Exploring Museums in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Art, History, and Culture

Atlanta’s museums span everything from world-class art and civil rights history to hands‑on science and college football. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or planning a school outing, there’s a museum in Atlanta that fits your interests, budget, and schedule.

Below is a practical guide to museums in Atlanta, Georgia—what they’re known for, where they’re located, and how to make the most of a visit.

Quick Snapshot: Major Museums in Atlanta

1. Art Museums in Atlanta

High Museum of Art

Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown Arts District)
Phone: (404) 733-4400

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s flagship art museum and one of the Southeast’s most important art institutions. Expect:

• Permanent collection featuring American art, European paintings, African art, decorative arts, and photography.
• Rotating exhibitions that often feature high-profile artists and themes.
• A distinctive white modernist building and sculpture courtyard that are attractions in themselves.

Good to know:

• The museum typically offers discount or free days throughout the year; it’s wise to check current schedules before you go.
• The Arts Center MARTA Station is right across the street, making it easy to reach without a car.
• Family programs, kid-friendly guides, and strollers are generally welcome, so it works well for all ages.

Atlanta Contemporary

Location: 535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (West Midtown)
Phone: (404) 688-1970

Atlanta Contemporary focuses on cutting‑edge contemporary art with frequently changing exhibitions. It’s a good choice if you:

• Prefer experimental, conceptual, or emerging artists.
• Want a smaller, more intimate museum experience.
• Enjoy gallery-style browsing without an overwhelming amount of material.

It’s near the Westside arts and dining scene, so you can combine a visit with nearby restaurants and shops.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA)

Location: 75 Bennett St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Bennett Street arts area)
Phone: (404) 367-8700

MOCA GA highlights Georgia-based and Georgia-connected artists, showcasing:

• Works by established and emerging Georgia artists.
• Exhibitions that reflect local themes and regional perspectives.

If you live in Atlanta or are considering moving here, this is a strong place to get a feel for the local art community.

2. History Museums and Atlanta Stories

Atlanta History Center

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
Phone: (404) 814-4000

The Atlanta History Center covers Atlanta and Southern history across a large campus that usually includes:

• Indoor exhibits on the Civil War, local neighborhoods, transportation, and regional culture.
• The Swan House, a historic mansion often used in film and TV.
• Gardens and outdoor spaces that are walkable most of the year.
• The Cyclorama painting, depicting the Battle of Atlanta, housed in a dedicated structure.

This is a good place to get oriented to how Atlanta grew and changed over time. It works well for school-age children and adults who like a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park)
Phone: (678) 999-8990

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights legacy with global human rights issues. Inside you’ll typically find:

• Exhibits on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement, and segregation.
• Interactive displays that help you understand what activists faced in the 1950s–1960s.
• Sections that connect past struggles with current human rights issues around the world.

This museum can be emotionally intense, and many visitors say it works best for teens and adults or younger children with guidance from adults. It’s often paired with visits to the nearby Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola.

APEX Museum (African-American Panoramic Experience)

Location: 135 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Sweet Auburn)
Phone: (404) 523-2739

The APEX Museum focuses on African American history, with an emphasis on the Sweet Auburn area and Atlanta’s Black heritage. Exhibits often highlight:

• Contributions of African Americans in Atlanta and beyond.
• Local businesses, neighborhoods, and leaders from past generations.

Located on Auburn Avenue, it fits well into a broader walk through this historic corridor.

3. Science, Nature, and Family-Friendly Museums

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Druid Hills)
Phone: (404) 929-6300

Fernbank Museum focuses on natural history, science, and the environment. It usually includes:

• Dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric exhibits.
• Galleries about Georgia’s natural landscapes, from mountains to coast.
• An IMAX or giant screen theater that shows nature and science films.
• Fernbank Forest and outdoor areas, where you can walk through old-growth forest and outdoor play spaces.

This is one of Atlanta’s most popular family museums, especially for elementary and middle school kids. Parking is generally available on site, which helps if you’re visiting with strollers or groups.

Tellus Science Museum (Nearby, but not in the city)

Location: 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: (770) 606-5700

While not in Atlanta proper, many locals consider Tellus a worthwhile day trip for science and geology exhibits, including a planetarium, fossils, and minerals. If you’re staying in Atlanta for several days and have a car, some families add this to their plan.

4. Downtown “Experience” Museums

Downtown Atlanta has several large, highly produced museums that blend history, branding, and interactive exhibits. They work well if you’re staying near Centennial Olympic Park or the Georgia World Congress Center.

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

While technically an aquarium rather than a traditional museum, the Georgia Aquarium presents marine life through large-scale exhibits, interpretive signage, and educational programs. Expect:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish.
• Themed galleries focused on different aquatic habitats.
• Daily presentations and behind‑the‑scenes experiences.

It’s one of the city’s most visited attractions and is usually very busy on weekends and holidays. Weekdays or early morning visits are typically calmer.

World of Coca‑Cola

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676-5151

The World of Coca‑Cola is a brand-focused museum that explores:

• The history of Coca‑Cola and its connection to Atlanta.
• Advertising and pop culture exhibits from different eras.
• A tasting room where you can sample drinks from around the world.

It’s especially popular with visitors and families; locals often go when hosting out‑of‑town guests.

College Football Hall of Fame

Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 880-4800

The College Football Hall of Fame blends sports history, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits. Inside you’ll usually find:

• A wall of helmets and displays about different college teams.
• Interactive stations where you can kick, throw, and test your skills.
• Exhibits on famous players, coaches, and key games.

This is a solid option for sports fans, school groups, and families with active kids.

5. Smaller and Specialized Museums

Michael C. Carlos Museum (Emory University)

Location: 571 South Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 (Emory campus)
Phone: (404) 727-4282

The Michael C. Carlos Museum is known for its collections of ancient art, including:

• Egyptian artifacts.
• Greek and Roman pieces.
• Art from the ancient Americas and Asia.

It’s located on the Emory University campus, and tends to appeal to visitors who appreciate quieter, academic-style museums. Parking and campus navigation may require a little planning.

David J. Sencer CDC Museum

Location: 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329 (CDC Roybal Campus)
Phone: (404) 639-0830

The CDC Museum explains the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with exhibits on:

• The history of public health.
• Past and current disease outbreaks.
• How epidemiologists track and respond to health challenges.

Security procedures can apply because it’s on a federal campus, so visitors often need to bring a photo ID and follow check‑in instructions. It’s especially interesting for students, educators, and those interested in science and public health.

Delta Flight Museum

Location: 1060 Delta Blvd, Building B, Atlanta, GA 30354 (near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
Phone: (404) 715-7886

The Delta Flight Museum, housed in historic airline hangars, covers:

• The history of Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta.
• A collection of vintage aircraft.
• Exhibits about commercial aviation and the airline industry.

It’s convenient if you have extra time near the airport or enjoy aviation history.

6. Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Atlanta Museums

A few patterns can help you plan museum visits around Atlanta more smoothly.

Getting Around

• MARTA Rail:
  • Midtown museums like the High Museum of Art are near Arts Center Station.
  • Downtown museums (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Civil and Human Rights Center, College Football Hall of Fame) are walkable from Peachtree Center or GWCC/CNN Center stations.
• Driving and Parking:
  • Many larger museums have on‑site or nearby parking garages.
  • Buckhead, Druid Hills, and airport‑adjacent museums are typically easiest to reach by car or rideshare.

Tickets, Fees, and Discounts

• Major museums typically charge admission, with separate fees for any special experiences.
• Some venues offer:
  • Student, senior, and military discounts
  • Memberships that include unlimited visits and discounts on events
  • Occasional free or reduced-price days, especially on certain weekdays or evenings
• If you plan to visit several downtown attractions in one day, it can be helpful to look for multi-attraction passes or combination ticket options.

Best Times to Visit

• Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, especially for the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola.
• Early morning or late afternoon visits can help you avoid peak bus tour times.
• School breaks, holidays, and large downtown events often make parking and crowds heavier, so build in extra time.

Making Museums Work for Kids

To keep younger visitors engaged:

• Choose interactive museums like Fernbank, the College Football Hall of Fame, or the Aquarium for active kids.
• For more traditional art or history museums, pick 1–2 key exhibits to focus on instead of trying to see everything.
• Check if the museum offers activity guides, scavenger hunts, or family programs—many Atlanta venues do.

7. How Locals Use Atlanta Museums

If you live in Atlanta, museums can be more than just one‑time outings:

• Seasonal visits: Many museums change exhibits regularly, so locals return throughout the year.
• Events and lectures: Larger institutions frequently host talks, film screenings, and evening events.
• School projects: Students often use these museums for research, field trips, and extra credit.
• Hosting visitors: The downtown cluster (Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Civil and Human Rights Center) and the High Museum are common “show off the city” stops.

Atlanta’s museum scene is broad enough to cover art, history, science, sports, and social change, all within a relatively compact radius. Whether you’re planning a single afternoon in Midtown or a full weekend downtown, there’s likely a museum in Atlanta that fits your interests, your schedule, and your group.