ATLANTA — As President Jimmy Carter lies in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta , a significant tribute to the former president is already visible across town. The Millennium Gate Museum, located in the heart of Atlanta's Atlantic Station, has been adorned with black muslin swags and the presidential flag, honoring the life and legacy of Georgia’s native son. This tribute will remain on display through the end of January.

The Millennium Gate Museum, known as Georgia’s largest classical monument, was dedicated to the values of peace, justice, and freedom, making it an especially fitting symbol to honor President Carter.

The National Monuments Foundation (NMF), which owns the Millennium Gate Museum, has long supported the Carter family. Notably, the foundation hosted President Carter for a luncheon on his 85th birthday in the museum's 19th Century Gallery. During the same event, First Lady Rosalynn Carter was honored with the Millennium Candler Justice Prize for her groundbreaking work in mental health advocacy, presented by Princess Khaliya Aga Khan.

The NMF has also been involved with the Carter family through past exhibits, including the 2000-year-old textile from Carter’s personal collection, which was displayed at the museum as part of the Bodmer-Hanna exhibit. That collection, which also featured the first known copy of the Lord's Prayer written on papyrus, was on loan from Emory University’s Carlos Museum, another institution with strong ties to the Carter legacy.

Millennium Gate honors Jimmy Carter

Rodney Mims Cook Jr., President of the National Monuments Foundation, expressed deep respect for President Carter’s life and work.

"All of our noble principles and values have been evident in the way Carter has lived his life," Cook said. "We have such respect for him and all he has done in his lifetime, and we will continue to support his legacy for generations to come."

Cook added that the monument, draped in black and flying the presidential flag, is meant to be a visible tribute not only for those in Atlanta but for millions of others across Georgia and beyond. "At this most difficult time, we join the Carter family and other institutions and organizations across our state mourning President Carter. We all hold him dearly in our hearts and pay tribute to his contributions to our nation and the world," he said.

As memorial ceremonies take place in Plains, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., the Millennium Gate Museum’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of Carter’s innovative work and his enduring legacy in global peace efforts. Visitors will be able to reflect on the impact of President Carter’s leadership while taking in the rich history of the monument, dedicated to the same principles he championed throughout his life.

The tribute at the Millennium Gate Museum provides a powerful and lasting recognition of President Carter, whose influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.