The Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Midtown’s Cultural Hub

The Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta is one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks and a centerpiece of Midtown. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or just want to better understand the local arts scene, this guide walks you through what the Woodruff Arts Center is, what’s inside, how it works, and how to make the most of a visit.

Where Is the Woodruff Arts Center and What Is It?

The Woodruff Arts Center is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta at:

Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Main phone (general info): (404) 733-4200

It sits right on Peachtree Street, near the Arts Center MARTA Station, surrounded by high-rises, restaurants, and other cultural spots.

Woodruff isn’t just one building—it’s a campus that houses several major arts institutions:

• High Museum of Art
• Alliance Theatre
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO)
• Educational programs serving students, teachers, and families across the metro area

Think of it as Atlanta’s “one-stop” arts destination, especially if you’re in or near Midtown.

What’s Inside: The Big Three at Woodruff

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s flagship art museum and a major draw on the Woodruff campus.

What to expect:

• Permanent collection featuring American, European, African, and folk art
• Modern and contemporary works, decorative arts, and photography
• Rotating special exhibitions that bring in nationally and internationally known artists
• Family-friendly programs and hands-on activities on many weekends

The High is especially popular with:

• Midtown residents looking for an easy evening or weekend outing
• Parents wanting kid-friendly cultural activities
• Visitors who want a clear, walkable art experience in one spot

Alliance Theatre

The Alliance Theatre, also on the Woodruff Arts Center campus, is a leading regional theater company known for both classic and new works.

You’ll typically find:

• Mainstage productions (dramas, comedies, musicals)
• Family and youth shows, especially around the holidays or school breaks
• New play development and world premieres that often start in Atlanta before going elsewhere

For Atlanta locals, the Alliance is a go-to option if you’re looking for:

• A night out that feels special but isn’t far from home
• Professional-level theater without traveling to New York or Chicago
• Plays that sometimes spotlight Southern or Atlanta-specific voices

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO)

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, based at Woodruff in Symphony Hall, anchors the city’s classical music scene.

Common offerings include:

• Full orchestral concerts featuring classical composers
• Pops concerts that mix popular music, film scores, and guest artists
• Family-oriented performances and youth concerts

The ASO appeals to:

• Classical music fans who want regular concerts right in Midtown
• Newcomers curious about symphony performances in a manageable, central location
• Families looking for occasional cultural outings that are more structured than a museum visit

Getting There: Transportation and Parking

MARTA and Public Transit

For many Atlantans, MARTA is the easiest way to get to the Woodruff Arts Center.

• Rail: Take the Red or Gold Line to Arts Center Station
• From the station, the Woodruff campus is a short walk along Arts Center Way and Peachtree Street

Using MARTA is often more convenient during major events or weekend evenings when Midtown traffic and parking can be tight.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Woodruff Arts Center has parking garages and lots on or near the campus
• Parking rates vary by event and time; evenings and special performances may be higher than daytime museum visits
• Midtown streets can be busy, so plan a bit of extra travel time around rush hour or Friday/Saturday nights

Tip: 🎟️ If you’re attending a specific performance, check your ticket information for recommended parking areas and arrival times.

Tickets, Memberships, and How Access Usually Works

Each major institution at the Woodruff Arts Center handles tickets and memberships separately, but all operate on the same campus.

General Patterns (Subject to Change)

• High Museum of Art:

  • Timed tickets are common for popular exhibits
  • Memberships often include free general admission and discounted guest tickets
  • Many locals use memberships to drop in for quick visits rather than spending a whole day

• Alliance Theatre:

  • Single tickets and subscriptions for multiple plays
  • Pricing varies by seat location, day of the week, and show
  • Matinee and weeknight performances may be more budget-friendly

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra:

  • Tickets sold per concert, with season subscriptions available
  • Programming ranges from traditional classical nights to more casual “pops” shows
  • Some concerts have pre-concert talks or events, especially for classical series

If you’re planning to visit more than one venue or attend several events a year, it can be worth comparing membership/subscription options against what you realistically plan to do.

Woodruff Arts Center for Families and Kids

The campus is designed with families in mind, especially those living in or near Atlanta.

Common family-focused offerings include:

• Hands-on art activities and interactive gallery spaces at the High Museum
• Children’s theatre productions and education programs at the Alliance
• Occasional family concerts and youth programs through the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

If you’re bringing children:

• Look for weekend daytime events – they’re often more relaxed and kid-friendly
• Check museum and theatre schedules for age recommendations
• Plan extra time for snacks, bathroom breaks, and a slower pace around the campus

👍 Many Atlanta parents treat the Woodruff Arts Center as a recurring outing, similar to a trip to a park or zoo, especially if they hold memberships.

Nearby Food, Parks, and Midtown Attractions

One of the biggest advantages of the Woodruff Arts Center is its Midtown location. You can easily combine a visit with:

• Dining: Midtown offers a wide range of restaurants along Peachtree St NE, 14th St, and surrounding blocks—quick bites, coffee shops, and sit-down places for before or after a show.
• Parks:
  • Piedmont Park is about a 15–20 minute walk or a short drive away, good for picnics or a stroll after a daytime visit.
• Other arts destinations:
  • Midtown’s cultural district includes additional galleries and venues within a short drive or transit ride.

If you’re visiting from out of town, this part of Atlanta is relatively walkable by local standards, especially around Peachtree Street and 14th Street.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

The Woodruff Arts Center and its resident organizations typically offer a range of accessibility features, which may include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating areas
• Elevators and accessible restrooms
• Assistive listening devices in performance spaces
• Programs for visitors with sensory needs or other specific requirements (often at selected times or events)

For the most current details or to request specific accommodations, it’s best to:

• Call the main Woodruff Arts Center line: (404) 733-4200
• Or contact the specific venue’s box office (High Museum, Alliance Theatre, or ASO) before your visit

Planning ahead helps you choose the right performance time, seating area, and route into the buildings.

When to Go: Best Times for Locals and Visitors

Weekdays

• Generally less crowded at the High Museum, especially in the mornings and early afternoons
• Good for Atlanta residents with flexible schedules or remote work who can step out for a quieter visit

Evenings

• Popular for theatre and symphony performances
• Midtown feels lively, with more people out at restaurants and bars
• Parking and traffic can be heavier, so give yourself extra time

Weekends

• Often a mix of families, tourists, and locals
• Special events, festivals, or limited-run exhibits may draw larger crowds
• Useful if you’re coming in from the suburbs or other areas of metro Atlanta and want to make a full day of it

Quick Reference: Woodruff Arts Center at a Glance

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

• Plan around one anchor activity. Choose a single focus—museum visit, a play, or a concert—and then add food or a short walk around Midtown instead of overscheduling.
• Buy tickets early for big shows. Popular exhibits, opening nights, and special concerts can sell out or have limited seating options.
• Use MARTA when possible. Especially on busy weekends or during large events, MARTA to Arts Center Station can save time and stress.
• Check age guidelines for kids. Some events are more suitable for younger children than others; the High is often the best entry point for families new to the space.
• Give yourself buffer time. Atlanta traffic and Midtown parking can be unpredictable; building in a 20–30 minute cushion helps you arrive relaxed.

The Woodruff Arts Center is one of the most efficient ways to experience Atlanta’s arts scene in a single, walkable location. Whether you live in the city, commute in from the suburbs, or are here for a short stay, it offers a flexible mix of museum visits, live theatre, and orchestral music—all anchored right in Midtown Atlanta.