Statue of Martin Luther King Jr., Atlanta

#48 among attractions in Atlanta

Monuments and statues

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Facts and practical information

In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, a remarkable tribute to one of America's most influential civil rights leaders stands proudly at the State Capitol grounds. The Statue of Martin Luther King Jr., unveiled on August 28, 2017, not only commemorates the legacy of Dr. King but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the ongoing struggle for social justice.

This imposing bronze statue, standing at 8 feet tall, captures the likeness of Dr. King, who was born and raised in Atlanta. The statue's location holds a deep significance as it is placed on the same grounds where segregationist signs once stood, symbolizing the profound changes in American society that King helped to bring about. It was sculpted by renowned artist Martin Dawe, who aimed to depict King as if he were speaking to an audience, a nod to King's powerful oratory skills.

The monument's dedication coincided with the 54th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, where Dr. King delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. This timing was intentional, serving as a reminder of the enduring relevance of King's message of equality and justice.

Visitors to the statue can reflect on the civil rights movement and King's pivotal role in it. The location in Atlanta is particularly poignant, as the city played a central role in the civil rights era and is home to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes King's childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he co-pastored.

Coordinates: 33°44'57"N, 84°23'15"W

Address

Downtown Atlanta (South Downtown)Atlanta United States

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Day trips

Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Georgia State Capitol, M. Rich Building, Equestrian statue of John Brown Gordon, City Hall.

~150 ftW
Neo-classical seat of state government
Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta
1 min walk • The Georgia State Capitol, a beacon of governance and history, stands proudly in the heart of Atlanta, United States. This architectural gem, with its distinctive gold dome gilded with native gold from Dahlonega, is not only the center of political action in the state...
~1560 ftNW
Shopping, Department store
M. Rich Building, Atlanta
8 min walk • The M. Rich Building, also known as Rich's Department Store, is a historic building in downtown Atlanta in the United States. Its history dates back to 1867 when Morris Rich opened a small shop at the corner of Whitehall and Hunter streets (now Peachtree Street...
~310 ftNW
Monuments and statues
Equestrian statue of John Brown Gordon, Atlanta
2 min walk • In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, stands the equestrian statue of John Brown Gordon, a notable monument that captures a slice of Southern history. Created by sculptors Alexander Campbell Bruce and Solon Borglum, this statue is not merely an artistic representation but...
~1030 ftW
Gothic Revival architecture, Architecture, City hall
City Hall, Atlanta
5 min walk • Atlanta City Hall is the headquarters of the City of Atlanta government. It was constructed in 1930, and is located in Downtown Atlanta.
0.4 miN
Large reservoir with a water park
Lake Lanier, Atlanta
11 min walk • Lake Lanier is a reservoir in the northern portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created by the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956, and is also fed by the waters of the Chestatee River.
~1490 ftNW
Nightlife, Dancing, Entertainment district
Underground Atlanta, Atlanta
8 min walk • Underground Atlanta is a shopping and entertainment district in the Five Points neighborhood of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States, near the Five Points MARTA station. It is currently undergoing renovations.
~210 ftW
Monuments and statues
Statue of Jimmy Carter, Atlanta
2 min walk • The Jimmy Carter statue is a monumental statue in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Located on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol, the statue was designed by Frederick Hart and depicts Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States. It was dedicated in 1994.
~310 ftW
Monuments and statues
Statue of Ellis Arnall, Atlanta
2 min walk • The Ellis Arnall statue is a public monument located on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia. Honoring Georgia Governor Ellis Arnall, the statue was sculpted by Zenos Frudakis and unveiled in 1997.
~500 ftNW
Gothic Revival architecture, Church, Architecture
Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta
3 min walk • Central Presbyterian Church is a historic church at 201 Washington Street SW in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1885 and was added to the National Register in 1986.
0.4 miN
Monuments and statues
Five Points Monument, Atlanta
10 min walk • The Five Points Monument is a large public monument in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Located in the Five Points district, the monument was designed by George Beasley and installed in 1996.
~1870 ftN
Park, Architecture
Hurt Building, Atlanta
10 min walk • The Hurt Building is an 18-story building located at 50 Hurt Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia with a unique triangular shape. One of the nation's earliest skyscrapers, the Hurt Building was built between 1913 and 1926, and was the initial home for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Statue of Martin Luther King Jr.?

Nearby attractions include Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta (1 min walk), Miss Freedom, Atlanta (1 min walk), Statue of Jimmy Carter, Atlanta (2 min walk), Statue of Eugene Talmadge, Atlanta (2 min walk).

How to get to Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. by public transport?

The nearest stations to Statue of Martin Luther King Jr.:

Metro

Georgia State • Lines: Blue, Green (3 min walk)
Five Points • Lines: Blue, Gold, Green, Red (11 min walk)

Tram

Hurt Park • Lines: Atlanta Streetcar (10 min walk)
Park Place • Lines: Atlanta Streetcar (11 min walk)

Bus

Atlanta Greyhound Bus Station (13 min walk)