The Best Museums in Atlanta: Where to Go and What to See

Atlanta’s museums cover everything from civil rights history and fine art to college football and puppetry. Whether you live here or are visiting for a weekend, the best museums in Atlanta can easily fill an entire itinerary.

Below is a practical guide to the top options, what they’re known for, who they’re best for, and tips to make your visit smoother.

Quick Overview: Top Atlanta Museums at a Glance

High Museum of Art

Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)
Phone: (404) 733-4400

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s flagship art museum and one of the city’s most recognizable cultural landmarks.

Why it’s one of the best

• Wide-ranging collections: American art, European art, African art, decorative arts, photography, and modern/contemporary work.
• Traveling exhibitions: Frequently hosts major, high-profile exhibitions that draw visitors from across the Southeast.
• Striking architecture: The building itself, in the Woodruff Arts Center complex, is a draw.

Good to know

• It’s right off the Arts Center MARTA Station, making it easy to reach without a car.
• The museum frequently offers free or reduced admission days, especially for Fulton County residents and some corporate partners.
• Families will find interactive elements and family guides in many galleries.

Atlanta History Center

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
Phone: (404) 814-4000

The Atlanta History Center provides one of the most comprehensive looks at the city’s past.

Highlights

• Atlanta History Museum: Exhibits on the Civil War, Southern history, and Atlanta’s growth.
• Cyclorama: A massive, 19th-century circular painting of the Battle of Atlanta, reinstalled here in a modern exhibition space.
• Historic houses: Including the Swan House and Smith Family Farm, which offer a window into different eras of local life.
• Gardens and trails: Outdoor areas that are worth planning time to explore.

Tips for visiting

• Plan several hours; this is more like a campus than a single building.
• Parking is on-site and generally straightforward, but traffic around Buckhead can be busy during rush hour.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park area)
Phone: (678) 999-8990

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s role in the U.S. civil rights movement with global human rights issues.

Why it matters in Atlanta

• Atlanta was a major hub of the civil rights movement, and this museum brings that history to life.
• Exhibits feature personal stories, artifacts, and immersive experiences, including a powerful lunch counter simulation related to sit-ins.

What to expect

• Historic documents: Including materials related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Modern focus: Contemporary global human rights issues presented through multimedia.
• Best suited for teens and adults; some exhibits may be intense for younger children.

Practical notes

• Located near Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca‑Cola.
• Paid parking decks are nearby, and it’s reachable via the Dome/GWCC/College Football Hall of Fame or Peachtree Center MARTA stations with a short walk.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Druid Hills)
Phone: (404) 929-6300

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is ideal for families, science fans, and anyone who loves dinosaurs.

Main draws

• Dinosaur skeletons: Life-size casts and fossil exhibits in the main hall.
• Natural history galleries: Covering the natural environments of Georgia and beyond.
• Giant screen theater: Shows nature and science films.
• Fernbank Forest & outdoor areas: Boardwalks and trails through a restored urban forest, plus outdoor play and science spaces.

Visiting tips

• Free parking is available on-site.
• Weekends, holidays, and school breaks can be busy—earlier in the day is usually calmer.
• Great option if you’re staying near Emory University or in Decatur.

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)
Phone: (404) 581-4000

While technically an aquarium rather than a traditional museum, the Georgia Aquarium functions as a major science and conservation attraction and is often grouped with Atlanta’s top museums.

Why Atlantans love it

• Houses large marine animals such as whale sharks and manta rays.
• Themed galleries showcase different aquatic environments with educational displays.
• Daily presentations and animal encounters (some require extra reservations).

Good to know

• Located directly next to Centennial Olympic Park and close to MARTA.
• Parking is available in an attached deck; downtown traffic can be heavy around events.
• Consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid peak crowds.

World of Coca‑Cola

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)
Phone: (404) 676-5151

The World of Coca‑Cola is dedicated to the history and culture of one of Atlanta’s most famous companies.

What you’ll see

• Historical exhibits: Early bottling equipment, advertising, and memorabilia.
• Brand experiences: Short films and immersive installations focused on the brand’s global reach.
• Tasting area: Samples of Coca‑Cola products from around the world.

Who it’s best for

• Visitors who want a quintessential “only in Atlanta” experience.
• Families with kids who enjoy interactive exhibits and tastings.

It’s within walking distance of the Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and College Football Hall of Fame, making it easy to combine.

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)
Phone: (404) 880-4800

The College Football Hall of Fame is effectively a museum for college football history and culture.

Highlights

• Hall of Fame exhibits: Honoring players, coaches, and key moments in the sport.
• Interactive zones: Simulated game experiences, skill challenges, and multimedia exhibits.
• Heavy focus on Southeastern Conference (SEC) and other major programs, which appeals to many local fans.

Tips

• Plan for 1–2 hours, depending on how many interactive activities you do.
• Often combined with a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium tour or other downtown attractions.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Location: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)
Phone: (404) 873-3391

The Center for Puppetry Arts is one of Atlanta’s more unique cultural institutions, combining a museum with live performance spaces.

Museum features

• Jim Henson collection: Puppets and artifacts from “The Muppets,” “Sesame Street,” “Fraggle Rock,” and related productions.
• Global puppetry: Displays of traditional puppets from around the world.

Why go

• Families often pair a museum visit with a puppet show and sometimes a workshop.
• Adults who grew up with Henson’s work usually find the exhibits nostalgic and surprisingly detailed.

Practical info

• Located near the Arts Center MARTA Station and the High Museum.
• Parking is available in a small lot and nearby paid options.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)
Phone: (404) 659-5437

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a hands-on, play-based museum tailored to kids, especially ages 8 and under.

What to expect

• Interactive exhibits: Focused on science, arts, building, pretend play, and early learning.
• Rotating exhibits: Temporary installations keep things fresh for repeat visitors.
• Programs: Storytimes, craft sessions, and staff-led activities.

Tips for local parents and visitors

• Capacity can be limited, especially on weekends and school breaks; it’s often recommended to check for timed entry information in advance.
• Located directly across from Centennial Olympic Park, making it easy to spend the rest of the day nearby.

Atlanta’s Contemporary Art Museums and Galleries

Atlanta has several institutions dedicated to modern and contemporary art, often with a strong local focus.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA)

Location: 75 Bennett St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Bennett Street Arts Center area)
Phone: (404) 367-8700

• Focuses on artists from Georgia, with rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection.
• Good stop if you’re interested in seeing work from artists who live and work in the state.

Atlanta Contemporary

Location: 535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (Westside)
Phone: (404) 688-1970

• Non-collecting museum featuring temporary contemporary art exhibitions and artist studios.
• Often hosts talks, openings, and special events that appeal to the local arts community.

Both are good options if you’ve already visited the High Museum and want something more experimental or locally focused.

Other Notable Museums and Historic Sites in Metro Atlanta

Depending on your interests, these additional destinations may be worth adding to your list:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

  • Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (Sweet Auburn)
  • Operated by the National Park Service, this area includes the visitor center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Birth Home area.
  • While it feels more like a historic site than a traditional museum, the visitor center has exhibits that provide important context on Dr. King’s life and work.

• Apex Museum

  • Location: 135 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Sweet Auburn)
  • Focused on African American history with an emphasis on Atlanta and the South.

• Delta Flight Museum

  • Location: 1060 Delta Blvd, Building B, Atlanta, GA 30354 (near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
  • Aviation museum located on Delta’s campus, featuring historic aircraft and commercial aviation exhibits.

• Atlanta Monetary Museum (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta)

  • Location: 1000 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)
  • Free museum about the history of money and the role of the Federal Reserve System. Security and ID requirements may apply.

How to Choose the Best Museum in Atlanta for Your Visit

Use these quick guidelines to match your interests and time:

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time

• Must-consider picks:
  • High Museum of Art (culture and architecture)
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Atlanta’s civil rights legacy)
  • Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola if you want the classic tourist experience in the Centennial Park area.

If you live in Atlanta and want deeper dives

• Try membership at:
  • High Museum of Art or Fernbank Museum for regular access and rotating exhibits.
• Explore smaller venues:
  • Atlanta Contemporary and MOCA GA for local and experimental art.
  • Delta Flight Museum or Atlanta History Center for niche interests.

If you have kids

• Ages 0–8:
  • Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Fernbank Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Center for Puppetry Arts.
• Tweens and teens:
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, High Museum of Art (especially with interactive or youth-focused programs).

If you’re focused on civil rights and Black history

• Prioritize:
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Apex Museum
• These are all within a relatively short distance of each other between Downtown and Sweet Auburn.

Practical Tips for Visiting Museums in Atlanta

• Transportation:

  • MARTA rail and bus can be a good option for Downtown and Midtown museums (High Museum, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Children’s Museum, World of Coca‑Cola, etc.).
  • Many sites have on-site or nearby paid parking; check height restrictions if you’re driving a larger vehicle.

• Timing:

  • Weekday mornings are generally the least crowded times.
  • School holidays and summer can bring higher crowds, especially at family-focused attractions.

• Admission & discounts:

  • Many Atlanta museums offer membership programs that can pay off quickly if you plan multiple visits.
  • Certain days or evenings may be discounted or free for local residents, students, or military; it’s often worth checking ahead.

• Planning multiple stops:

  • The Centennial Olympic Park area is ideal for combining several attractions in one day (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, Children’s Museum).
  • Midtown’s arts district (High Museum, Center for Puppetry Arts, and the Federal Reserve’s Atlanta Monetary Museum) also makes a convenient cluster.

Exploring even a handful of these museums will give you a strong sense of Atlanta’s culture, history, and personality—whether you’re getting to know your home city better or seeing it for the first time.