jkoz148
I've been to several Presidential libraries and they always make my lists of places to visit when I travel. They are usually the most impressive museums from a standpoint of size and scope. This facility seem to match Jimmy Carter as a president any person. It was simple yet powerful yet understated.Parking is fairly easy but there is an admission cost. bring your college ID is that does get you a discount. There are many museums that check for flash photography and do not allow it and this is one of them. Normally when I see a no flash photography sign I don't mean to ignore it but for the sake of a good picture I try to let one or two slide. I did get caught and I was asked not to do it but at least I was asked nicely and so I have no problems with the staff or any of their policies.The main museum space is like two straight lines at run opposite each other. the first line discusses his build up to becoming president and one of his eventual success in the 1976 election. The line ends with a large Rotondo like area that discusses his major accomplishments as president in addition to giving a large view of the files that make up his Presidential Library. If you have been to the Lyndon B Johnson library, it is very similar. On the opposite side of the rotunda you'll see a specific exhibit devoted to the Camp David Accords and then his life after his presidency. The museum is well done and I felt reflected who Jimmy Carter was. It didn't blow you away with any fancy special effects. The way it accomplishes its goal is the same way you could argue that Jimmy Carter himself acomplished his goals. He was a low-key family man. the museum is a little far away and it's not near any of the other major cultural attractions of Atlanta but I believe it is definitely worth the little bit of a drive to get to.
Rob975
You can catch the# 16 "noble" bus from downtown and just tell the driver your headed here. The stop is right in front of it and the return bus is on the other one way street just across from the parking lot on the north side. The museum is well done with a short video to start and then the life and times of Jimmy Carter, e.g. His early days, the navy years, his time as a farmer and of course his political career. Great exhibits and videos on his camp david accords which led to peace between Israel and Egypt and also his efforts on returning the hostages from Iran. The replica Oval Office room was nice to see and we spent al out 3 hours there.
Princerman
This museum is well executed and easy to navigate. I was able to work around a group of well behaved school kids. The exhibits were keeping them interested. Once you get to the presidency exhibits, they're well presented and plentiful. The shop is there but not obnoxiously large.
DJR68
First of all, I'm a political junkie, so any chance to visit a Presidential Library whilst travelling in the USA is always on the to-do list.My wife and I visited on a Saturday morning and I was surprised at how quiet it was. Perhaps the fact the library is closed on weekends (as is the cafe by the way) and it is only the museum that is open contributes to that. To us, that meant we were able to spend more time in each of the galleries to read up on the history of a dedicated, committed and humane person.My particular favourite was of course, the Oval Office, furnished as it was when President Carter was in the White House. I'm amazed at how important a room in the history of US and World Politics is also so intimate and so personalised.The museum is not all about politics. A significant portion is dedicated to the humanitarian work that President and Mrs Carter have undertaken since they have left office in 1981. Whilst you hear through the media what they are up to from time to time, it's not until you have the chance to see what they are doing and why are doing it that you appreciate the enormity of some of the work they have carried out since leaving the White House.For me, two of the unexpected highlights were to be able to see both the Nobel Peace Prize and the Grammy Award that were presented to President Carter throughout his life. In some ways the fact they are placed so close together in the library is a perfect juxtaposition of both the global importance of the work that President Carter has undertaken, and how he has taken that work to the people.We walked from our hotel in downtown Atlanta to visit the library - about 3.5 km or a 50 minute walk. Being from out of town, that allowed us the opportunity to enjoy the cool Spring Atlanta weather and to admire some of the architecture of the city.Even if you are an international traveller and not that much into politics, you should make the effort to visit the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum if you happen to be travelling through Atlanta.
EyeObserve
Love and appreciate their regular book signing and reader's series that is free the public each month in the evenings.
KayeRon
We were very impressed with this place. Great location and very well kept. The exhibits were all very good and well planned. Our kids had a great time. The outside view is stunning. You can sit by the Japanese garden and see an awesome view of the city. Bring your family here and you will not be disapointed.
HiggySt_Louis
It's a shame Carter is remembered by many as a poor president. While he maybe was not effective as other presidents, he brought honor and integrity to the office. The museum depicts America in a bit of transition from isolation to the Cold War. A good review of the start of Middle East politics. Exhibits are good, consistent with other libraries. I love the Oval Office recreation. Fair price, friendly staff, beautiful grounds.
889bertg
It's was my forth presidential library and the Worse. But not because its consider one of the worst president Oh no !!!!It's old need some remodeling but very informative. if you don't know your history. The film at the beginning is good. There a lot stuff but there a film almost a the end ...a day in the president. It's good. At the end of the museum you have what he and is wife have done after the presidensy. It's nicely explain and he achieve a lot. It even more fun and much better that side of the tour. Personnel quote When I left I really got the feeling it was a beautiful love story between him and his wife and it what mark me the most.
cactijak
A very nice place to see the accomplishments of a very unfairly, I feel, unheralded President. Very reasonable price and worth it.
califken
This is a Presidential Library and of course presents the story of the President, in this case, Jimmy Carter, as the President wants to tell it. It is very good and tells the story of how he got to be President and the 4 years he was in office. Definitely worth a visit. Every American should visit these Presidential Libraries to understand the men who have led our great country. It is a little hard to find, the signs are confusing. Near the Dr. Martin Luther King center.
Fussytraveler22
It is located so that you can walk from the center to the MLK historic area. It was well curated and Interesting with beautiful gardens. It was great to relive a small chunk of time. fascinating history.
BEtravel2
This was a nice museum detailing President Carter's presidency and after. The museum visit starts with a 15 minute introductory video (you can skip it if you want to). Then you go through Carter's pre-presidential years (including his service in the Navy), his presidential tenure, and his work at the Carter center after his presidency. I had not appreciated before this visit all the great work that the Carters have done since Jimmy Carter's term in office, through the Carter Center. I did not experience the Carter era, so, this visit was a learning experience for me. I gained a greater appreciation of President Carter's accomplishments and their influence on our current social, political and economical events. I expect someone who lived through the Carter era would have had even more satisfaction from visiting the museum. If you are in Atlanta, you should visit this library!
VickiA156
This was a first visit to a Presidential Library that my husband and I had been to. We didn't really know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised at just how nice it was. The folks working there were very friendly and helpful. The short 15-minute video was well worth seeing and having a short overview and President Carter through his life. Although we did not vote for him in the presidential election, we were pleased with the presentation of everything. We were a little hungry as we were leaving and decided to have a quick bit to eat in the cafeteria. The food was smelling good throughout the museum! It was very good and not expensive at all. I think if you allowed a 2-hour block of time it would be adequate for visiting, unless you want to spend more time outside on the grounds. It was a blustery 22 degrees outside and not really a good day to walk around. You can see part of the Atlanta skyline from the grounds. That was also nice. The gift store was adequate, although I would like to have seen a few more things....i.e. books, lapel pins, etc. All-in-all, it was a very enjoyable time!!
695nathand
A very well organized telling of the Jimmy Carter story. Like most presidential museums, it works at showing all the best about its subject. But it is a good bit more objective in the process that the Reagan museum or the Hoover museum.
billp100
well done exhibits and narrative. enjoyed all of it although i wasn't a big fan of carter. good value for money and informative.