The newly expanded and reimagined Legacy Experience welcomes you into a transformative exploration of civil rights history from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968 to the present day. Housed in the Museum’s Legacy Building, the expanded exhibitions illuminate the movement’s evolution over the past five decades, examining pivotal moments, strategies, and grassroots organizing that followed 1968 and continue to shape struggles for justice today. Through deep storytelling, newly interpreted historical evidence, and dynamic multimedia, The Legacy Experience invites you to discover how ordinary people become extraordinary agents of change.

The renovated space offers interactive digital galleries and features new areas dedicated to education, including flexible classrooms, changing galleries designed for rapid-response exhibitions that address real-time developments in civil rights and democracy. You can also enjoy interactive engagement spaces where visitors share their own perspectives on today’s movements and strategies for positive social change. A dedicated exhibit space showcases timely topics on current events and ongoing programming, providing valuable educational opportunities and historical context for all visitors.

The Museum serves as a catalyst for education, reflection, and civic engagement, and The Legacy Experience stands as its boldest expression of that mission yet.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Join us a full day of energy, music, and hands-on discovery designed to move every visitor. From interactive moments to live performances, the experience extends far beyond the new Legacy Experience inside the Museum, creating space to explore, reflect, and engage.

For one day only, guests can experience it all for just $15, a 40% savings off adult admission of $25, which takes effect May 17. Opening day tickets are available now at visit.civilrightsmuseum.org, making May 16 the perfect moment to take in both the newly reimagined Legacy Experience and the historic Lorraine Motel exhibitions together under one discounted rate. Tiered pricing is also available for children, seniors, and college students.

Highlights include:
• A ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official reopening
• Live music and cultural performances throughout the day
• Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences
• Launch of the summer community story-sharing through the “Our Stories. Our Museum” activation.

The celebration transforms the Museum campus into a vibrant space for learning, remembrance, and shared purpose.

Throughout the day, visitors can create, play, and express themselves through interactive activities, dive deeper into the stories behind the exhibitions with scholar-led conversations, and connect with organizations driving change today. Whether you are looking to learn, participate, or simply take it all in, the experience meets you where you are and invites you to go further.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by self-guided tours of the Legacy Building. Scholar-led exhibition deep dives take place at 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., alongside live performances on the Legacy Stage and a concert at 12:30 p.m. Visitors can also explore Craftivism stations, a Civic Engagement Hub, and a Legacy Play Zone, with food trucks lining Mulberry Street and programming continuing through 5 p.m.

Get your tickets below.