Parking at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Finding parking at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re heading to a Friday evening event, a weekend visit with family, or popping in on your lunch break, planning where to park ahead of time will save you time, money, and frustration.

This guide walks through all your realistic parking options near the High Museum, how much you can expect to pay, ways to avoid traffic headaches, and a few practical tips local Atlantans rely on.

Where Is the High Museum of Art Located?

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

The museum sits in Midtown Atlanta, right along Peachtree Street NE, near:

• Arts Center MARTA Station
• Woodruff Arts Center
• Symphony Hall and Alliance Theatre

Because it’s in a busy cultural district, parking can fill up quickly, especially during:

• Special exhibitions
• Weekend afternoons
• Evening performances at the Woodruff Arts Center

Main Parking Option: The High Museum / Woodruff Arts Center Garage

The easiest and most common option is the on-site parking deck directly serving the High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center.

Location & Access

The primary parking deck is usually accessed from streets just off Peachtree St NE, near the museum and Arts Center complex. Signage around the area typically points you toward “Woodruff Arts Center Parking” or similar wording.

You’ll be within a short walk to:

• High Museum main entrance
• Woodruff Arts Center performance spaces
• Nearby Midtown restaurants

How the Garage Typically Works

• Pay-on-exit or pay-at-machine setup
• Parking is usually self-park
• Elevators and stairs bring you up to street level near the museum

You can expect:

• Higher convenience than off-site parking
• Moderate to higher pricing, especially for peak times or special events

For the most current garage rates and entry points, it’s wise to check directly with the High Museum or Woodruff Arts Center before your visit, as fees and rules can change.

Quick Reference: Main Parking Options Near the High Museum

Nearby Private Garages and Lots in Midtown

If the main garage is full or you’re looking for potentially different pricing, Midtown offers additional parking in the surrounding blocks.

Common patterns around the area include:

• Office building garages open to the public during evenings and weekends
• Surface lots a few blocks away along major streets
• Rates that may be flat-fee evenings/weekends and hourly on weekdays

Pros

• May find slightly cheaper or flat-rate parking during off-peak hours
• Useful when museum garage is full or backed up

Cons

• Slightly longer walk, especially if you’re parked a few blocks away
• Some garages may close at specific times (evenings/weekends), so check posted hours before leaving your car
• Less direct signage to the High Museum

When parking in a nearby private deck, look for:

• Clearly posted prices before entering
• Hours of operation and last exit time
• Whether cards, cash, or mobile pay are accepted

Street Parking Around the High Museum

There is some metered street parking in Midtown near the High Museum, but it’s limited and highly competitive, especially on:

• Weekday daytime hours
• Weekends around lunch and early afternoon
• Event nights

What to Know About Street Parking

• Expect meters or pay stations, often enforced during daytime and early evening hours
• Time limits may apply (for example, 2-hour zones)
• Strict enforcement is common in central Midtown

Street parking can work well if:

• You’re just dropping in for a short visit
• You arrive early in the day or on less busy weekdays
• You’re comfortable walking a few extra blocks

Always double-check:

• The signage directly in front of your car (rules can change mid-block)
• Residential permit zones where visitors may not be allowed to park

Avoiding Parking Completely: Take MARTA to the High Museum

For many Atlantans, especially during popular exhibits, the easiest way to visit the High is to skip parking and ride MARTA.

Closest Station

Arts Center MARTA Station (on the Red and Gold Lines) is the nearest station. It’s typically:

• About a 1–3 minute walk to the High Museum complex
• Clearly signed for Woodruff Arts Center / High Museum exits

Why Locals Use MARTA for High Museum Visits

• 🚆 No need to fight for parking in busy Midtown
• 💸 Avoid parking charges entirely (you only pay MARTA fare)
• 🕒 Often more predictable during large events or festival weekends

This option is especially attractive if you’re:

• Already near a MARTA rail line
• Staying at a hotel with easy MARTA access
• Visiting during big Midtown events when parking rates spike

Special Events, Weekends, and Busy Times

Parking conditions change noticeably with the calendar and time of day.

When Parking Is Toughest

You’ll see the most pressure on parking around the High Museum when:

• There’s a major exhibition opening or final weekend
• Saturday and Sunday afternoons
• Evening performances at the Woodruff Arts Center
• Citywide events happening nearby in Midtown or along Peachtree

Practical Strategies

• Arrive 20–30 minutes earlier than your ticketed time or planned visit
• Consider MARTA during big event weekends
• Have a backup plan (e.g., know one or two alternate garages nearby)

Accessibility and Drop-Off Options

Visitors who need accessible parking or easier drop-off have a few options to consider.

Accessible Parking

The main museum/Arts Center garage typically includes:

• Marked accessible spaces located closer to elevators
• Access to elevators leading to street level near the museum

It’s a good idea to:

• Leave a little extra time to park and navigate to the entrance
• Make sure you have any necessary disability parking permits clearly displayed

Passenger Drop-Off

If you’re driving someone who prefers not to walk from the deck:

• Use a front or side entrance area for a safe, quick drop-off close to the High
• Then proceed to park in the garage or nearby lot
• Coordinate a pick-up spot and time ahead of time to avoid circling in Midtown traffic

Tips for Saving Time and Stress When Parking at the High Museum

A few small planning moves can make your visit much smoother:

1. Check museum hours and event schedules
   If there’s a major event scheduled at the same time, assume parking will be tighter and leave earlier or use MARTA.

2. Aim for off-peak times
   Weekday mornings or late afternoons outside of rush hour usually mean easier parking and less congestion.

3. Keep your parking ticket handy
   Many garages require your physical ticket or digital code to exit; store it somewhere easy to grab.

4. Pay attention to exit routes
   When leaving, Midtown can back up around Peachtree St NE. Look at alternate streets going toward major routes like I-75/85 to get home faster.

5. Plan for walking a bit
   Even with on-site parking, expect a short indoor or outdoor walk. Comfortable shoes are helpful, especially if you’re exploring Midtown before or after your museum visit.

Key Takeaways for Parking at the High Museum Atlanta

• The most straightforward option is the on-site High Museum / Woodruff Arts Center garage, just a short walk from the museum entrance.
• Nearby private garages and lots offer additional options if the main deck is full or you’re comparing prices.
• Street parking exists but is limited, metered, and often strictly enforced.
• Using MARTA to Arts Center Station lets you avoid parking entirely and is a common choice for locals, especially during busy events.
• For accessibility needs, use the main garage’s accessible spaces and consider a front entrance drop-off for those who need it.

With a little planning—choosing your parking option, timing your visit, and considering MARTA—you can focus on enjoying the High Museum and Midtown Atlanta instead of circling the block in search of a spot.