Free Museums and No-Cost Museum Days in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta has a strong arts and history scene, and you don’t always have to pay for it. Whether you live in the city or you’re just visiting, there are several museums in Atlanta that are free year-round, plus many that offer free admission on certain days or for specific groups.

Below is a practical guide to free museums in Atlanta, GA, along with free days, local tips, parking notes, and contact details where helpful.

Always-Free Museums in Atlanta

These museums typically do not charge general admission. Some special exhibits or events may still have fees, so it’s wise to check details before you go.

Atlanta Monetary Museum (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta)

The Atlanta Monetary Museum explains how money works in the U.S., how the Federal Reserve operates, and includes a view of the cash-processing area.

• Admission: Free
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on the history of money and banking
  • Viewing windows into cash-counting and shredding operations
  • Good for older kids, teens, and adults interested in economics
• Location:
  Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
  1000 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Tips:
  • Security screening is required.
  • Weekday visits are usually best; hours can vary on holidays or special events.
  • MARTA access is convenient from Arts Center Station.

David J. Sencer CDC Museum

The CDC Museum, at the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, focuses on public health, disease prevention, and epidemiology.

• Admission: Free (advance planning may be needed because it is on a federal campus)
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on major disease outbreaks and public health campaigns
  • Rotating art and science exhibits related to health
  • Informational, museum-like experience rather than a tourist attraction
• Location:
  1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
• Tips:
  • Adults usually need a government-issued photo ID to enter the campus.
  • Security procedures can change; check hours before heading over.
  • Parking is generally available on-site.

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Galleries & City-Run Spaces

Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs supports several public art galleries and cultural centers that are often free to enter. Offerings can change, but commonly include:

• Chastain Arts Center & Gallery
  135 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

• Other city art spaces: Rotating exhibits, community art shows, and cultural programming

• Admission: Usually free to walk through galleries

• Tips:

  • These spaces are best if you enjoy contemporary and local art.
  • Hours can vary by location and schedule of exhibitions.

College and University Galleries

Several Atlanta campuses host free art galleries and small museums. These are often quiet, less crowded spaces that locals use to get an art fix between classes or errands.

Common examples include:

• Georgia State University galleries in Downtown Atlanta

• Other area college galleries around the metro

• Admission: Typically free

• Tips:

  • Gallery hours may follow academic calendars and can be limited during breaks.
  • Parking can be easier in the evenings or weekends, depending on the campus.

Museums With Regular Free Admission Days

Some of Atlanta’s most popular museums charge admission most days, but offer free days or nights thanks to sponsors and community programs. These can be busy but are great for saving money.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s largest art museum, with extensive collections and rotating exhibits.

• Location:
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Free & Discount Opportunities (patterns commonly offered):

• Free Second Sundays
  • On certain Sundays each month, general admission has typically been free.
  • Activities may include family programs, tours, and kids’ art-making.
• Library Pass Program (Georgia residents)
  • Georgia public libraries often offer a museum pass program for cardholders.
  • A pass checked out from a public library can provide free admission for a limited number of people (usually a family group) on a single visit.
• College Nights and other discounts
  • Some evenings or special events may provide reduced or free entry for students.

Local Tips:

• MARTA’s Arts Center Station is a short walk from the museum.
• Free days can be crowded; arriving earlier in the day helps.
• Special exhibitions may require timed tickets or separate reservations even on free days.

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Located near the High Museum, MODA focuses on industrial design, architecture, and creative problem-solving.

• Location:
  1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Common free or reduced options:

• Occasional free admission evenings or community days, often supported by sponsors.
• Discounted or free entry during certain Midtown events and festivals.

Local Tips:

• Parking garages in Midtown can be expensive; consider MARTA or walking if you’re already nearby.
• MODA is smaller than the High, so it’s easy to combine both in one outing, especially on a day when one or both has a deal.

Atlanta History Center (via Library Pass)

The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead includes exhibitions on local history, the Swan House, the Smith Family Farm, and extensive gardens.

• Location:
  130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

While the center usually charges admission, many Georgia residents can visit for free by using:

• Georgia Public Library Family Passes
  • Check out a family pass from participating public libraries across Georgia.
  • The pass often covers free admission for a limited group size (for example, up to four people; exact number can vary).

Local Tips:

• Buckhead traffic can be heavy; plan travel time accordingly.
• Parking is generally available on-site.
• The gardens and historic houses can take several hours to explore, so plan at least a half day.

Fernbank Science Center (Not Fernbank Museum of Natural History)

It’s easy to confuse the two. The Fernbank Science Center, operated by DeKalb County Schools, offers free general admission to its exhibit hall.

• Location:
  156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307

• Admission to exhibit hall: Typically free

• Planetarium shows: Often have a small ticket fee

Local Tips:

• Good for school-age children interested in space, astronomy, and basic science exhibits.
• Check planetarium show schedules in advance if you want a specific program.
• Parking is usually free and on-site.

Free Museum Options for Children, Students & Special Groups

Some Atlanta museums offer free or heavily discounted entry based on age, residency, or membership in certain programs.

Free or Discounted for Atlanta-Area Residents

Many museums in the region occasionally offer “residents days” or discounts for:

• City of Atlanta residents
• Fulton County residents
• Other nearby county residents on selected dates

These may require:

• Proof of address (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.)
• Advance online timed tickets for crowd control

Typical institutions that may use this approach include history museums, cultural centers, and art institutions across the metro area.

Free for Children Under a Certain Age

It’s common for Atlanta museums to allow younger children in for free, such as:

• Children under 3, 5, or 6, depending on museum policy
• Free or reduced ticket pricing for students and teens with ID

Parents in Atlanta often take advantage of these policies for:

• Children’s museums
• Science museums
• Art museums with hands-on kids’ spaces

Because age cutoffs differ, always check “admission” or “ticket info” on the museum’s official information before visiting.

Students, Seniors, and Educators

Atlanta-area museums may offer:

• Free or deeply discounted days for college students with ID
• Senior discounts on certain weekdays
• Educator passes or educator discount days for teachers and school staff

If you’re local:

• Students can check with their college for partnerships that offer free museum entry.
• Teachers may find special free days tied to professional development or back-to-school events.

Using Library Passes and Community Programs

For Atlanta residents, public library systems are one of the easiest ways to unlock free museum and attraction visits.

Georgia Public Library Museum Passes

Many Georgians can access museum passes through:

• Fulton County Library System
• Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches
• Other Metro Atlanta and Georgia public libraries

Common features:

• Check out a pass like a book (often for 7 days).
• When you return the pass, you receive a voucher or confirmation that gives free admission to a specific museum or historic site.
• Generally valid for one-time free admission for a small group (family or household).

Museums that often participate in these types of programs include:

• High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
• Atlanta History Center (Atlanta)
• Various state historic sites and science centers around Georgia

Local Tips:

• Passes can be popular; some branches have waitlists.
• Plan your museum visit within the pass’s valid time frame.
• Keep the pass safe—lost passes may incur fees.

Quick Reference: Free & Low-Cost Museum Options in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Enjoying Free Museums in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific habits can make visiting free museums smoother and more enjoyable:

• Check hours before you go

  • Some smaller museums and galleries have limited or weekday-only hours.
  • Free days can have different hours from regular days.

• Plan transportation

  • Many Midtown and Downtown museums are easily reached by MARTA rail or bus, which can be easier than parking in busy areas.
  • If you drive, factor in parking costs—a free ticket doesn’t always mean a free outing.

• Arrive early on free days

  • Free admission events can attract large crowds.
  • Early arrival can mean shorter lines and easier access to exhibits.

• Bring ID and documentation

  • For the CDC Museum and certain federal or secure sites, you may need government-issued ID.
  • For resident-only deals, have proof of address handy.
  • For student or teacher discounts, bring the relevant ID card.

• Watch for special events and festivals

  • Neighborhood festivals, arts weeks, and citywide events sometimes come with free museum entry or extended hours.
  • Follow museum calendars to time your visits with these opportunities.

Living in or visiting Atlanta makes it relatively easy to enjoy museums without spending much—if anything—on admission. By combining always-free museums, select free days, and library pass programs, you can explore art, history, science, and design all over the city while staying within a tight budget.