Exploring Pullman Yards Historic Rail Works in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Pullman Yards, also known as the Historic Rail Works, is one of Atlanta’s most distinctive attractions. Tucked into the Kirkwood/Edgewood area on the east side of the city, this former rail car facility has been transformed into a creative campus for art, entertainment, immersive experiences, and community events.

If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting and want something beyond the standard tourist stops—Pullman Yards is worth putting on your list.

Where Is Pullman Yards and What Is It?

Location:
Pullman Yards (often referred to as the Historic Pullman Yard or Pullman Yards Historic Rail Works) is located in Northeast Atlanta, near the Kirkwood, Edgewood, and Inman Park neighborhoods. The complex sits just off Rogers Street NE, not far from DeKalb Avenue and the Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA station.

It’s a massive former industrial site that once housed:

• Rail repair and maintenance facilities
• Pullman Company operations (a historic rail car manufacturer and service company)
• Warehouses, workshops, and train yards that served Atlanta’s rail network

Today, instead of rail workers and freight cars, you’ll find:

• Large-scale immersive art exhibitions
• Film and TV production sets
• Seasonal events and festivals
• Food and drink options
• Open spaces used for concerts, markets, and pop-up experiences

A Quick History of Pullman Yards

Understanding a bit of history makes a visit much more interesting.

From Industrial Hub to Cultural Campus

Pullman Yards has roots going back to the early 1900s, when Atlanta was a major railroad crossroads. Over time, the site was used for:

• Rail car assembly and repair
• Support operations for passenger cars, including sleeping and dining cars
• Various industrial and warehouse functions tied to regional rail service

Many of the brick buildings and metal-framed structures you see today are original or early additions, giving the site its industrial, weathered look that’s now part of the attraction.

After rail operations declined and the site sat largely underused, it gained new life as:

• A filming location for movies, TV shows, and commercials
• A canvas for artists and event producers
• A redevelopment project focused on turning the campus into a mixed-use arts and entertainment destination

Locals often think of Pullman Yards today as a place where Atlanta’s rail history and creative scene intersect.

What You Can Do at Pullman Yards

Programming changes frequently, but visitors typically go to Pullman Yards for a mix of these experiences:

1. Immersive Art & Special Exhibitions

Pullman Yards has become known for immersive, large-scale exhibits hosted in its big industrial halls, such as:

• Multi-sensory art experiences (often with projection, music, and interactive features)
• Themed exhibits tied to pop culture, movies, or historical topics
• Limited-run installations that may last weeks or months

These exhibitions usually:

• Require timed tickets
• Have separate admission fees from other events
• Operate on set schedules (daytime, evenings, or both)

If you’re planning a visit specifically for a certain exhibit, it’s wise to:

• Check dates and hours in advance
• Reserve tickets early for weekends or evenings

2. Events, Concerts, and Festivals

Many Atlantans first discover Pullman Yards through:

• Outdoor concerts and live music events
• Night markets and food festivals
• Seasonal attractions (holiday-themed events, summer festivals, etc.)
• Cultural festivals and community gatherings

Because the campus is large and flexible, events range from family-friendly daytime markets to 21+ night events. Always check the event details so you know:

• Age restrictions
• Parking arrangements
• Any bag or security rules

3. Film & TV Atmosphere

Pullman Yards is an active filming location. Depending on when you visit, you might:

• See areas blocked off for production
• Notice partial sets, lighting rigs, or props (viewable only from allowed areas)
• Experience temporary closures of certain sections

Visitors generally aren’t allowed to walk into live sets, but the “working studio” vibe adds to the experience.

4. Food, Drinks, and Hanging Out

As the site continues to grow, you’ll find:

• On-site food and beverage options (often tied to specific events or activated spaces)
• Pop-up bars or seasonal concepts
• Food trucks during larger festivals and concerts

If you’re nearby in Kirkwood, Edgewood, or Inman Park, Pullman Yards can be a casual outing: walk around, grab a bite, and take in the architecture and art installations when the grounds are open for general access.

Who Will Enjoy Pullman Yards?

Pullman Yards can appeal to different groups for different reasons:

• Atlanta locals looking for new date-night or weekend options
• Art and design lovers interested in immersive shows and industrial architecture
• History-minded visitors who enjoy old rail and industrial sites
• Families attending age-appropriate exhibits, festivals, or holiday events
• Film buffs curious about Atlanta’s production locations

Because events vary so widely, it’s not a “show up any day, all day” type of attraction like a traditional museum. Your experience depends a lot on what’s scheduled that day.

Getting to Pullman Yards from Around Atlanta

By Car

Pullman Yards is easily reached from many in-town neighborhoods. Common routes include:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  • Take I-75/85 to Freedom Parkway or DeKalb Avenue, then head east.
• From Decatur:
  • Take DeKalb Avenue heading west toward Atlanta, then follow signs/local directions into the Kirkwood area.

Parking is typically:

• On-site or nearby, often for a fee during major events
• Sometimes limited for larger concerts and festivals

Tip: For big events, arrive early or consider rideshare to avoid parking stress.

By MARTA

Pullman Yards is relatively close to Edgewood/Candler Park Station on the Blue and Green Lines. From the station, many visitors:

• Walk or bike via local streets to the campus
• Use a short rideshare from the station to the entrance

If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, taking MARTA to Edgewood/Candler Park and then using a short connection is often easier than dealing with traffic and parking.

Typical Hours, Tickets, and Costs

Pullman Yards is a multi-use site, so there isn’t one universal schedule or ticket structure. Instead, it works like this:

• Immersive exhibits
  • Usually have their own hours, tickets, and entry windows
• Concerts and festivals
  • Often take place evenings or weekends with separate tickets
• General campus access
  • Varies depending on events, production schedules, and site operations

Here’s a simple overview of how access usually works:

Because things change frequently, it’s best to check:

• Event listings for your specific date
• Whether advance tickets are required or if there’s door sales

Accessibility and On-Site Experience

Pullman Yards is an older industrial property, so the layout isn’t identical to a purpose-built modern attraction. However, many exhibits and events work to provide reasonable access where possible.

Things to be aware of:

• Ground surfaces can include concrete, gravel, and uneven spots
• Some historic structures may have limited accessibility to upper levels or certain nooks
• For major exhibitions, organizers typically provide:
  • Clear entrance points
  • Staff to help direct guests
  • Posted policies on accessibility, strollers, and mobility devices

If you or someone in your group has specific mobility or sensory needs, contacting the event or exhibit organizer ahead of time can help you plan.

Tips for Visiting Pullman Yards as an Atlantan (or Visitor)

A bit of planning helps you get the most out of your visit:

1. Check what’s on that day.
Pullman Yards is event-driven. Look up the specific exhibition, concert, or festival you’re interested in rather than assuming general open access.

2. Plan your transportation.

• For big evenings or weekends, parking can fill quickly.
• MARTA plus a short rideshare is often easier from central Atlanta.

3. Dress for the setting.

• Expect an industrial, partially open-air environment.
• Comfortable walking shoes are useful—there’s often some walking between buildings or through outdoor areas.

4. Confirm age-appropriateness.

• Some exhibits and festivals are family-friendly.
• Others may be more adult-oriented (late-night hours, bar-focused events, or content themes).

5. Keep an eye on weather.
While many shows are indoors, some portions of your visit—lines, walking between spaces, or outdoor activations—may be affected by rain or heat.

Nearby Areas to Explore

If you’re making a day or evening of it, the surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty to pair with a Pullman Yards visit:

• Kirkwood: Neighborhood feel, local restaurants, and small businesses.
• Edgewood: Bars, nightlife, casual dining, and MARTA access.
• Inman Park: Historic homes, leafy streets, and connections to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Little Five Points (short drive away): Vintage shops, music venues, and eclectic restaurants.

Many Atlantans combine Pullman Yards with:

• A meal in nearby neighborhoods
• A walk or bike ride along the BeltLine (from Inman Park/Reynoldstown access)
• An afternoon in Inman Park or Little Five Points, then an evening event at Pullman

Is Pullman Yards Worth Visiting?

For someone in or visiting Atlanta, Pullman Yards Historic Rail Works is most appealing if you:

• Enjoy unique, arts-centered experiences
• Appreciate historic industrial architecture
• Like attending festivals, immersive exhibits, or concerts in unconventional spaces

It’s less of a drop-in, every-day museum and more of a flexible cultural playground: what you see and do will depend heavily on exactly when you go and why you’re going.

If you plan around a specific exhibit or event that interests you, Pullman Yards can be one of the more memorable things to do in Atlanta—especially for those looking beyond traditional attractions and into the city’s evolving creative scene.