The CDC David J. Sencer Museum is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention facility in Atlanta. It is the only part of the CDC that is open to the public. The CDC Museum is designed to educate visitors about public health, the role of the CDC, and the benefits of prevention. The museum operates in affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution. Admission to the CDC Museum is free.
More than 50,000 visitors come to the facility each year to explore its educational resources. The CDC Museum contains permanent exhibits that chronicle the history of the agency. Several historical artifacts are preserved here. The highlight of the museum is the Global Symphony, a multimedia exhibit. Through a series of narratives, CDC scientists recount the agency’s investigations into polio, smallpox, Legionnaires’ disease, the Ebola virus, environmental health issues, and other public health threats. Visitors will also learn how the CDC is addressing modern health issues such as cancer, diabetes and obesity. Additionally, the museum explores how the CDC investigates disease outbreaks around the world, including avian flu and West Nile virus.
Every year, the museum presents a series of changing exhibitions. The two current exhibits are Art Meets Science and Savior of Mothers: The Forgotten Ballet of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. Art Meets Science presents 35 textiles designed by international artists. The unusual designs are based on scientific theories or phenomena, some of which were inspired by microscopic reflections of bacteria and viruses. Mother’s Savior is based on the story of the Hungarian doctor who tried to curb a disease known as “puerperal fever”, a deadly bacterial infection contracted by many women during childbirth. Dr. Semmelweis found that proper handwashing by medical personnel and sterilization of medical instruments greatly reduced the death rate among these women. Both special exhibits will be open through September 5, 2012. An upcoming exhibit titled Cells: The Universe Inside will be open from September 22, 2012 to January 4, 2013.
The museum’s exhibits are self-guided, but tours can be arranged. All galleries are handicapped accessible. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 7 pm The museum is closed on weekends and federal holidays. The CDC is located at 1600 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. All visitors must stop at the guard station for vehicle inspection. Free parking is available in the visitor parking deck. Visitors will need a government-issued photo ID to enter the facility. Security agents will issue security passes to access the museum. The registration process takes approximately 15 minutes.