An official website of the United States government
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL VISITOR FAQs
Do I need a reservation to visit the museum?
Groups with fewer than 10 participants do not need a reservation. All groups of 10 or more participants must make reservations.
How do I get to the CDC Museum?
The David J. Sencer CDC Museum is located at 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
For best results when using GPS, please input “David J. Sencer CDC Museum.” Visit our Directions page for more detailed instructions.
What is required to gain access to the CDC Museum?
- Review and share these photo-ID requirements:
All visitors must show government-issued photo-ID. Visitors under 18 years of are not required to show ID if they are accompanied by adults with valid photo-ID. All adult non-U.S. citizens must present a valid passport for entry. - Please check the website on the day of visit for mask requirements
- Allow an extra 15 minutes for security screening and check-in.
Where do I park?
Parking is free at the CDC Museum. Please follow “Visitor” signs directing all vehicle and pedestrian traffic to veer right upon entering CDC Parkway (our driveway).
- Small Vehicles
Small vehicles will be inspected at the guard station then directed to the visitors’ parking deck. Parking deck clearance is 8 feet, 5 inches. Once parked, make your way back to Level 5. The museum entry is adjacent to the parking deck entry. - Buses
Buses will be directed to wait in the far-right entry lane and not to proceed through security gates. Group members will exit the bus and walk through the security gates to the museum entry.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
All galleries and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Manual wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs are available for free use on a first-come-first-served basis. To check out a wheelchair please inquire with security at check-in.
Are service animals allowed in the museum?
Service animals are welcome. Please note that therapy animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and are not permitted in the Museum.
Are you a Visitor or Bringing Someone Who Is Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation are available upon request with 1-month advance notice for guided tours, subject to interpreter availability. Please contact museumtours@cdc.gov to request an ASL interpreter. All videos in the galleries are open-captioned.
Are You a Visitor or Bringing Someone Who Is Blind or Has Low Vision?
Descriptions of the permanent exhibition are available in braille upon request. Please ask security for booklet upon entrance.
What kind of guided tours are offered?
Guided tours are available for groups of up to 30 visitors. Reservations are required.
Can I request specific topics or stops in the exhibitions?
There are multiple themed tours available:
- Docent Choice: Explore the permanent exhibition, The Story of CDC, from the lens of a CDC expert. Various exhibits will be highlighted based on the docent’s expertise and preference.
- Pathogens Tour: Visit the permanent exhibition, The Story of CDC, with a focus on various pathogens such as: malaria, polio, foodborne illness, and Guinea worm. At each stop, the pathogen causing the illness will be discussed, along with transmission, treatment, and CDC’s work related to the pathogen.
- Health Equity Tour: Health equity issues will be introduced through historical context, and CDC’s current efforts to reduce disparities will be discussed. Some highlights may include aspects of immigration into the U.S., polio, lead in our environment, violence prevention, and clean water.
- Current Temporary Exhibition: Focus on the current temporary exhibition. Note the dates of the exhibition you are interested in to be sure that it is available when you plan to visit.
Select the Docent Choice if none of the themed tours appeal to you. Each Docent Choice tour has been uniquely crafted based on the docent’s experience and knowledge. Provide a detailed description of your group when you complete the online tour request form to help us find a docent that best matches your group by. The small group guided tour is always the Docent Choice.
What will visitors learn at the museum?
The CDC Museum teaches visitors about public health as it relates to CDC’s work. Secondary topics may vary based on which docent is available for your tour as well as what current temporary exhibition is on display. These topics may include microbiology, infectious disease, environmental health, CDC history, or even the art in our exhibitions.
Where does the tour go?
Tours are only offered of the museum galleries and exhibitions. CDC is a working government facility, and tours outside of the museum are not offered. Visitors are prohibited from accessing any other parts of the CDC campus.
Can I request a specific docent?
If you wish to request a specific docent for the guided tour (10-30 people), please make a note in the survey when booking your tour. Keep in mind that your preferred docent may not be available.
Will we see a lab during our tour?
No. CDC is a working government facility, and tours of campuses or labs are not offered.
What kind of self-guided visits are offered?
Self-guided visits are available for groups of up to 50 participants. Reservations are required for groups with 10 or more participants. Reservations are not required for groups with fewer than 10 participants.
What will your visitors learn?
The CDC Museum teaches visitors about public health as it relates to CDC’s work. Secondary topics may vary based on which temporary exhibition is on display. These topics may include microbiology, infectious disease, environmental health, CDC history, or even the art in our exhibitions.
Are printed materials available for groups on a self-guided visit?
Yes. A printed general exhibition guide and exhibition scavenger hunts are available.
Will we see a lab during our visit?
No. CDC is a working government facility and tours of campuses or labs are not offered.
Why can’t my group be bigger than 50 people?
Guidelines limiting the maximum number of tour participants are designed to help ensure the safety and security of our visitors. These numbers are strictly enforced.
You may consider splitting your group into two or more groups and booking multiple self-guided visits at various times. Groups with more than 50 visitors are not able to enter at one time.