Visiting Atlanta’s High Museum of Art: What to Know Before You Go

The High Museum of Art is one of Atlanta’s best-known cultural landmarks and a top pick for anyone looking for meaningful things to do in the city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, the High is a place where you can spend an hour, a half-day, or keep coming back all year.

Where the High Museum of Art Is and How to Get There

The High Museum of Art is located in Midtown Atlanta’s arts district at:

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 733-4400

It sits right by other major cultural attractions such as the Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Getting There by MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the High:

  • Rail: Take the Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station.
  • From the station: It’s about a 5-minute walk—just follow signs for the Woodruff Arts Center/High Museum of Art.

This option is especially convenient if you’re staying Downtown, near the airport, at Perimeter, or along Peachtree.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

  • The museum is on Peachtree Street NE, just north of 14th Street.
  • Look for signage for the Woodruff Arts Center parking garage.

Parking details often include:

  • Garage parking adjacent to the museum
  • Rates that vary by time and day
  • Special event days that can be busier, especially weekend afternoons and evenings

Tip: 🅿️ Arrive a bit early if you’re visiting on a Saturday, during special exhibitions, or on popular free/discount days—parking can fill up quickly.

What You’ll Find Inside: Collections and Exhibits

The High Museum’s building itself is an attraction, with light-filled galleries and a modern design that stands out on Peachtree. Inside, you’ll find both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.

Permanent Collections

The museum is known for a few core strengths:

  • American Art – Paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the 19th century to more contemporary work, with a focus that often reflects Southern and Atlanta-related themes.
  • European Art – Works from notable European artists, typically spanning several centuries.
  • African Art – Historic and traditional objects, sculptures, textiles, and ceremonial pieces from across the African continent.
  • Modern & Contemporary Art – Paintings, mixed media, photography, and installations that show how art has evolved into the present day.
  • Decorative Arts & Design – Furniture, ceramics, glass, and design objects, often highlighting innovation in everyday objects.

Locals often enjoy revisiting the permanent galleries because the High rotates what’s on view, pulling different pieces from its collection over time.

Special Exhibitions

The High regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that can feature:

  • Major national or international touring shows
  • Fashion, photography, design, or pop-culture-related themes
  • Focused exhibitions on a single artist or movement

These exhibitions are a big draw for Atlantans; certain blockbusters may require:

  • Timed-entry tickets
  • Advance reservations for peak days

If you’re planning a visit around a specific show, it’s smart to check current exhibition details, dates, and any special ticketing requirements before you go.

Hours, Tickets, and Membership Basics

Museum hours and ticket policies can change, but typical patterns are fairly consistent. It’s helpful to think in terms of: general hours, admission options, and discounts/free days.

Typical Visit Timing

Common visiting patterns:

  • Weekdays: Often quieter, good for those who prefer less crowded galleries.
  • Weekends: Busier, especially mid-day and for special exhibitions.
  • Evenings: On certain days, the museum may stay open later, making it a convenient after-work or after-dinner option for Midtown residents and office workers.

Always verify the current hours of operation and holiday schedule before heading out, as they can vary.

Admission and Tickets

The High usually offers:

  • General admission tickets that include most galleries
  • Separate or timed tickets may be required for some special exhibitions
  • Youth/child pricing
  • Senior, military, or student discounts, often with valid ID

You can typically:

  • Purchase tickets on-site at the box office, or
  • Buy tickets in advance, which can help avoid lines, especially at peak times

Free and Discounted Entry Options

Atlanta residents often look for ways to visit the High more affordably. Common local options (subject to change) can include:

  • Library museum passes: Some branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and nearby county library systems offer family museum passes that can be checked out like a book, providing free or discounted entry on a specific day.
  • Bank/customer discount programs: Certain financial institutions and companies occasionally partner with museums, offering free or reduced admission on designated days.
  • College/University partnerships: Students at Atlanta-area schools may have reduced rates or special access with a valid student ID.

Because specific programs change over time, it’s smart to:

  • Call the museum at (404) 733-4400, or
  • Ask at your local Atlanta-area public library about any current museum pass programs

Membership for Locals

If you live in Atlanta and plan to go more than once or twice a year, a High Museum membership is often a cost-effective option. Memberships typically include:

  • Free general admission for a full year
  • Discounted or early access to special exhibitions
  • Invitations or discounts for member events, talks, or previews
  • Discounts in the museum shop and sometimes at the café

Many Atlanta families, couples, and individuals use membership as a way to make the High a regular part of their leisure routine.

How Long to Spend at the High Museum

Your visit can be as short or as in-depth as you’d like:

  • Quick visit (1–1.5 hours):
    • Focus on one floor or one collection (for example, only Modern & Contemporary, or just the African art galleries).
  • Standard visit (2–3 hours):
    • See a special exhibition plus highlights from the permanent collection.
    • Take a short break at the café or outside sculpture areas if open.
  • Extended visit (half-day):
    • Explore multiple sections, read wall texts more deeply, and attend a tour or program if available.

Families with children sometimes prefer shorter segments or plan a break in Midtown—perhaps lunch nearby or time at a park—before returning or heading home.

Family-Friendly Features and Kids’ Activities

The High Museum is designed to be welcoming to families and children.

What Makes It Good for Kids

Common kid-friendly features include:

  • Interactive or hands-on elements in certain galleries or dedicated areas
  • Family-focused programming such as weekend art-making activities, story times, or themed tours
  • School break and summer offerings that may include camps or structured workshops

Parents in Atlanta often appreciate:

  • Stroller-friendly access and elevators
  • Clear signage and open spaces that make it easier to navigate with younger children
  • Opportunities to introduce kids to art in a low-pressure way

Tip: 🎨 If you’re bringing younger kids, plan for breaks and pick a few must-see galleries rather than trying to see everything in one go.

Events, Programs, and Community Connections

The High Museum functions as more than just galleries on display—it’s also a community hub in Midtown.

Regular Programs

Throughout the year, the museum commonly hosts:

  • Artist talks and lectures
  • Guided tours, sometimes themed around specific exhibitions or topics
  • Film screenings, performances, or multi-arts events in collaboration with other organizations in the Woodruff Arts Center complex
  • Teen and youth programs, which can be especially attractive for local middle and high school students interested in art

These programs make the museum a recurring destination, especially for Atlanta residents who want deeper engagement beyond a single visit.

Special Events and Nights

Depending on the season, the High may host:

  • Evening events featuring music, food, and art activities
  • Themed nights appealing to young professionals or specific communities
  • Seasonal celebrations tied to particular exhibitions or holidays

For locals, these events can be an appealing option for date nights or a social evening in Midtown that’s different from a standard bar or restaurant outing.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

The High makes an effort to be accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Common accessibility features include:

  • Wheelchair access to galleries and restrooms
  • Elevator access between floors
  • Availability of wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Support for visitors with visual or hearing needs during certain programs and tours

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, it’s helpful to:

  • Call ahead at (404) 733-4400 to ask about available accommodations
  • Check whether any sensory-friendly programs or quiet hours are listed for upcoming dates

Atlanta families and caretakers often find it helpful to plan around less crowded times if visiting with someone who prefers a calmer environment.

Food, Shopping, and Nearby Midtown Attractions

A visit to the High doesn’t have to be limited to walking through galleries. The immediate area offers several ways to extend your day.

On-Site Amenities

Inside or adjacent to the museum, you can typically find:

  • A museum café or dining area serving light meals, coffee, and snacks
  • A museum shop featuring art books, prints, design objects, and kid-friendly items

These can be convenient if you want to:

  • Take a break between galleries
  • Pick up a thoughtful gift or souvenir related to Atlanta’s art scene

Walkable Midtown Options

Within a short walk of the High Museum, you’ll find:

  • Numerous restaurants and cafes along Peachtree Street and surrounding blocks
  • Other arts institutions at the Woodruff Arts Center
  • Easy access to Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and other neighborhoods via MARTA or short rideshare trips

For many visitors, an ideal Midtown day might include:

  1. A morning or afternoon at the High Museum of Art
  2. A meal at a nearby Midtown restaurant
  3. A show at the Alliance Theatre or concert at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (depending on schedules)

When the High Museum Is a Good Choice for You

The High Museum of Art fits a wide range of needs for both visitors and locals in Atlanta:

  • First-time visitors to Atlanta
    • A central, transit-accessible cultural attraction that gives you a sense of Atlanta’s creative side.
  • Atlanta residents
    • A go-to spot for regular cultural outings, family visits, and special events.
  • Families with children
    • A manageable introduction to art, with programming geared to various age groups.
  • Students and educators
    • A resource for art history, design, and creative inspiration, with potential access to group visits or educational support.

If you’re building an Atlanta itinerary or simply looking for things to do in Midtown, the High Museum of Art is one of the city’s most reliable choices for a meaningful, flexible, and locally rooted experience.