Atlanta, a dynamic metropolis nestled in the heart of the Southeast, beckons visitors year-round with its verdant parks, acclaimed culinary scene, and a plethora of world-class attractions. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, however, lies a thriving cultural landscape, punctuated by an impressive array of museums. These institutions delve into diverse realms, from the intricate tapestry of natural history and the captivating world of fine art to the iconic legacies of Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines.
Embark on a journey through time and discovery as you explore Atlanta’s past and present at these premier museums. From encountering colossal dinosaur skeletons at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History to walking in the footsteps of a civil rights giant at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, prepare to be enlightened, inspired, and thoroughly entertained. The city of Atlanta offers a captivating museum experience for every taste and interest.
Here are 12 of the best museums Atlanta has to offer:
1. World of Coca-Cola
The effervescent World of Coca-Cola, a cornerstone of downtown Atlanta’s attractions, celebrates the remarkable journey of this locally born beverage from a humble soda fountain concoction to a global phenomenon. While the closely guarded, 125-year-old secret formula remains elusive, visitors can immerse themselves in the brand’s captivating history through a series of engaging galleries.
Guided tours offer a multi-sensory experience, including a thrilling 4D theater presentation, a miniature depiction of the intricate bottling process, and a visit to the heavily secured vault where the legendary recipe resides. An interactive pop-culture zone invites guests to unleash their creativity and design personalized Coke bottles. And for those with a thirst for adventure, the "Taste It!" station presents a tantalizing opportunity to sample over 100 different Coca-Cola brand sodas from around the world, a true testament to the beverage’s global reach. The World of Coca-Cola is a must-see for anyone visiting Atlanta.
Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Phone: +1 404-676-5151
2. High Museum of Art
Perched on the Woodruff Arts Center Campus in Midtown, the High Museum of Art stands as the Southeast’s leading art institution. Its impressive permanent collection, comprising over 15,000 works, showcases a diverse range of artistic expression, including European paintings, African American art, 19th- and 20th-century decorative art, and captivating interactive outdoor exhibits.
In addition to its permanent holdings, the High Museum regularly hosts traveling blockbuster exhibitions, showcasing renowned artists and movements. Past highlights have included the Obama presidential portraits and a stunning collection of Picasso paintings. Families can enjoy free admission on Second Sundays, with art-making activities, live performances, and other engaging events from 12 to 5 p.m. The High Museum of Art offers an enriching cultural experience for all.
Address: 1280 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
Phone: +1 404-733-4400
3. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is more than just a museum; it’s an immersive journey into the wonders of the natural world. From the imposing bronze Lophorhothon atopus statue gracing its grounds to the colossal 47-foot-long Giganotosaurus skeleton that looms over the entryway, Fernbank captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.
Inside, the hands-on "NatureQuest" exhibit invites exploration with live animal displays and climbing structures, while the STEM-focused "Fantastic Forces" area encourages experimentation with wax volcano construction and aircraft launching. A four-story, 3D IMAX theater offers captivating cinematic experiences. Outside, the museum’s grounds feature a rain garden, a sensory wall, and walking trails that wind through a 65-acre, old-growth forest, providing a serene escape into nature. Fernbank After Dark events offer live music, cocktails, and IMAX films for adult visitors.
Address: 767 Clifton Rd N E, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
Phone: +1 404-929-6300
4. Atlanta History Center
Nestled on 33 acres of wooded landscape in the heart of Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich and multifaceted past. Permanent and rotating exhibitions delve into various aspects of Atlanta’s history, from its origins as a railroad hub and its role in the Civil War to the legacy of legendary golfer Bobby Jones.
The center also hosts year-round programming for children and adults alike, fostering a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s heritage. Visitors can stroll through the grounds and explore Atlanta’s oldest surviving farmhouse, the Smith Family Farm, which features hands-on demonstrations of foodways, crafts, and carpentry, offering a glimpse into 19th-century rural life. For "Gone with the Wind" enthusiasts, the Margaret Mitchell House, operated by the Atlanta History Museum, is located just a few miles south in Midtown.
Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
Phone: +1 404-814-4000
5. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
This striking downtown museum stands as a powerful testament to the American Civil Rights movement and the ongoing global struggle for human rights. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights features three permanent exhibitions that explore these critical themes through bold and interactive displays.
Visitors can participate in a non-violent lunch counter sit-in simulation, gaining a visceral understanding of the challenges faced by activists during the Civil Rights era. A replica Freedom Fighters Greyhound bus allows visitors to listen to firsthand accounts from those who were on the ground, providing a poignant and personal connection to history. Temporary exhibits have showcased a range of subjects, from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s documents to the role of athletes in breaking barriers.
Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Phone: +1 678-999-8990
6. Center for Puppetry Arts
Located in Midtown, the Center for Puppetry Arts is the largest American non-profit organization dedicated solely to the art of puppet theater. This unique museum offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
The permanent collection features an exhibit dedicated to Jim Henson and his iconic creations, including Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog. The Global Collection showcases puppetry traditions from around the world, highlighting the diverse forms and cultural significance of this ancient art form. The museum also hosts regular puppetry performances, craft and puppetry workshops, and other hands-on events for all ages.
Address: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
Phone: +1 404-873-3391
7. Delta Flight Museum
Located adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the Delta Flight Museum celebrates the history and legacy of Atlanta’s hometown airline. Housed in a 1940s airplane hangar, the museum is a designated Historic Aerospace Site.
Exhibits include a rare, 7-foot-long cutaway model of a DC-7 and antiques like a Virgin Atlantic hot air balloon. Visitors can step inside a historic Boeing 767, stroll on the wing of the first-ever Boeing 747-400, or test their skills in a flight simulator. The Delta Flight Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation and the history of Delta Air Lines.
Address: Delta Flight Museum, 1060 Delta Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354, USA
8. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Located on historic Auburn Avenue, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site commemorates the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. This sprawling campus encompasses Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptized and ordained, a visitor’s center, and the King Center, which houses the crypts of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, as well as hundreds of Civil Rights-era documents and oral histories. Admission is free, and guided tours of the birth home are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312-1504, USA
Phone: +1 404-331-5190
9. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers a playful and engaging learning environment for children between the ages of 10 months and 8 years. Interactive zones and hands-on exhibits make learning fun and accessible.
Children can participate in programs about music and movement, healthy eating, science, geography, and more. Budding artists can create masterpieces on the Paint Wall in the Arts Studio, while young builders can explore a kid-friendly construction site. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a great place for families to spend a day.
Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Phone: +1 404-659-5437
10. College Football Hall of Fame
Shaped like two-thirds of a football, the College Football Hall of Fame is a downtown landmark located between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park. Visitors can sign in with their favorite college team and watch the matching helmet illuminate on a three-story wall. They can also play as quarterback or kicker on the 45-yard, indoor playing field and explore augmented reality exhibits dedicated to Hall of Fame inductees. A virtual reality experience allows visitors to call real-time plays.
Address: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Phone: +1 404-880-4800
11. Hammonds House Museum
Named for prominent Atlanta arts patron Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, the Hammonds House Museum is a cultural hub for the West End neighborhood. The stately, 19th-century Victorian home houses a permanent collection of more than 450 historic and contemporary works of art from American, African, and Caribbean artists, including Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Benny Andrews. The museum also hosts guest lectures, book signings, film screenings, and family events featuring Black writers, musicians, and creatives.
Address: 503 Peeples St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1815, USA
Phone: +1 404-612-0481
12. SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
The SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film showcases art installations, exhibitions, and other events dedicated to film and fashion. Past exhibitions have included the work of Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, paper and paintings from Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave, and collections from designers Azzedine Alaïa and Gilbert Adrian.
Address: 1600 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
Phone: +1 404-253-3132
