Arts Centers in Atlanta: Your Guide to Creative Hubs Around the City

Atlanta has a rich arts scene, and when locals search for “Arts Center Atlanta” they’re usually looking for one of two things:

1. The Arts Center area in Midtown (around the Arts Center MARTA Station), or
2. A specific arts center or cultural facility where they can see performances, take classes, or visit galleries.

This guide walks you through the major arts centers in Atlanta, with a focus on the Midtown Arts Center district, plus other key locations around the city that function as arts centers for residents and visitors.

The Midtown Arts Center District

When people say “Arts Center” in Atlanta, they often mean the cluster of major arts institutions in Midtown, centered around:

• Arts Center MARTA Station
  1255 W Peachtree St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30309

This area is one of the city’s most important cultural hubs.

Key Institutions Near Arts Center MARTA

1. Woodruff Arts Center

The Woodruff Arts Center is a major arts complex that anchors the district. It houses:

• High Museum of Art – Atlanta’s leading art museum
• Alliance Theatre – A prominent regional theater
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – A nationally recognized orchestra

Location:
Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

If you’re in Atlanta and want a single place where you can see visual art, theater, and orchestral music, this is often the first stop.

2. High Museum of Art

Within the Woodruff campus, the High Museum of Art serves as a central visual arts center for Atlanta. It regularly offers:

• Major traveling exhibitions
• Permanent collections of American, African, European, and folk art
• Family days, workshops, and talks

Location:
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

3. Alliance Theatre

Alliance Theatre acts as a performing arts center dedicated to theater. Locals look here for:

• New plays and classic productions
• Youth and teen programs
• Acting classes and workshops

Location:
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

4. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO)

The ASO performs at Symphony Hall, also inside the Woodruff Arts Center. It’s a key music arts center for:

• Classical concerts
• Pops performances
• Educational programs for students and schools

Location:
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Getting to the Arts Center in Midtown

If you’re planning a visit, the transportation options matter, especially during busy performance times.

By MARTA

• Take the Red or Gold Line to Arts Center Station.
• From the station, it’s a short walk to the Woodruff Arts Center and surrounding venues.

This is often the easiest way to reach the area, especially for big events.

By Car

• Midtown has multiple parking decks around Peachtree St NE and 15th St.
• Parking may be limited during major performances and Friday/Saturday evenings.
• Many arts venues offer validated or event-rate parking in partner decks—check details when you book tickets.

By Foot or Bike

• The Midtown Arts Center area is relatively walkable and has sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Some people bike in from nearby neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or West Midtown; bike racks are available around major venues.

Other Major Arts Centers in Atlanta

Beyond Midtown, Atlanta has multiple arts centers that serve different neighborhoods and interests. Here are some of the most commonly used by residents.

Southwest Arts Center

The Southwest Arts Center is a key creative hub for southwest Atlanta, with:

• A performing arts theater
• Visual arts galleries and classrooms
• Community events and cultural programming

Location:
915 New Hope Rd SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
Phone: Often listed with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation or Office of Cultural Affairs; check current city directories for the latest number.

This center is especially useful if you live near Cascade Road, Ben Hill, or Camp Creek.

West End Performing Arts Center

Located in the historic West End neighborhood, this arts center provides:

• Theater and dance classes
• Community performances
• Space for local arts organizations

Location:
945 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW
Atlanta, GA 30310

It’s convenient for residents of West End, Adair Park, Oakland City, and nearby areas.

Emma Darnell Aviation Museum and Conference Center (formerly Aviation Community Cultural Center)

While focused on aviation history, this facility also functions as a community arts center with:

• Exhibits
• Cultural events
• Educational programs

Location:
3900 Aviation Cir NW
Atlanta, GA 30336

Neighborhood Arts Centers and Cultural Hubs

In addition to the larger, city-recognized arts centers, several neighborhood-based arts facilities operate like local centers for creativity and culture.

Atlanta Contemporary

Atlanta Contemporary is a nonprofit contemporary art center that supports emerging and established artists through:

• Rotating exhibitions
• Artist talks
• Studio programs

Location:
535 Means St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

This is especially popular with residents in West Midtown, Georgia Tech, and Downtown.

Atlanta Ballet’s Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre

While not labeled an “arts center” by name, this facility serves as a dance center for:

• Professional company rehearsals
• Dance classes and training programs
• Outreach and education

Location:
1695 Marietta Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Arts Centers Focused on Education and Youth

If you’re searching for “Arts Center Atlanta” because you want classes, camps, or youth programs, these centers are especially relevant.

Arts-Based Facilities Connected to Schools or Youth Programs

Many Atlanta parents look for:

• After-school arts programs
• Summer arts camps
• Weekend workshops

Common options include:

• Alliance Theatre Education Programs at the Woodruff Arts Center (acting, writing, and performance training for kids and teens)
• High Museum of Art youth programs (family days, youth classes, and tours)

These programs often fill up quickly, so it helps to plan and register early, especially for summer.

What You Can Do at an Arts Center in Atlanta

Different arts centers focus on different things, but most fall into a few major categories:

1. See Performances and Exhibitions

Many Atlanta arts centers offer:

• Theater productions
• Concerts and recitals
• Dance performances
• Art exhibitions and installations

For Midtown, the Woodruff Arts Center campus is usually the first place visitors go for this type of experience.

2. Take Classes or Workshops

If you’re local and want to get involved, look for:

• Short-term workshops (weekend or multi-week)
• Ongoing classes (acting, dance, painting, music)
• Youth-focused programs (school breaks, summer camps)

You’ll find these especially at:

• Southwest Arts Center
• West End Performing Arts Center
• Alliance Theatre
• High Museum of Art

3. Attend Community Events

Many centers host:

• Neighborhood festivals or cultural celebrations
• Artist talks and panel discussions
• Open houses and family days

These events can be a simple way to explore the arts scene without a big time or money commitment.

Quick Comparison of Key Arts Centers in Atlanta

How to Choose the Right Arts Center in Atlanta for You

When you’re deciding where to go, ask:

1. What’s my main goal?

   • Seeing a high-profile exhibit or show → Midtown / Woodruff Arts Center
   • Getting involved locally → Southwest Arts Center, West End Performing Arts Center, or neighborhood hubs
   • Discovering contemporary art → Atlanta Contemporary

2. Where am I staying or living?

   • Near MARTA and central neighborhoods → Midtown arts district is easiest
   • Southwest or Westside neighborhoods → Consider nearby community arts centers

3. Do I need public transit access?

   • If yes, aim for arts centers near MARTA rail or major bus routes, especially the Arts Center Station area.

Practical Tips for Visiting an Arts Center in Atlanta

• Check hours and event schedules in advance. Many centers have varying hours and are event-driven.
• Consider public transit for Midtown. Parking can be costly or limited near Peachtree St NE during peak times.
• Look for free or low-cost events. Many Atlanta arts centers offer discounted or free days, community nights, or pay-what-you-can performances.
• Plan extra time. Popular exhibits and performances can draw crowds—arriving a bit early reduces stress and helps with parking or ticket pickup.

Once you know that “Arts Center Atlanta” usually refers either to the Midtown arts district or to one of several community arts centers across the city, it becomes much easier to pick the right destination, plan your trip, and make the most of Atlanta’s creative offerings.