MLK's Atlanta Birth Home To Close For 2 Years Due To Renovations

ATLANTA — Renovations will soon temporarily close the birth of home of the legendary civil-rights activist, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

According to the National Park Service, which acquired King's Auburn Avenue home in 2018, the house will be closed to visitors from Monday through November 2025.

"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," the park service said on its website.

King and his siblings were raised in the two-story Queen-Anne style house, which was built in 1895, according to the park service. Park officials said while the home has been renovated and repaired through the years, the park service's rehab project is "more extensive."

Plans for the projects include replacing and upgrading the house's electrical, HVAC and fire suppression systems, adding crawlspaces and repairing windows and doors. The exterior siding and porch will also be repaired.

The park service plans to paint the exterior, re-pave the driveway, conduct foundation re-pointing, improvement the drainage and replace the backyard fence.

While King's home is closed to visitors, park officials released the following ways people can access information about the house:

• "The Birth Home Story" virtual tour at historic Fire Station No. 6, located at 39 Blvd. NE in Atlanta. People can attend presentations by park rangers who will guide visitors back to the time of 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. People can view large photographs of the birth home's interior at the Visitor Center and Eastern National Museum Store, which neighbors the home at 497 Auburn Ave. NE in Atlanta. The wayside exhibits can be found along the birth home block.
• "The Birth Home Story” film at the park’s visitor center, which is located at 450 Auburn Ave. NE in Atlanta. People can view the 20-minute film at the visitor center and explore historical and interactive exhibits about King and the Civil Rights Movement.
• Roving Ranger Talks. People can interact with park rangers who will rove the area around the birth home and offer interpretive talks and information to visitors.

Other 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 the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.