Visiting Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta: What You Can (and Can’t) Do at the External Visitor Center

Tyler Perry Studios is one of Atlanta’s most famous film and TV hubs, and many visitors and locals are curious about how they can see it up close. While this is a working production studio, there are limited ways for the public to experience it from the outside, especially around the external visitor area and surrounding neighborhood.

This guide breaks down what access really looks like, how to visit responsibly, and what nearby attractions you can pair with a trip to the area.

Where Tyler Perry Studios Is Located in Atlanta

Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) is located on the historic grounds of the former Fort McPherson military base in southwest Atlanta:

Tyler Perry Studios
315 Deshler Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30310

This area sits between the West End, Oakland City, and East Point neighborhoods. It’s close to:

• Langford Parkway (GA-166)
• I-285 (west side)
• Metropolitan Parkway SW and Lee Street SW

There is no traditional walk-in visitor center like you might find at a museum or theme park. The “external visitor center” experience is essentially limited to the studios’ perimeter, entrance areas, and surrounding public streets, unless you have authorized access.

Can the Public Tour Tyler Perry Studios?

Current reality: no regular public studio tours

As of the latest common experience for Atlanta visitors and residents:

• Tyler Perry Studios does not offer public studio tours on a regular, bookable basis.
• There is no on-site ticket counter for tours or walk-up visitation.
• Access past the security gates is generally limited to:
  • Cast and crew
  • Authorized visitors
  • Event ticket holders or invited guests
  • Background actors and job applicants with confirmed bookings

If you see references online to a “Tyler Perry Studios visitor center,” it usually means people are talking about:

• The main entrance and gate area
• Nearby public points where you can see parts of the studio from the outside

You should not expect a staffed external visitor center with exhibits, gift shops, or informational displays that anyone can walk into.

What You Can See from Outside the Studio

Even without going inside, many people are interested in driving by or exploring the surroundings. From public streets and nearby areas, you may be able to see:

• The main gates and signage for Tyler Perry Studios
• Portions of the studio’s perimeter, including walls and fencing
• Some of the large soundstages and backlot buildings from certain vantage points outside the property

🛈 Important: Views are limited. This is a secure, private working studio, not an open attraction. Most of the interesting production work happens well behind the gates.

Getting to the Area: Transportation Options

By car

From most parts of metro Atlanta, driving is the easiest way to get near Tyler Perry Studios:

• From Downtown Atlanta:
  • Take I-20 W to I-285 S, then GA-166 E / Langford Parkway, or
  • Use surface streets via Metropolitan Parkway SW or Lee Street SW
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  • Drive north via I-85 and then cut over toward East Point and Fort McPherson area
  • Travel time is typically short in light traffic

Parking:
There is no public parking lot specifically for studio visitors. Any parking you find will be:

• Street parking on public roads (where legal and posted as allowed)
• Private lots or businesses that may not allow studio-related parking

Always follow local signs; cars can be ticketed or towed if parked improperly.

By MARTA (public transit)

The studio complex sits very close to MARTA rail:

• Fort McPherson MARTA Station (Red/Gold lines)
  Located just off Lee Street SW, this station serves the redeveloped former base area.
  • From the station, it’s a short walk to the perimeter area of the studio complex.
  • You will still encounter gates and security — walking up does not grant access inside.

For many Atlanta visitors without a car, riding MARTA to Fort McPherson station is the simplest way to see the exterior surroundings.

What to Expect at the External Gates and Perimeter

If you head to Tyler Perry Studios expecting an “external visitor center,” prepare for a much more limited experience:

• Security gates and checkpoints control all vehicle and pedestrian entry.
• Security staff are on duty and focused on authorized access, not tours.
• There are no public restrooms, seating areas, or informational kiosks outside for casual visitors.
• You may be turned away if you attempt to:
  • Approach the gate without a confirmed appointment or authorization
  • Linger, take close-up photos of staff or security procedures
  • Try to enter driveways or restricted roads

Think of it like visiting the outside of a government facility or corporate campus, not a theme park.

Photography and Filming Near the Studio

Many fans want a photo of the Tyler Perry Studios sign or entrance. You can usually take photos from public sidewalks and roads, but you should:

• 🚫 Do not block driveways or interfere with traffic.
• 🚫 Do not cross into private property or ignore “No Trespassing” signs.
• 🚫 Do not photograph security or staff in ways that could be considered intrusive.
• ✅ Do stay on public rights-of-way (sidewalks, public streets, areas without restricted access signs).

Local enforcement and on-site security treat this as an active, secure workplace, so it’s important to remain respectful and prompt if asked to move along.

How People Legitimately Get Inside Tyler Perry Studios

While there’s no general visitor center, there are a few legitimate paths Atlanta residents and visitors sometimes use to enter the studio grounds:

1. As a background actor or crew member

Many productions at Tyler Perry Studios hire:

• Background/extra actors
• Production crew, support staff, and contractors

Those individuals receive very specific instructions on:

• Where to enter
• When to arrive
• What identification is required

There is no open “job walk-in” visitor lobby. Opportunities are typically handled through casting calls, agencies, or production contacts, and arrival is by appointment or call time only.

2. As a ticketed event guest

From time to time, special events, premieres, or invite-only functions are held on the studio lot. In those cases:

• Guests are pre-cleared and given directions.
• Access is often limited to specific buildings or event spaces.
• Parking and security procedures are event-specific.

These events are not the same as a public attraction you can just show up for; you must have a confirmed invitation or ticket.

3. As an industry professional or business visitor

Industry professionals, vendors, or partners may visit the studio for meetings or production work. Again:

• Visits are scheduled in advance.
• You’ll typically check in at a designated gate or building.
• There is no open visitor lounge for the general public.

Safety, Etiquette, and Local Considerations

If you’re planning to explore the area around Tyler Perry Studios:

• Stay aware of your surroundings. You’re in a mix of residential, commercial, and redeveloping former base property.
• Respect the neighborhood. Treat it like any Atlanta community:
  • Don’t litter.
  • Avoid blocking driveways or private entrances.
  • Keep noise down, especially in early or late hours.
• Follow all posted signs. These may include:
  • No trespassing
  • No parking
  • Restricted access or private drive notices

Atlanta residents often stress that while TPS is a point of pride, the surrounding area is not a tourist theme park, and everyday life goes on around the studio.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with a Drive-By

Since you can’t tour Tyler Perry Studios itself, it often works best as a quick photo stop on the way to other Atlanta attractions, especially on the south and west sides of the city. Consider pairing your visit with:

West End & Southwest Atlanta

• West End Historic District
  Explore historic homes, local businesses, and cultural spots.
• West End MARTA Station area
  Offers easy rail access and bus connections.
• Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail (near West End)
  Walk or bike along the BeltLine, with access points off White Street SW and surrounding streets.

Just East or North of the Area

• Downtown Atlanta (a short drive away)
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
• Castleberry Hill Arts District
  A popular neighborhood with murals, galleries, and film locations used in other productions.

Using the Fort McPherson MARTA Station as a transit hub can make it easy to see TPS from the outside and then head downtown or to the airport without needing a car.

Tips for Atlanta Visitors Curious About Tyler Perry Studios

If you’re visiting or hosting out-of-town guests and TPS is on the wish list:

• Set realistic expectations.
  You can see the outside and grab a quick photo, but you cannot tour the inside unless you’re part of a specific production or event.
• Plan only a short time there.
  Most people spend a few minutes driving by or walking near the perimeter, then move on.
• Use MARTA if you don’t want to drive.
  Fort McPherson station is the most direct rail route.
• Treat it like a working facility.
  It’s closer to visiting the outside of a major corporate campus or government complex than a typical attraction.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Is there a public external visitor center at Tyler Perry Studios?
No. There is no traditional, walk-in visitor center or public tour office on-site.

Can you still see it?
Yes, you can:

• View the entrance and perimeter from nearby public streets and sidewalks.
• Reach the area via Fort McPherson MARTA Station or by car.
• Take discreet photos from public space, while respecting security and property boundaries.

Here’s a quick summary:

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about Tyler Perry Studios, think of it as a quick, drive-by landmark to appreciate the scale of the city’s film industry—then build the rest of your day around the many fully public attractions nearby.