Exploring “The High” in Atlanta, GA: What It Means and Where to Experience It

When people search for “The High Atlanta GA,” they are almost always looking for the High Museum of Art in Midtown Atlanta. Locals simply call it “The High.” It’s one of the city’s most recognizable cultural landmarks and a central part of Atlanta’s arts scene.

This guide breaks down what “The High” is, what to expect when you visit, how it fits into Atlanta life, and practical tips for getting the most out of your time there.

What Is “The High” in Atlanta, GA?

In Atlanta, “The High” refers to the High Museum of Art, a major art museum located in the heart of Midtown’s Arts District.

Basic facts about The High:

• Name: High Museum of Art (often just “The High”)
• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Area: Midtown Atlanta / Arts Center
• Focus: American art, European art, African art, folk art, photography, design, and special rotating exhibitions

The High is known for:

• Its striking white modern architecture
• A strong permanent collection plus big-name traveling shows
• Being part of the Woodruff Arts Center, along with the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
• Serving as a hub for families, students, tourists, and working professionals looking for culture and creativity in the city

Where The High Fits in Atlanta’s Arts & Culture Scene

Atlanta has a growing, diverse cultural landscape, and The High sits right in the middle of it.

A cornerstone of Midtown’s Arts District

The High is surrounded by:

• Alliance Theatre (same campus)
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (same campus)
• Nearby galleries and design studios
• Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops within walking distance

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, The High is often the starting point for a day of arts and culture in Midtown.

Why Atlantans care about The High

People in Atlanta use The High for:

• Weekend outings with family or friends
• Date nights paired with dinner in Midtown
• School field trips and educational programs
• Community events, talks, and special evenings

If you’re trying to understand what “The High Atlanta GA” means, it’s not just a museum name—it’s a reference point in local life, similar to how people use “Piedmont Park” or “The BeltLine” in everyday conversation.

What You’ll Find Inside The High

The museum is organized into several wings and levels, each focusing on different types of art. You can walk the entire museum in a few hours, or spend an entire day if you like to linger.

Main types of collections

You can typically expect:

• American Art
  Paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from colonial times through the modern era, with works that connect to Southern and Atlanta history.

• European Art
  Paintings and objects from major European art movements, giving a sense of how global art traditions evolved.

• African Art
  Historic and contemporary pieces highlighting a range of African cultures and perspectives.

• Photography
  Rotating shows and permanent pieces that cover everything from documentary photography to experimental work.

• Folk & Self-Taught Art
  A well-known strength at The High, featuring artists who were not formally trained, including Southern and Georgia-based creators.

• Modern & Contemporary Art
  Installations, sculpture, and multimedia work—often the most visually surprising for new visitors.

• Design & Decorative Arts
  Furniture, ceramics, and everyday objects designed with an artistic eye.

Rotating exhibitions

A big part of the draw to “The High” in Atlanta is the special exhibitions. These change throughout the year and can feature:

• Major international artists
• Fashion and design retrospectives
• Themed photography shows
• Kid-friendly, interactive installations

Locals often plan repeat visits based on what’s currently on view, especially if a major traveling exhibition comes through.

Planning Your Visit to The High in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta or planning a trip, it helps to think through transportation, timing, and tickets.

Getting to The High

Address:
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

By MARTA 🚆

For many Atlantans and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way:

• Take MARTA’s Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station
• The museum is only a short walk from the station, clearly signed, and directly along Peachtree Street

This is especially convenient if you’re coming from:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Buckhead
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (connect via MARTA)

By car 🚗

If you’re driving:

• The High is on Peachtree St NE in Midtown, close to I-75/I-85 exits
• There is paid parking in nearby garages at the Woodruff Arts Center and other neighboring decks
• Street parking in Midtown can be limited and time-restricted, especially on weekdays and event days

Because parking and traffic can be tight during peak times, many locals:

• Arrive earlier in the day
• Combine museum visits with other Midtown errands or dining to make the most of the trip

Typical Hours, Tickets, and Membership

Specific details can change, but the general pattern at The High follows what many large city museums do.

General expectations

You can usually expect:

• Open most days of the week
• At least one later evening or extended hours day (often used by locals as a relaxed date night or meetup time)
• Timed-entry tickets for especially popular exhibitions

Ticket basics

Common ticket types include:

• General admission – access to the main collection
• Special exhibition tickets – sometimes included in general admission, sometimes separate
• Discounts – often available for:
  • Children
  • Students
  • Seniors
  • Military
• Free or reduced-cost days – certain days or times where entry may be discounted or free for specific groups or the general public

If you live in the Atlanta area and expect to go more than once in a year, membership is often considered for:

• Multiple visits without paying full price each time
• Invitation-based events
• Occasional member-only hours or previews

Because prices and policies can change, Atlanta residents generally double-check current hours and ticket options before heading out—especially for weekends and major exhibitions.

The High for Locals: How Atlantans Use the Museum

For someone living in Atlanta or nearby suburbs, The High is more than a tourist stop.

Regular visits and routines

Common patterns for Atlanta residents:

• Midtown day trips: Combine The High with a walk through Midtown, a coffee on Peachtree, or a stop at nearby parks.
• Kids and family visits: Families use The High as a way to introduce children to art in a structured but friendly environment.
• Seasonal outings: People might time visits around:
  • School breaks
  • Visiting family and friends
  • Major seasonal exhibitions

Community and learning

The High often hosts:

• Lectures and talks
• Workshops and classes
• Family days or kid-focused activities
• Evening events that combine art with music, conversation, or themed experiences

These programs help Atlantans connect art to current issues, local history, and regional identity, not just global or abstract topics.

The High for Visitors: Making It Part of Your Atlanta Trip

If you’re visiting Atlanta from out of town, “The High Atlanta GA” is a strong choice for a half-day or full-day activity.

How it fits into an Atlanta itinerary

The museum pairs well with:

• Morning or afternoon at The High, followed by:
  • A walk down Peachtree Street
  • A meal or coffee in Midtown
  • An evening performance at Alliance Theatre or the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
• Combining with other neighborhoods:
  • Head to Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine after your museum visit
  • Take MARTA or rideshare to Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park for dinner

Visitors often appreciate that Midtown is relatively walkable by Atlanta standards, so it’s easy to plan a multi-stop day centered around The High.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

The High focuses on making the museum experience accessible, comfortable, and manageable for a wide range of visitors.

Common features you can expect at a major Atlanta institution like The High include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and galleries
• Elevator access between floors
• Rest areas and seating throughout the museum
• Visitor services desk near the main entrance to:
  • Answer questions
  • Provide directions and maps
  • Offer guidance on current exhibitions and ideal routes

If accessibility is important for you or someone in your group, it’s common for Atlanta residents to check specific accessibility details in advance so you can plan your route and timing inside the museum.

Quick Reference: Key Details About “The High” in Atlanta

Tips for Getting the Most Out of The High in Atlanta

A few practical suggestions based on how Atlantans use the museum:

• Plan your route: Check which exhibitions you care about most and start there, especially if you have limited time.
• Avoid peak congestion when possible: Weekends and major exhibition openings can be busy; Atlanta locals often choose earlier arrival times.
• Use MARTA if you want to skip parking: Arts Center Station drops you close to the entrance and avoids Midtown parking stress.
• Pair it with something nearby: A walk, meal, or show in Midtown can turn your visit into a fuller Atlanta experience.
• Look for family or group-friendly options: If you’re visiting with kids, ask staff about any interactive or youth-friendly spaces that may be available during your visit.

When someone in or around Atlanta, GA refers to “The High,” they’re talking about the High Museum of Art—a central, accessible way to experience both global art and Atlanta’s own cultural energy in one Midtown stop.