"What's the story behind this museum?Although the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1986, the modernist structure still feels contemporary today. With 24,000 square feet of museum space, this is a celebration of former U.S. President (and Georgia native) Jimmy Carter on a grand scale. Far from being staid and strictly academic, the museum offers interactive exhibits that explore Carter's life before, during, and after his time in the Oval Office. His Nobel Peace Prize medal is on display, and there's also some 4,000 square feet reserved for temporary exhibits. What can we expect to see there on an average visit?The massive building contains endless insights into Carter's life, presidency, and humanitarian work. The collection includes approximately 27 million pages of the former President’s White House materials (documents, correspondence, and the like) and half-a-million photographs. One of the most engaging audio visual exhibits, located in the museum’s rotunda, is the “Day in the Life of a President,” which followed Carter on December 11, 1978, from when he awoke to when he went to sleep. Any temporary exhibits of note, too?The museum really shines in its programming series, which brings in authors, films, and speakers from all genres. You might find a Hollywood blockbuster screening, a best-selling author reading a novel, and possibly even an appearance by Carter himself, who has written more than 50 books. Who tends to come here?There are all kinds of ways to experience the museum, and on any given day, you’ll find people doing just that. Presidential and American history buffs will want to take their time and read every placard, while art and architecture lovers may want to wander and absorb the sights. Even if you don’t set foot inside the building, the 35-acre grounds are a popular respite from the city, in particular the stunning Japanese garden, designed by Japanese master gardener Kinsaku Nakane. Do people with disabilities have anything to keep in mind before a visit?The museum is ADA-compliant; guests can borrow a wheelchair. The introductory film and the “Day in the Life” film are both closed-captioned. Is the gift shop worth a stop?The gift shop includes a number of Carter's books, plus nods to his Southern roots, including a grow-it-yourself peanut bush, a USS JIMMY CARTER hat (the submarine named in his honor), and China sets from noteworthy American Presidents. You can even pick up a pint of his favorite ice cream (butter pecan from the Savannah-based Leopold's). Same question, but for the café—worth grabbing a little pick-me-up?The menu changes daily at the Kitchen at Copenhill, the onsite café, but there are always sandwiches, salads, two hot entrees, side dishes, soup, and dessert. On a nice day, sit on the patio and enjoy Atlanta’s famously balmy weather. If we're a little tight on time, is it still worth checking out?This museum is what you make it; if you have limited time, it's still worth a visit. Don't miss the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (which President Clinton gave to the Carters), and the "Day in the Life of a President" film." - Jennifer Bradley Franklin
