Visiting the Atlanta CNN Center: What’s There Now and What to Know

If you search for “Atlanta CNN Center” today, you’ll find a mix of old guides talking about studio tours and newer mentions that sound very different. That’s because the CNN Center in downtown Atlanta has changed significantly over the last few years.

This guide explains what the CNN Center is (and was), what’s still there, what’s nearby, and how to plan a visit if you live in Atlanta or are coming into the city.

What Is (and Was) the CNN Center in Atlanta?

The CNN Center is a large mixed-use complex in downtown Atlanta, long known as the worldwide headquarters of CNN and a major tourist destination. It sits right next to:

• State Farm Arena
• Centennial Olympic Park
• A short walk from the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

For many years, people came to the CNN Center for:

• Guided CNN studio tours
• A large indoor atrium with a food court
• Office space for CNN and other companies
• Direct access to State Farm Arena via indoor walkways

However, operations and visitor experiences at the CNN Center have scaled down and changed. Many of the attractions people remember—especially the CNN studio tour—are no longer offered in the same way.

Where the CNN Center Is and How to Get There

Location

The former main entrance for the CNN Center is in downtown Atlanta at roughly:

CNN Center complex
190 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Because parts of the building’s use have changed over time, it’s smart to check that your specific destination (event, office, hotel, or arena entrance) matches the address and entrance you plan to use.

Getting There by MARTA

For Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is often the simplest way to reach the area around the CNN Center:

• Rail station:
  GWCC / CNN Center / State Farm Arena station (Blue/Green Line)
  This station exits right by the complex shared by the Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center, and State Farm Arena.

• From the station, follow signs for State Farm Arena / CNN Center. You’ll emerge within a short walk of the building and surrounding attractions.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Main driving routes usually involve:
  • I‑20, I‑75/85 (the Downtown Connector), or Northside Dr NW
• Parking is often handled through nearby event and deck parking, such as:
  • CNN Deck or nearby GWCC / State Farm Arena decks
  • Surface lots around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center

For large events or busy weekends, parking frequently fills quickly. Many Atlanta locals prefer:

• Parking at a MARTA station further out (like Lindbergh Center or College Park), then
• Riding MARTA rail directly downtown.

What’s Still Around the CNN Center Area Today?

Even with changes inside the CNN Center itself, the surrounding district remains one of Atlanta’s busiest visitor hubs. Here’s what you can realistically do and see around the former CNN Center:

1. State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is immediately adjacent to the CNN complex and is the:

• Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• A major concert and event venue

If you’re going to a game or concert, you’ll likely walk through or alongside areas that used to be directly associated with the CNN Center.

2. Centennial Olympic Park

Across the street from the CNN Center area is Centennial Olympic Park, a large public green space built for the 1996 Summer Olympics.

People routinely use this area for:

• Walking, picnicking, and relaxing
• Quick breaks between attractions
• Meeting spots before events at State Farm Arena or the stadium

3. Nearby Major Attractions

Within easy walking distance of the CNN Center are several of Atlanta’s biggest draws:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world
• World of Coca‑Cola – Museum and experience centered on the Coca‑Cola brand
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum focused on civil rights history and current human rights issues
• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive sports museum

Many visitors who once booked a CNN studio tour now plan multi-stop days that combine these attractions instead.

What Happened to the CNN Studio Tours?

For years, one of the most iconic things to do in downtown Atlanta was the Inside CNN Studio Tour, which:

• Took guests through newsroom spaces
• Highlighted TV production technology
• Offered views into the CNN broadcast environment

Those public studio tours were discontinued. As a result:

• You can no longer rely on old travel guides that still list CNN tours as an active attraction.
• If you see third‑party sites advertising “CNN tours in Atlanta,” be cautious and verify details—many references are outdated.

If your main interest is in media, broadcasting, or journalism, alternate Atlanta experiences might include:

• Special events, talks, or festivals at local universities with journalism or media programs
• Public programs at Atlanta History Center or other local institutions that sometimes feature media-related exhibits or speakers

These will not replicate the CNN studio experience but can still fit a media-curious visit.

Planning a Visit Around the Former CNN Center

Even if there’s no longer a CNN studio tour, the location still works well as a central hub for a downtown day.

Sample Half-Day Plan Near the CNN Center

Morning:

• Arrive via MARTA at GWCC / CNN Center / State Farm Arena station
• Walk through or around the CNN complex to Centennial Olympic Park
• Visit Georgia Aquarium

Afternoon:

• Walk from the aquarium to World of Coca‑Cola or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Spend time in the park or grab food at nearby restaurants

Evening:

• Head back toward State Farm Arena for a game or concert
  or
• Walk toward Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for a football or soccer match

This pattern is common for both locals and out-of-town visitors who use the CNN Center area as a geographic anchor point even if their activities are at surrounding attractions.

Quick Reference: Atlanta CNN Center Area Overview

Tips for Locals Using the CNN Center Area

If you live in Atlanta, the CNN Center area is still useful even if you never step inside the building itself:

• Meetup spot:
  The MARTA station and the Centennial Olympic Park entrances make this an easy meet‑up zone before big events.

• Weather backup:
  On rainy days, many people use the indoor walkways and connected structures (where accessible) to move between the arena, parking decks, and nearby facilities with less exposure to the elements.

• Event planning:
  When meeting friends for a Hawks game or a major concert, it’s common to say:

  • “Let’s meet by the CNN side of State Farm”
    or
  • “Meet at the CNN/MARTA entrance”

Even as official uses evolve, “CNN Center” remains a widely understood landmark name among Atlanta residents.

Practical Contacts and Directions

While CNN-specific public services at the complex are limited, a few helpful references for navigating the area include:

• MARTA Customer Service (for transit to/from CNN Center area)
  Phone: 404‑848‑5000
  Main office: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

• Georgia World Congress Center Authority (oversees much of the surrounding campus, including State Farm Arena and nearby facilities)
  Main campus: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313
  Main phone (GWCC): 404‑223‑4000

Calling ahead or checking official channels is useful if you need:

• Updated event parking guidance
• Accessibility details
• Large group arrival information

If you’re searching for “Atlanta CNN Center” today, the key is to treat it as a landmark and campus hub, not as a current, stand‑alone tourist attraction with public CNN tours. From there, you can build a strong downtown Atlanta itinerary around the many major venues and experiences that surround it.