Exploring King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to This Industrial-Chic Arts Hub

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Atlanta that go beyond the usual museums and tourist stops, the King Plow Arts Center in West Midtown is worth putting high on your list. Part historic industrial complex, part creative hub, it blends art studios, galleries, performance spaces, and event venues in one atmospheric setting.

Located at 887 West Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, King Plow Arts Center sits in a former plow factory that’s been converted into one of the city’s most distinctive creative spaces.

What Is King Plow Arts Center?

King Plow Arts Center is a renovated industrial complex that now houses:

• Artist studios
• Art galleries
• Performance and rehearsal spaces
• Creative businesses and offices
• Event and wedding venues
• A restaurant and nearby bars within walking distance

The buildings retain a lot of their original character—exposed brick, concrete floors, old factory windows, and steel beams—so visiting feels different from a traditional gallery or museum. It’s one of the anchors of West Midtown’s arts and dining scene, alongside nearby galleries, design showrooms, and restaurants.

Where It Fits in Atlanta’s “Things to Do” Scene

In Atlanta, the King Plow Arts Center sits at the intersection of art, nightlife, and events. You might visit for:

• An art opening or gallery show
• A small theater performance, concert, or dance show
• A wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser held in the industrial-chic event space
• A casual stroll through the complex to soak up the atmosphere (often paired with brunch or dinner nearby)

Compared to larger institutions like the High Museum of Art, King Plow tends to offer more intimate, contemporary, and experimental experiences, often led by local artists and organizations.

Location, Parking, and How to Get There

Address:
King Plow Arts Center
887 West Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Getting There

King Plow is in West Midtown, just northwest of downtown and roughly a 5–10 minute drive from major interstates depending on traffic.

Common ways locals and visitors get there:

• 🚗 Driving: Easy access from Northside Dr NW, Marietta St NW, and 10th St. West Midtown traffic can get heavy at peak times and on event nights, so plan extra time.
• 🚕 Rideshare / Taxi: Often the simplest option, especially in the evening when street parking is tight.
• 🚌 Public Transit: Bus routes in the area connect to MARTA rail stations such as West Midtown–serving routes (availability and exact routes may change, so check the current MARTA schedule).

Parking

The complex typically has on-site and nearby surface lots, and there is some street parking in the surrounding blocks. On weekend nights, art walks, or larger events, lots can fill up quickly, so:

• Arrive a bit early
• Consider rideshare if you’re attending a big event or planning to visit multiple bars/restaurants afterward
• Pay attention to posted signs and any event-specific parking instructions

What You’ll Find Inside King Plow

The King Plow Arts Center isn’t a single attraction—it’s a cluster of creative spaces under one roof (actually, several roofs).

Artist Studios and Creative Offices

The complex hosts working artists and creative professionals, including:

• Visual artists (painters, sculptors, photographers)
• Designers and architects
• Creative agencies and production companies

Most studios are private workspaces, so you don’t always walk in off the street. However, during open studios, special events, or art crawls, visitors can sometimes step into these spaces to see works in progress and talk with artists.

Art Galleries

Several gallery spaces within or adjacent to King Plow host:

• Contemporary visual art exhibitions
• Solo and group shows featuring local, regional, and sometimes national artists
• Artist talks, panel discussions, and opening receptions

If you’re specifically interested in art-viewing:

• Check event listings and gallery calendars before you go
• Plan to spend at least an hour if you want to see multiple shows and linger

Performance and Rehearsal Spaces

King Plow is also known for performance-based arts, which may include:

• Theater productions
• Dance performances
• Small concerts or experimental music
• Comedy and spoken word events

Local arts organizations sometimes use the complex for rehearsals, classes, and smaller-scale shows, so the schedule can vary widely week to week.

Events and Private Functions at King Plow

One of the most visible uses of the King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta is as a special event venue. The combination of brick walls, high ceilings, and industrial details makes it a popular pick for:

• Weddings and receptions
• Corporate events and conferences
• Fundraisers and galas
• Product launches, trade events, and showcases
• Art festivals and creative markets

What to Expect as an Event Guest

If you’re attending an event at King Plow:

• Dress code depends entirely on the host—anything from casual to black tie is possible.
• The space is typically indoor, with some access to outdoor areas or courtyards, which is helpful in Atlanta’s variable weather.
• Events often include catered food and bar service, managed by the event organizers and their vendors.
• The venue is generally accessible, but if you have specific mobility needs, checking with the event host in advance about entry points, elevators, and restrooms is wise.

When to Visit King Plow Arts Center

King Plow does not function like a traditional attraction where you walk in any day from 10–5 and tour. Instead, it’s event-driven.

Best Times to Go

• Evenings and weekends: Most public events, gallery openings, and performances happen later in the day or at night.
• Special art nights: West Midtown sometimes hosts art walks, open studio evenings, or coordinated gallery nights that include King Plow and nearby spaces.
• By event schedule: Check listings for specific shows, galleries, or organizations based at King Plow to know what’s happening when you plan to visit.

If you show up randomly midday on a weekday, the complex may be quiet, with most activity happening behind studio doors and office walls. For a more lively experience, time your visit around a posted event, opening, or performance.

Who Enjoys King Plow the Most?

The King Plow Arts Center tends to appeal to:

• Art lovers interested in contemporary, local, and experimental work
• Couples and groups looking for a more offbeat night out than a typical bar or restaurant
• Event-goers attending weddings, fundraisers, or corporate functions
• Creative professionals exploring potential studio space, collaborations, or networking opportunities
• Visitors to Atlanta who enjoy industrial architecture and want to see a different side of the city beyond midtown skyscrapers and tourist corridors

Families can also enjoy select performances or art events, but the venue’s atmosphere and schedule skew more adult and evening-oriented.

Nearby Things to Do in West Midtown

One of the main advantages of visiting King Plow is its proximity to other West Midtown attractions. It’s easy to turn a visit into a half-day or full night out.

Within a short drive (or sometimes a short walk), you can find:

• Restaurants and bars ranging from casual spots to upscale dining
• Additional art galleries and design showrooms
• Breweries and taprooms
• Small music venues and creative spaces

This makes King Plow a strong “anchor stop”: you might attend a gallery opening or performance, then grab dinner or drinks nearby.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

To get the most out of your visit to King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta:

• ✅ Check event calendars first. Look up what’s happening the day you plan to go—galleries, performances, and events often post schedules online.
• ✅ Plan transportation. Decide whether you’ll drive and park or use rideshare, especially on busy nights.
• ✅ Build a mini-itinerary. Pair your visit with a nearby meal or another West Midtown stop.
• ✅ Watch for special art nights. Open studio events, art walks, or multi-venue gallery nights can give you access to spaces usually closed to the public.
• ✅ Arrive a little early. This helps with parking and gives you time to explore the complex’s architecture and layout without rushing.

Quick Reference: King Plow Arts Center at a Glance

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who enjoys art, architecture, and creative spaces with character, the King Plow Arts Center offers a distinctly local experience—especially when you time your visit around a gallery opening, performance, or special event.