June of 2018. Freedom Hall will also receive some much needed upgrades which will include new flooring and video monitors to help enhance the visitor experience. Occasionally, the renovations will impact viewing of the crypt and exhibits. However, guests are encouraged to continue to visit and participate in alternative activities including powerful documentary screenings in our Yolanda D. King Theatre for the Performing Arts or our screening room.

The screening room will provide a selection of 30 minute documentaries highlighting different aspects of social justice. The bookstore will continue to provide sought after items and books for purchases on campus. Renovations are expected to commence on the week of October 9^th, 2017 and finish in December of 2017. This will be in time for the annual King Holiday Observance, which starts on Tuesday January 9^th 2018.

Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center said, “We want to thank the City of Atlanta and Mayor Kasim Reed for providing the much needed funds to renovate our reflecting pool which surrounds my parent’s crypts.” She continued by stating, “For those who want to get involved, we welcome support from corporations and donors to help us ensure the world sees that Atlanta’s very own son is honored in a manner that we can all be proud of.”

For more information about activities during this renovation process and updates on the progress as areas of the campus reopen, please log onto www.thekingcenter.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. If you have any questions prior to your visit, please contact us at [phone].