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

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta is one of the city’s best-known cultural landmarks and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re planning a quick afternoon visit, a family outing, or a full day exploring Midtown, understanding how the High works in Atlanta’s specific context will help you make the most of your time.

Where the High Museum Is and How to Get There

The High Museum of Art is located in Atlanta’s Midtown arts district:

• Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Neighborhood: Midtown (in the heart of the Woodruff Arts Center campus)

Getting There by MARTA

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

• Rail: Take the Red or Gold Line to Arts Center Station.
• From the station, it’s roughly a 5-minute walk to the museum. Just follow signs for the Woodruff Arts Center and Peachtree Street.

This is especially convenient if you’re coming from:

• Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center, Five Points)
• Buckhead
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  (Take the train from the Airport Station to Arts Center Station with one transfer or direct depending on the line.)

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• The museum is on Peachtree Street NE, just north of 15th Street NE.
• The main parking option is the Woodruff Arts Center parking garage, typically accessible from Arts Center Way off 16th Street.

Parking details can vary by day and event, but common tips include:

• Arrive early on weekends, especially when popular exhibitions are on.
• Keep your ticket handy in case you need to pay at a kiosk before exiting.
• Check posted signage in Midtown residential streets nearby; many have strict time limits or permit-only parking.

What the High Museum of Art Is Known For

In the context of Atlanta, the High is often referred to simply as “the High” and is considered the city’s flagship art museum.

Core Collections

The museum typically features:

• American art – Paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the colonial period through the 20th century.
• European art – Works from major European traditions, with rotating highlights.
• African art – Historical and contemporary pieces from across the African continent.
• Modern and contemporary art – Installations, paintings, photography, and mixed media from the 20th century to today.
• Decorative arts and design – Furniture, ceramics, textiles, and design objects.
• Photography – An extensive photography collection often shown in dedicated galleries.

Many Atlantans use the High as a way to see major traveling exhibitions that might otherwise only appear in cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.

Typical Hours and Admission: What Atlantans Should Expect

Exact hours and ticket prices can change, but you can generally expect:

• Open most days of the week, with at least one day closed (often Monday) or reduced hours.
• Late openings or special hours on some days for events or programs.

Common Admission Types

You’ll usually see options such as:

• General admission: Grants access to permanent collections and many current exhibitions.
• Special exhibition tickets: Some high-demand shows may require a timed ticket or add-on.
• Discounts:
  • Children
  • Students (often with valid ID)
  • Seniors
  • Members of some local organizations or reciprocal museum programs
• Memberships: For locals who plan to visit multiple times per year, membership often includes:
  • Free general admission
  • Priority or discounted access to special exhibitions
  • Invitations or discounts for special events

Many Atlanta residents find membership worthwhile if they plan to attend more than a couple of exhibitions a year or use the museum as a regular outing spot.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the High?

Your experience at the High can feel very different depending on when you go.

Quieter Times

If you prefer smaller crowds:

• Weekdays (especially earlier in the day) are usually less busy.
• Afternoons outside of school holidays tend to be calmer.

Busy Times

Plan for more people when you visit:

• Weekend afternoons
• First days or final days of major exhibitions
• School holidays and summer break, when camp and school groups often visit

If you’re visiting from out of town and want to see a specific exhibition, it’s often safer to plan your visit earlier in the run rather than waiting until the last weekend.

What You’ll See: Galleries and Experiences

Permanent Collections

The museum is spread across multiple floors and buildings, connected by walkways and atriums. A typical visit includes:

• American art galleries: Historic paintings, sculpture, and decorative objects.
• Modern & Contemporary galleries: Installations, abstract works, and recent pieces from around the world.
• International & African art: Rotating selections that highlight different regions and themes.
• Sculpture and design: Often integrated throughout public spaces and courtyards.

Traveling and Special Exhibitions

The High is known for major temporary shows that bring big-name artists and themes to Atlanta. These might focus on:

• Global modern and contemporary art
• Fashion and design
• Photography
• Retrospectives of well-known artists

For these, consider:

• Timed-entry tickets if required
• Allowing extra time beyond what you plan for the permanent collection
• Checking in advance whether photos are allowed in specific exhibition areas

Family-Friendly Options at the High Museum Atlanta

The High is generally very family-friendly, and many Atlanta parents use it as an arts outing for kids.

Kid-Focused Areas and Programs

Common offerings include:

• Hands-on or interactive spaces designed for children (these may change over time).
• Family guides or activity sheets to help kids engage with the art.
• Family days or weekend programs with crafts, performances, or themed activities.

To make a family visit smoother:

• Plan for 1–2 hours with young children rather than a full day.
• Look for elevators and stroller-friendly routes between galleries.
• Bring snacks for before or after your visit; food is usually not allowed in galleries.

Many local families combine a visit to the High with nearby outdoor time at Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden a short drive away.

Eating and Taking Breaks: Cafes and Nearby Food

You can usually find:

• On-site café or coffee options within or adjacent to the museum.
• Seating areas in atriums or public spaces where you can rest (generally without food).

Because the High sits in Midtown, you’ll also be close to:

• Fast-casual spots along Peachtree Street NE
• Sit-down restaurants within a short walk or quick drive
• Coffee shops near the Arts Center Station area

Many Atlantans plan their visit so they can:

• Have lunch nearby, then spend the afternoon at the museum
• Or visit the museum first and then walk to dinner in Midtown

Basic Visitor Rules and Tips

To protect the collection and keep visits comfortable, you can expect some standard guidelines.

Common Museum Rules

While details may vary, typical policies include:

• No touching the artwork (except in specially labeled interactive areas).
• No flash photography; some exhibitions may prohibit photos entirely.
• Bags and backpacks:
  • Larger bags may need to be checked.
  • Small purses or crossbody bags are usually fine, but avoid wearing backpacks on your back in tight galleries.
• Food and drink: Generally not allowed in gallery spaces.
• Smoking and vaping: Not allowed inside.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors

• Dress in layers: Atlanta weather can be hot or humid, but indoor spaces are air-conditioned and may feel cool.
• Plan for walking: Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll likely be on your feet several hours if you explore multiple floors.
• Allow buffer time: Midtown traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour and on event days at nearby venues.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

The High Museum and the larger Woodruff Arts Center campus generally provide:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms
• Elevators between floors
• Accessible routes between buildings and galleries

If accessibility is important for you or someone in your group, a good approach is to:

• Ask at the main information desk for accessibility maps or guidance.
• Allow a bit of extra time for navigating between buildings or levels.
• Inquire about wheelchair availability, if needed.

Events, Programs, and Community Connection

The High functions as more than just static galleries; for many people in Atlanta, it’s a community arts hub.

Types of Programs You May Find

Programs change over time, but often include:

• Evening events with extended hours, sometimes with music or themed programming.
• Talks and lectures with artists, curators, or guest speakers.
• Workshops and classes for adults and teens.
• Youth and teen programs, especially in summer or during school breaks.
• Partnership events with other Atlanta arts organizations.

Many locals keep an eye on the High’s event calendars when planning date nights, group outings, or educational trips for students.

Planning Your Visit: At-a-Glance Guide

Use this quick reference to plan an efficient visit to the High Museum of Art Atlanta.

How the High Fits Into an Atlanta Itinerary

For locals, the High is often:

• A repeat-visit destination when new exhibitions open
• A go-to activity for out-of-town guests
• A place for students and families to explore art beyond textbooks

For visitors to Atlanta, the High works well as:

• A half-day stop combined with Midtown attractions
• A rainy-day or hot-weather indoor activity
• A cultural counterbalance to more entertainment-focused destinations like Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola

If you’re putting together a day in Midtown, an efficient sequence many people use is:

1. Take MARTA to Arts Center Station or park once near the museum.
2. Spend 2–3 hours at the High, including a café break.
3. Walk or ride to a nearby restaurant.
4. Add another arts stop (such as a performance at the Alliance Theatre or a stroll through nearby public art).

By understanding how the High Museum of Art fits into Atlanta’s transit, neighborhoods, and cultural scene, you can plan a visit that feels smooth, engaging, and well-paced—whether you live in the city or you’re just in town for a short stay.