Top 10 Museums in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)

July 29, 2021 Leonardo Torrence

Atlanta has been dubbed everything from the "capital of the new South" and "the next international city" to "the best place to do business." It's also a great place to visit. Fueled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, the prestige of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the energy of young upwardly mobile types who have migrated to the city in droves - Atlanta is on fire. And this time it's a good thing. From world-class restaurants and a myriad of cultural attractions to a hip nightlife and sporting events galore, the city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. But Atlanta has also managed to maintain its historic character. Stop by the Atlanta History Center or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, a moving tribute to an American icon. Browse through the former home of famous author Margaret Mitchell or pop into the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum for details on the life and times of the former president and his family. Whether you choose modern urban endeavors or old southern pleasures, Atlanta will not disappoint.
Restaurants in Atlanta

1. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30308-3003 +1 678-999-8990 http://www.civilandhumanrights.org
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,110 reviews

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects The American Civil Rights Movement to today's Global Human Rights Movements. The Center features four immersive and thought-provoking exhibit spaces, including a continually rotating gallery of items from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, where visitors can view the personal papers and items of Dr. King. The Center also provides designated event spaces and educational programs inspiring visitors to join the ongoing dialogue about contemporary movements for human rights around the world. 3/2/2020 - Closing at 3pm (Last ticket at 2pm).

Reviewed By Olde_biL - Markham, Canada

Our visit to the National Center for Human and Civil rights near Centennial Olympic Park completed our trifecta of civil rights themed museum visits during our one full day visit to Atlanta. (This was our second visit to Atlanta and our first without our children.) It proved a valuble complement to what we learned and experienced at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site. Admission to the center was more than the free for the MLK Jr. Historic site and the $8/adult for the presidential library. Nonetheless, it provides a powerful experience and the lunch counter simulation itself was worth more than the price of admission. Caution, this latter is not for the very young as cautioned by the posted signage. The simulation includes a reproduction of a lunch counter at which protesters would sit. The participant takes a stool and puts on a headset, places hands palms down on the counter, and closes their eyes. The sounds and jolting movement of the stool over about a minute and a half provide the merest taste of what young protesters must have endured. I emerged deeply affected, both marveling at the courage of the protesters and angry at the need. Most of the museum exhibits are well executed and interactive. Right from first exhibit hall is "Rolls Down Like Water", it houses the lunch counter but starts with Atlanta of the 50's, with interactive features such as the sign board upon which users choose the jurisdiction from which to display Jim Crow laws. The exhibit moves forward through time with displays covering the bus boycott, the freedom riders, notorious figures such as Bull Connor, and continuing through the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The museum isn't exclusively about the American Civil Rights movement. The "Spark of Conviction" on the 3rd floor houses a series of interactive mirrors that users can approach and select from a number of real individuals from around the world to hear their story. The objective is to allow an individual to choose someone that is like them in some way. Other exhibits work similarly and provide multi-sensory ways to interact and convey more than just facts about the struggle for civil and human rights. We spent more than two hours going through the museum. I feel better educated but also with a desire to return after doing more personal research and being better prepared to comprehend the material.

2. Scad Fash

1600 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-2403 +1 404-253-3132 [email protected] http://scadfash.org
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Scad Fash

SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film celebrates fashion as a universal language, garments as important conduits of identity, and film as an immersive and memorable medium. Situated within the SCAD Atlanta campus at 1600 Peachtree St. NW, SCAD FASH focuses on the future of fashion design, connecting conceptual to historical principles of dress — whether ceremonial, celebratory or casual — and welcomes visitors of all ages to engage with dynamic exhibitions, captivating films and educationally enriching events. Fortified by the university's strong global presence and worldwide connections to renowned contemporary fashion designers, filmmakers and creative professionals all over the world, SCAD FASH is an integral part of the SCAD educational experience.

Reviewed By Cheketa - Atlanta, United States

This was my first visit to SCAD FASH for the “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibit. I thought I was visiting to see the costumes she designed for Black Panther. But, the costumes she designed from a multitude of films are also on view: Do The Right Thing, Roots, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, Shaft, Amistad, Selma, The Butler, Malcolm X, Chi-Raq and Dolemite Is My Name. Ruth E. Carter designed spectacular costumes for more than three decades before she won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Black Panther. The exhibition is breathtaking. I’m still blown away. And I left feeling as though the experience was worth more than what I paid. Tickets ($10) are purchased online in advance and parking is complimentary. Run to this exhibit. I guarantee you’ll be better for it!

3. Fire Station No. 6

39 Boulevard, Atlanta, GA http://www.nps.gov/malu/planyourvisit/firestation_no_6.htm
Excellent
89%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Fire Station No. 6

Reviewed By CaptainCookieDaddy - Roslyn, United States

This is a pretty cool component of the MLK Museum which mixes a lot of history of the AFD, MLK, and general Atlanta history as well. It is free to visit and there is an old time fire engine there as well.

4. The Patch Works Art & History Center

593 Gaskill St SE Inside the Fulton Cotton Mill, Atlanta, GA 30312 +1 404-806-7288 [email protected] http://thepatchworks.org/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

The Patch Works Art & History Center

The Patch Works Art & History Center is a unique, community-based, nonprofit charity operating in Cabbagetown, Atlanta. The organization is dedicated to preserving, sustaining, and maintaining the historical identity of Atlanta's Cabbagetown through exhibits of history, local art, and community-based public programs and events. Due to the pandemic, the brick-and-mortar museum will be closed until further notice. Nonetheless, The Patch Works is revamping its website in order to create a virtual experience similar to its museum. The updated site will offer — among other things — self-guided walking tours, exhibits, live streaming events, music performances, and educational workshops. Please contact us if you wish to know more about what The Patch Works will be offering during this temporary closure.

5. Atlanta History Center

130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW 10 St Nw, Atlanta, GA 30305 +1 470-344-4023 http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,406 reviews

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center was founded on the big ideas and relentless fascination of 14 Atlantans who were emphatic about our city’s historical relevance in society. In a sense, our organization was created by Atlanta’s biggest fans, and we love that detail. In 1926, these founding members introduced the Atlanta Historical Society into the world with one mission: to help preserve Atlanta’s history. In 1990, after decades of collecting, researching, publishing and celebrating the early stories of our great Southern community, the Atlanta Historical Society and all of its holdings officially became the Atlanta History Center.

Reviewed By 921jamesl - Pasadena, United States

I really enjoyed walking the grounds between the Smith farm, the Swan House, and the cabin. Beautiful and relaxing. House tours were interactive and great for kids; you are allowed to touch everything. Swan House had actors in character and costume providing info about the people who lived and worked in the home. Allow three hours for the history center and house tourslcombined, and save the Margaret Mitchell house (located in Midtown)for another day; the ticket is good for 9 days. Also enjoyed the Civil War exhibit.

6. Michael C. Carlos Museum

571 S Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30322-1120 +1 404-727-4282 [email protected] http://www.carlos.emory.edu
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 281 reviews

Michael C. Carlos Museum

The Carlos Museum is one of the Southeast's premier ancient art museums with major collections of art objects from ancient Egypt, Nubia, Near East, Greece, Rome, ancient Americas, Africa, and Asia, as well as a collection of works on paper from the Renaissance to the present.

Reviewed By mariagZ1086JM - Dunwoody, United States

Whenever I am around Emory add an event I always go to the Carlos Museum. I loved the Hindu culture exhibit. I also love the gift shop. It’s reasonably priced and has a very unique items of jewelry based on their collections. Everyone is very friendly. Don’t miss the mummies.

7. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum

441 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307-1496 +1 404-865-7100 [email protected] http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,220 reviews

Jimmy Carter Library & Museum

The Carter Presidential Library and Museum is a state-of-the-art museum tracing the life and work of President Jimmy Carter, from his childhood in Plains to the work he and Mrs. Carter do around the world to promote peace and health. The Museum sits in a beautifully landscaped 35 acre park with two small lakes, a Japanese garden and a spectacular view of the Atlanta skyline. The whole family will enjoy visiting. Open every day expect Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Reviewed By TamaraS314 - Richmond, United States

I really enjoyed this museum. Regardless of your political affiliation, this museum offers interesting insights into President Carter’s character and the pivotal moments of his life. It’s very well laid out visually and chronologically. Plan on spending 2-3 hours depending on how much you like to read and how many of the films you watch.

8. Center for Puppetry Arts

1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-2820 +1 404-873-3391 [email protected] http://www.puppet.org
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 459 reviews

Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops and the hands-on Museum, as well as Distance Learning and Outreach Programs. The Jim Henson Collection This interactive exhibition follows Jim Henson’s prolific imagination chronologically, transporting visitors through environments that typifed the master puppeteer’s world. In addition to learning how Henson’s characters came to life and are still performed, visitors can view iconic puppets such as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Global Collection The Global Collection celebrates puppetry traditions in major cultures from around the world. Highlighting the history of puppetry in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Reviewed By hmill42894 - New York City, United States

We were looking for something to do before a wedding, and we found out about this museum and stopped by. I found the exhibit about the history of puppets are the world to be very interesting, and I loved all the interactive elements to it. I learned so much about something I knew little about, and I enjoyed seeing some of the puppets from the Broadway production of the Lion King. I had no idea that Jim Henson had donated so many of the Sesame Street puppets to the Museum, and I enjoyed that exhibit as well. It was cool to learn about the Muppets and things like that. I also liked the Dark Crystal exhibit; I had never heard of that movie before and the exhibit inspired me to watch it. It was a nice surprise and I'm glad we stopped by. Being a museum professional myself, I appreciated how it tries to get the public involved through all the interactive elements, and I definitely think the museum should make more of them. Keep up the great work!

9. APEX Museum

135 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303-2567 +1 404-523-2739 [email protected] http://www.apexmuseum.org/
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

APEX Museum

The Atlanta Apex Museum is entirely devoted to African-American history in order to promote cultural awareness and the societal contributions by African-Americans in Georgia. From one of Atlanta's first Black owned business to pioneer stories to local historical information to baseball to videos at the Trolley Theater, the Apex Museum is full of artifacts, photographs, children's shows, presentations and more – all related to African-American culture, both past and present.

Reviewed By godsc97

Excellent source of truth education what they dont teach these days. I enjoyed the whole experience here thanks for great history museum

10. Wren's Nest

1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1812 +1 404-753-7735 [email protected] http://www.wrensnestonline.com/
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Wren's Nest

The 19th-century farmhouse that once belonged to Joel Chandler Harris, the author of Br'er Rabbit and Br'er Fox.

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