David J. Sencer CDC Museum

By the People: Designing a Better America October 29, 2018 - April 26, 2019

Ever wonder how CDC scientists merge old-fashioned detective work with high-tech science to crack the cases of mystery diseases? Get the Story! Visit the David J. Sencer CDC Museum at CDC Headquarters. This unique museum features award-winning permanent and changing exhibitions that focus on a variety of public health topics, as well as the history of CDC. The museum is free and open to the public so we would like to see you soon.

Now on Display
By the People: Designing a Better America
October 29, 2018 - April 26, 2019
Harlem Hospital façade, New York.

Harlem Hospital façade, New York. © 2012 Paul Warchol

This exhibition focuses on humanitarian design solutions in the modern world, examining how design is addressing social, health, economic and environmental challenges faced by communities through the United States. The exhibition is organized around six themes that embody current approaches designers are taking to resolve complex issues.

Remembering the 1918 Influenza Pandemic
Opening April 30, 2018
antique photo of soldiers beside a low fence

Soldiers at Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
The fort was quarantined during the worst days of the epidemic. Courtesy National Archives, photo no. 165-WW-269B-032

One hundred years ago, influenza swept the globe quickly, infecting an estimated 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population. Entire communities were devastated here in the United States and about 675,000 Americans lost their lives. The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe in recent history, killing more than 50 million people worldwide. It was the first major disease to be extensively documented through photography.

This exhibition focuses on historic American images—accompanied by their original captions—depicting military personnel, medical staff, Red Cross workers, and civilians impacted by influenza. The images reflect the commitment of doctors, nurses, and volunteers to the cause, a spirit of patriotism, and at times the sense of humor needed when facing such a devastating disease.

Coming Soon

The World Unseen: Intersections of Art and Science
May 20 – August 30, 2019

The World Unseen: Intersections of Art and Science

Image: Amie Esslinger,
Collisions, mixed media, 2016

CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp

The 2019 application is now live! Read the Camp FAQ and download the application. All applications must be post marked by March 25, 2019.

Museum Info
  • Hours
    Monday: 9am-5pm
    Tuesday: 9am-5pm
    Wednesday: 9am-5pm
    Thursday: 9am-7pm
    Friday: 9am-5pm
    Closed weekends & federal holidays
  • Location 1600 Clifton Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30329
  • Phone 404-639-0830
  • Admission & Parking: Free
    Government–issued photo ID required for adults over the age of 18
    Passport required for non-U.S. citizens
Global Health Chronicles

Nigeria. Credit: The Carter Center/E. Staub, The Global Health Chronicles

Global Health Chronicles was launched in collaboration with Emory University’s Libraries, Global Health Institute, and Rollins School of Public Health. The web site is a series of “Chronicles,” each dealing with a different subject.

Page last reviewed: March 26, 2019, 12:00 AM