Exploring the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Woodruff Arts Center is one of Atlanta’s main cultural hubs and a go-to destination for live performances, visual arts, and family-friendly activities. Whether you live in the city or you’re planning a visit, this is where you’ll find some of Atlanta’s biggest names in the arts all in one place.

Location:
Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Located in Midtown Atlanta, the campus sits right on Peachtree Street, across from Arts Center MARTA Station, and within walking distance of many restaurants and hotels.

What Is the Woodruff Arts Center?

The Woodruff Arts Center is a multi-venue arts campus that houses three major institutions:

• High Museum of Art
• Alliance Theatre
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Each one operates independently but shares the same campus, parking, and many joint programs. For visitors, that means you can easily combine an art exhibition, a theater performance, and a symphony concert into one or several days in Midtown.

The Center is known for:

• Year-round performances and exhibitions
• Educational programs for children, teens, and adults
• Accessible arts experiences, including discounted and free options throughout the year

Getting There: Parking, MARTA, and Nearby Landmarks

MARTA Access

For many Atlantans and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to reach the Woodruff Arts Center.

• Nearest station:Arts Center Station (Red/Gold lines)
• From the station, follow signs for Woodruff Arts Center/High Museum of Art — it’s about a 2–5 minute walk.
• This is convenient if you’re coming from Downtown, Buckhead, the airport, or Perimeter.

Using MARTA helps avoid Midtown traffic, especially during peak commute times or when there are major events.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• The Center has on-site parking garages accessible from streets near Peachtree.
• Parking rates can vary based on the day of the week, time of day, and events.
• Events for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra or Alliance Theatre can cause the garages to fill closer to showtime, so arriving early is recommended.

Nearby landmarks that help you get your bearings include:

• Colony Square
• Midtown Atlanta business district
• Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park a short drive or rideshare away

The High Museum of Art: Atlanta’s Premier Art Museum

The High Museum of Art is one of the most prominent art museums in the Southeast and a centerpiece of the Woodruff campus.

What You’ll See

The High features:

• Permanent collections including American art, European art, African art, decorative arts, photography, and contemporary works
• Rotating special exhibitions that often draw major national and international attention
• A distinctive white, modernist building that’s become an architectural icon in Midtown

Inside, the experience is structured to be approachable even if you’re not an art expert. Galleries are clearly labeled, and many exhibits include easy-to-follow descriptions.

Who It’s Good For

• Families: The High typically offers hands-on or interactive areas, as well as programs designed for kids and teens.
• Casual visitors: You can spend as little as an hour or as long as an entire afternoon.
• Art lovers: Special exhibitions and deeper collections reward repeat visits.

Tips for Visiting the High Museum

• Check current exhibitions and hours before you go, as evening hours and special events may change.
• Look for discount days, membership options, and family-friendly programming if you’re local and want to visit frequently.
• Consider pairing a museum visit with a meal in nearby Midtown restaurants along Peachtree or at Colony Square.

Alliance Theatre: Professional Theater in the Heart of Midtown

The Alliance Theatre, also on the Woodruff Arts Center campus, is Atlanta’s flagship regional theater and has a reputation for producing both new and classic works.

Types of Shows

Alliance Theatre seasons typically include:

• World premieres and new plays
• Broadway-style musicals
• Reimagined classics
• Family and youth-oriented productions

Many Atlantans know the Alliance for helping develop shows that later appear on larger national stages, making it an appealing option if you want to see high-quality theater without leaving the city.

Experience and Seating

The Alliance has:

• A main stage with traditional seating, good sound, and professional staging
• Smaller or more flexible spaces for certain productions and youth programs

Arriving early allows time to:

• Pick up or purchase tickets at the box office
• Get oriented inside the Woodruff complex
• Grab a snack or drink if available for that performance

Who Should Consider the Alliance Theatre

• Local theatergoers looking for serious, professional productions
• Families seeking seasonal or age-appropriate shows
• Visitors interested in adding a cultural night out to their Atlanta trip

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Live Music at the Woodruff

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is another anchor of the Woodruff Arts Center and one of Atlanta’s primary destinations for classical music.

What to Expect

ASO concerts often feature:

• Classical symphonic programs with well-known composers
• Guest soloists and conductors
• Pops concerts, film music programs, or themed series that are more casual
• Holiday and special events that attract families and first-time symphony-goers

Concerts typically take place in a large hall within the Woodruff campus, designed for strong acoustics and clear sightlines.

Tips for Attending a Symphony Performance

• Arrive 20–30 minutes before the concert to find parking, pick up tickets, and get to your seat.
• Dress ranges from business casual to dressy; Atlantans usually adopt a relaxed but put-together look.
• Some performances may include pre-concert talks, which can be helpful if you’re newer to symphonic music.

Family-Friendly Programs and Youth Opportunities

The Woodruff Arts Center is structured to be accessible for families and students across Atlanta and beyond.

Common Offerings

Depending on the season, you might find:

• Family days or kids’ events at the High Museum, with art-making activities and gallery tours
• Student matinees and youth productions at Alliance Theatre
• Educational concerts and youth orchestra opportunities connected to the ASO

Local schools often partner with the Woodruff Arts Center for field trips and special programs, making it a familiar name for many Atlanta students.

Making It Work With Kids

To make a family visit smoother:

• Check ahead for age recommendations for specific shows or exhibits.
• Plan breaks for snacks and rest — the campus has common areas and is close to Midtown cafés and food options.
• Look for special pricing or free admission days that make bringing the whole family more affordable.

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Timing

Because the Woodruff Arts Center hosts multiple organizations, hours and ticketing can vary by venue and event.

Typical Patterns

While exact times change, visitors can generally expect:

• High Museum of Art: Open multiple days a week, often with at least one evening open later for after-work crowds.
• Alliance Theatre: Performances clustered on evenings and weekends; daytime shows for school groups or family programming.
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Evening performances on select days, plus occasional matinees or special events.

Tickets and Admission

You may need separate tickets for:

• The High Museum of Art
• Alliance Theatre productions
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concerts

Options often include:

• Single-event tickets
• Memberships (especially for the High Museum)
• Subscriptions or series for frequent theater or symphony attendees

Buying tickets in advance is recommended for:

• Popular special exhibitions at the High
• Opening nights or high-profile shows at the Alliance
• Well-known guest artists or holiday concerts with the ASO

Accessibility and Visitor Services

The Woodruff Arts Center generally aims to be accessible and welcoming for a wide range of visitors.

Common features include:

• Accessible entrances and elevators
• Wheelchair seating options for performances
• Staff on-site to help with directions and questions

Visitors with specific accessibility needs can contact the Center or the individual organization (High, Alliance, ASO) ahead of time to confirm available services and seating arrangements.

Making a Day Out of Midtown Around the Woodruff

Because the Woodruff Arts Center sits in Midtown Atlanta, it’s easy to turn a visit into a full day or evening.

Nearby Attractions

Within a short distance you’ll find:

• Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (a bit farther, but reachable by car, bike, or rideshare)
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Midtown’s public art, murals, and walkable streets
• A wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafés along Peachtree Street, 10th Street, and in Colony Square

This makes the Woodruff Arts Center a convenient anchor if you’re planning a Midtown stay or exploring the city without a car.

Quick Reference: Woodruff Arts Center at a Glance

If you live in Atlanta, the Woodruff Arts Center can become a regular part of your cultural routine. If you’re visiting, it’s one of the most efficient ways to experience Atlanta’s art, music, and theater without zigzagging all over the city. Taking a little time to check current events, ticket options, and transit or parking before you go will help you make the most of what this Midtown landmark has to offer.