Visiting the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA: What to Know Before You Go

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA is one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a weekend visit, or are just trying to understand what makes the High Museum special, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, ticket options, and tips for making the most of your time.

Where the High Museum Is and How to Get There

The High Museum of Art is located in Midtown Atlanta, in the heart of the city’s arts district:

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Main phone: (404) 733-4400

It sits near Symphony Hall, Alliance Theatre, and the Arts Center MARTA station, making it easy to reach by car, train, or rideshare.

Getting There by MARTA

If you’re trying to avoid traffic or parking:

• Take the Red or Gold MARTA line to Arts Center Station.
• Follow signs to the Arts Center Way exit.
• The museum is about a 2–5 minute walk from the station, across Peachtree Street.

This is one of the most straightforward museum trips in Atlanta if you’re using public transit.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from around metro Atlanta:

• From Downtown: Head north on I‑75/85, take the 17th Street or 10th/14th Street exits, and follow signs toward Peachtree Street and Midtown.
• From Buckhead: Drive south on Peachtree Road toward Midtown.

The High Museum offers on-site parking in its connected garage off Arts Center Way NE (behind the museum off Peachtree).

Typical parking guidance:

• Expect paid parking with daily rates.
• Payment is usually handled at pay stations or by card at the exit.
• Height restrictions apply, so oversized vehicles may need street or nearby lot parking.

If you’re visiting on a busy weekend, arriving earlier in the day improves your chances of easier parking and shorter lines.

What the High Museum of Art Is Known For

The High Museum is Atlanta’s flagship art museum and a major cultural anchor in the Southeast. For someone in Atlanta, it’s a go-to spot for:

• Rotating major exhibitions (including national and international loans).
• Permanent collections that reflect both global art history and the American South.
• Family days, evening events, and community programs that keep the museum active year-round.

Highlights of the Collections

The museum’s collection is broad, and different areas may appeal depending on your interests:

• American Art – Paintings and sculptures spanning colonial times to modern work, including Southern artists and themes that feel closely tied to Atlanta’s history.
• European Art – Works from major art movements that give context to what you might see in bigger global museums while still accessible right in Midtown.
• African Art – Historic and contemporary pieces reflecting diverse cultures across the African continent.
• Modern and Contemporary Art – Installations, sculpture, photography, and conceptual works, often engaging with current issues that resonate with Atlanta’s evolving identity.
• Decorative Arts & Design – Furniture, ceramics, and design objects that highlight style and craftsmanship.
• Photography – A strong photography collection, with rotating displays that can range from documentary work to experimental art.

If you’re short on time, the museum usually provides maps or suggestions for “must-see” galleries so you can prioritize.

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Entry

Because specific days and times can change, it’s wise to confirm current hours and ticket policies directly with the museum before you visit. However, here’s what Atlantans typically encounter.

Common Opening Patterns

The High generally operates:

• Open most days of the week.
• Extended hours on at least one evening (often Friday), which can be helpful if you work a standard daytime schedule in Atlanta.
• Closed or limited hours on certain holidays.

For early mornings or late evenings, double-check hours, especially around holidays or major events in Midtown.

Ticket Types and Discounts

The museum usually offers:

• General admission tickets – For the main collection and some special exhibitions.
• Special exhibition surcharges – Certain blockbuster shows may cost more or require timed entry.
• Discounts that may be available for:
  • Children and teens
  • College students (often with valid ID)
  • Seniors
  • Members of the military
  • High Museum members (who typically get free general admission)

Atlanta-area residents sometimes look for:

• Memberships – If you live in or near Atlanta and plan to visit more than once or twice, a membership can be more economical and can include guest passes or member previews.
• Free or reduced-price days – The museum at times offers free or discounted admission events or community days. These can attract larger crowds, so plan for lines and limited parking.

Tickets are commonly available:

• Online in advance (to secure a specific day/time).
• On-site at the ticket desk (subject to availability, particularly for special exhibitions).

Best Times to Visit and How Long to Stay

Crowd Patterns

For a smoother experience:

• Weekdays (especially mornings and early afternoons) are typically less crowded.
• Weekends and special event days can be busy, especially if there is a major exhibition.
• First hour after opening is often the quietest, which can be ideal if you prefer a calmer atmosphere.

If you’re visiting during a big Midtown event (like a major convention or festival), expect more traffic both on the roads and inside the museum.

How Much Time You’ll Need

Your time commitment depends on your interest level:

• Quick visit (1–2 hours) – Enough to see a few key galleries and a special exhibition.
• Standard visit (2–3 hours) – Most visitors can explore multiple floors, get a sense of the permanent collection, and still have time for a break.
• In-depth visit (half day) – Good if you enjoy reading wall texts, revisiting favorite works, and maybe taking a guided experience.

Local residents often choose to visit for shorter periods but more frequently, focusing on one area per visit.

Layout, Buildings, and What’s Inside

The High Museum consists of multiple buildings connected by courtyards and walkways, centered around a light-filled atrium.

General Layout

While exact floorplans can change when galleries are reinstalled, you can expect:

• Lobby and ticketing – Main entrances, membership desk, coat check (when available), and visitor information.
• Multiple floors of galleries – Often organized by collection type (American, European, Contemporary, etc.).
• Outdoor and courtyard spaces – Occasionally used for sculpture and installations.
• Museum shop – Located near the entrance/exit area.
• Dining options – A café or dining space offering drinks, snacks, and light meals.

It’s helpful to pick up a paper map or use onsite signage when you arrive; this lets you plan your path and avoid doubling back too much.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

The High Museum is designed to be accessible for a wide range of visitors.

Common features include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and elevators connecting all public floors.
• Accessible restrooms on selected levels.
• Benches and seating throughout galleries for resting.
• Wheelchairs sometimes available for guest use (often at no cost, first-come, first-served).
• Service animals permitted in accordance with typical policies.

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, you can:

• Call the main line at (404) 733-4400 before your visit.
• Ask at the information or ticket desk upon arrival for the most current accessibility services (such as guided experiences or adaptive resources when available).

Programs, Events, and Things to Do

The High Museum is more than just static galleries. Atlantans often use it as a recurring cultural stop because of its rotating schedule of programs.

Regular Programs You May Encounter

While offerings can change seasonally, common program types include:

• Guided tours – Led experiences that walk you through highlights or specific exhibitions.
• Talks and lectures – Conversations with artists, curators, or guest speakers.
• Workshops and art-making sessions – Hands-on events for adults, teens, or kids.
• Music and performance evenings – Certain nights may feature live performances, DJs, or social events within the museum.

If you’re local, checking the upcoming calendar can help you pick days that align with your interests, whether that’s quiet viewing or lively social programming.

Family and Kid-Friendly Options

The High Museum is frequently visited by Atlanta families and school groups. Parents often look for:

• Family-oriented tours or activities that encourage kids to engage with the art.
• Activity guides or scavenger hunts for children to use in the galleries.
• Designated family days or family festivals with art-making stations, demonstrations, and performances.

If you’re bringing kids:

• Plan bathroom and snack breaks; knowing where the café and restrooms are on each level helps.
• Consider starting with the most kid-friendly galleries before everyone gets tired.
• Ask at the information desk for any family-specific materials available that day.

School groups usually coordinate ahead of time, so teachers or group leaders should contact the museum to arrange visits, timing, and chaperone needs.

Food, Shopping, and Nearby Attractions

On-Site: Café and Shop

Most visits naturally include a short break:

• Café – Offers drinks and light meals. It’s convenient if you don’t want to leave the museum during your visit.
• Museum shop – Stocks art books, prints, gifts, and objects inspired by current exhibitions and the permanent collection.

Both are located within or adjacent to the main museum buildings, making them easy to access without re-parking or leaving the campus.

Nearby Midtown Atlanta Attractions

The High Museum sits in a cluster of major Midtown cultural institutions. If you want to make a day of it in this part of Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Woodruff Arts Center complex – Includes the High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
• Midtown restaurants and cafés – Along Peachtree St NE, Crescent Ave, and surrounding streets.
• Green spaces – It’s a short drive or longer walk to Piedmont Park, one of Atlanta’s most popular parks.

If you plan to move around Midtown throughout the day, consider using MARTA or a rideshare to avoid having to find multiple parking spots.

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Alike

Here are some practical tips that tend to help people in and around Atlanta get the most from their visit to the High Museum:

Before You Go

• ✅ Check current hours and exhibitions – Especially if you’re interested in a specific show or evening event.
• ✅ Consider buying tickets in advance – This can reduce wait times, particularly for high-demand exhibitions.
• ✅ Look for discounts – If you’re a student, senior, or Atlanta-area resident, see if reduced admission or memberships make sense.

During Your Visit

• 🕒 Arrive early if you prefer a quieter environment.
• 🧭 Grab a map or ask staff for a recommended route, especially for first-time visitors.
• 💧 Stay comfortable – Wear walking shoes and bring a light layer; galleries can be cool to protect the artwork.
• 📵 Follow museum rules – Restrictions often apply to flash photography, large bags, and touching artwork, and can vary by exhibition.

If You Plan to Return Often

• A membership can be worthwhile for:
  • Free general admission on regular days.
  • Access to select special previews or member events.
  • Potential discounts on parking, shop purchases, or programs.

For Atlanta residents, this can turn the High Museum from a one-time outing into a regular cultural stop.

Quick Reference: High Museum at a Glance

If you live in Atlanta, the High Museum of Art can easily become a regular part of your cultural routine—whether you drop by after work using MARTA, bring visiting relatives on weekends, or attend special programs and evening events. Visitors to the city will find it one of the most straightforward and rewarding cultural stops in Midtown, with clear transit access, a walkable neighborhood, and a range of art that reflects both Atlanta and the wider world.