Birth Home Closure for Rehabilitation Project

Exterior view of the historic birth home of Martin Luther king, Jr., a two-story Queen Anne styled home built in 1895.

National Park Service

We are pleased to inform you that significant improvements are being made to the Birth Home to ensure the preservation of this historic resource and the safety of our visitors. We ask for your patience and understanding during this time.

After acquiring this historic home in 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) began planning to upgrade and rehabilitate its major systems. The birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr., and his siblings, will temporarily close November 27, 2023, through November 2025 to allow for the rehabilitation work. Built in 1895, this framed two-story Queen-Anne style home has undergone renovations and repairs over the years; however, this project is more extensive.

This multi-year project includes replacement and upgrades of the home’s mechanical systems that include electrical, HVAC, and fire suppression. Much of the historic home’s structural improvements will include additional crawlspaces for access, window and door repairs. The project also involves repairs to the exterior siding and porch, exterior painting, driveway re-paving, foundation re-pointing, replacement of the back yard fence, and drainage improvements.

Although the Birth Home tours will be suspended during the temporary closure, visitors can access information about Dr. King’s Birth Home through a series of opportunities, including:

- "The Birth Home Story", virtual tour, at historic Fire Station No. 6 located at 39 Boulevard, NE, Atlanta, Georgia: Attend presentations by park rangers who will guide visitors back to the time of Dr. King's childhood to interpret the Sweet Auburn community he grew up in and the home where he was born and raised for the first 12 years of his life;

-Photo Gallery and Wayside Exhibits in the Birth Home block: View large photographs of the Birth Home’s interior at the Visitor Center and Eastern National Museum Store located, next door to the Birth Home, at 497 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, and view the wayside exhibits along the Birth Home block to learn more about the neighborhood Dr. King grew up in;

-The Birth Home Story” film at the park’s visitor center, located at 450 Auburn Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia: View the 20 minute film at the visitor center and explore historical and interactive exhibits about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement and;

-Roving Ranger Talks - Interact with park rangers who will rove the area around the Birth Home and offer interpretive talks and information to visitors.

Other significant resources for visitors at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park include: the Historic Fire Station No. 6, The King Center (including Freedom Hall and the Crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King), and Dr. King’s spiritual home, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Visitors are encouraged to begin their visits at the park’s visitor center located at 450 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, where visitors can find a listing of daily interpretive activities.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/malu and stay connected on Twitter @MLKJrNHSNPS, Facebook MartinLutherKingJrNPS, Instagram @martinlutherkingjrnps and YouTube@mlkjrnhsnps.