Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA): A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Design Museum

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is one of the city’s most unique cultural spots, focused entirely on how design shapes everyday life. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting Midtown, or just want to understand what MODA offers, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to visit, and how to make the most of your time there.

Where MODA Is and How to Get There

Location
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
1315 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

MODA sits directly across from Piedmont Park and the High Museum of Art, in the heart of Midtown’s arts district. It’s easy to include MODA as part of a full Midtown day that might also include the Woodruff Arts Center, Colony Square, and a stroll through the park.

Getting There by MARTA

MODA is one of the more transit-friendly museums in Atlanta:

• Rail: Take MARTA’s Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station.
• From the station, it’s roughly a 5–10 minute walk south along Peachtree Street.
• Look for the cluster of arts buildings near the High Museum—MODA is on Peachtree Street NE, ground level.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Use the Midtown arts district garages, often shared by the High Museum and nearby offices.
• Street parking is sometimes available on nearby side streets, but can be limited during peak hours or special events.
• Plan a little extra time for parking on weekends, holidays, and major events in Midtown.

What Makes MODA Different from Other Atlanta Museums

Unlike history or art museums, MODA focuses specifically on design—how people intentionally shape products, systems, and spaces.

You’re more likely to see exhibits about:

• Graphic design and branding
• Architecture and urban planning
• Industrial and product design
• Fashion and textile design
• Digital, interactive, and UX design
• Social impact and sustainable design

Rather than just displaying beautiful objects, exhibits often explore how design solves problems—from making cities more walkable to reducing waste or improving access to technology.

This makes MODA especially appealing if you’re:

• Curious about how cities like Atlanta are planned and built
• Working in tech, architecture, marketing, or creative fields
• Raising kids or teens interested in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math)
• Looking for a museum that feels hands-on, modern, and idea-driven

What to Expect During a Visit

Size and Experience

MODA is smaller than large institutions like the High Museum or the Atlanta History Center. Many visitors find they can comfortably see the main exhibition in about 60–90 minutes, depending on how much time they spend at interactive stations.

Inside, you’ll typically find:

• One main rotating exhibition that fills most of the space
• Interactive elements—design challenges, screens, drawing or building stations
• Occasional workshop or lecture areas used for scheduled programs

Because the focus is on rotating exhibitions, what you see changes throughout the year. Locals often return when a new show opens.

Atmosphere

• The vibe is usually quiet but relaxed, with staff and volunteers available to answer questions.
• You’ll often see a mix of design professionals, college students, families, and tourists.
• Exhibits tend to be visually engaging and approachable, even if you don’t have a design background.

Typical Hours, Admission, and Membership

Hours and prices can change, but many visitors find MODA:

• Open on most weekdays and weekends, with at least one later evening or event night on some schedules.
• Closed on some major holidays.

For the most accurate details, it’s wise to check the museum directly before you go, especially if you’re planning a group visit or coming from outside the Perimeter.

Common Admission Structure

You can generally expect categories like:

• Adults
• Students and educators
• Children and teens
• Seniors
• Members (free admission)
• Occasional discounts (for groups, military, or specific community days)

MODA also participates at times in local programs that may offer reduced or free admission days, which can be especially useful if you’re exploring Atlanta on a budget.

Programs, Classes, and Events at MODA

One of MODA’s strengths is its programming, especially for people who want to go beyond just walking through exhibits.

For Kids and Families

Families in Atlanta often look to MODA for educational but fun activities, particularly for children who enjoy tinkering or creating.

You might find:

• Design-focused camps during school breaks and summers
• Weekend family workshops that introduce basic design thinking
• Hands-on activities like building, prototyping, or simple coding, depending on the current exhibit

These programs can be especially helpful if you’re looking for screen-light learning experiences that still feel modern and relevant.

For Teens and Students

High school and college students interested in creative careers often use MODA as:

• Inspiration for portfolios (architecture, graphic design, product design)
• A place to see real-world design projects and case studies
• A starting point for understanding Atlanta’s broader design scene

Teachers and professors in the metro area sometimes coordinate field trips here, especially for STEAM, art, and technology courses.

For Adults and Professionals

Atlanta’s creative community often uses MODA as a hub for:

• Lectures and talks with designers, architects, and innovators
• Panel discussions on urban development, sustainability, and tech
• Workshops on topics like UX design, data visualization, or creative problem-solving

If you work in or around design, marketing, architecture, tech, or product development, MODA can be a useful networking and inspiration space.

How MODA Fits into a Midtown Atlanta Day

Because of its location and size, MODA is easy to pair with other things to do in Midtown.

Sample Midtown Design-Focused Itinerary

You can also combine MODA with:

• A quick trip on MARTA to Downtown for Centennial Olympic Park or the Georgia Aquarium.
• A longer city walk using the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, accessible from the Piedmont Park area.

Who Will Enjoy MODA the Most?

MODA is especially appealing if you:

• Like modern, concept-driven exhibits more than traditional art or artifact displays
• Enjoy hands-on or interactive learning
• Want to introduce kids or teens to design, problem-solving, and creativity
• Are a designer, tech worker, or architect looking for local inspiration
• Are visiting Atlanta and want something different from standard tourist stops

People looking only for historical artifacts or large permanent collections might find MODA smaller than expected, but many visitors appreciate its sharp focus and rotating exhibits.

Practical Tips for Visiting MODA

Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to make your visit smoother:

• Check the current exhibition before you go. Because MODA rotates shows, what you’ll see can be completely different from a previous visit.
• ⏱️ Plan 1–2 hours for the museum itself, longer if you combine it with other Midtown arts stops.
• 🚇 Use MARTA if you want to avoid Midtown parking hassles, especially on busy weekends.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 If visiting with kids, look for family days or workshops that align with their age and interests.
• 🗓️ If you’re local, consider membership if you expect to attend multiple exhibits or events throughout the year.

Contacting MODA and Staying Updated

For the latest information on:

• Current and upcoming exhibitions
• Hours and holiday closures
• Admission prices, discounts, and membership
• Programs, camps, and workshops

You can contact or visit:

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
1315 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: Commonly listed as a Midtown business line; you can confirm the current number through local directory assistance or the museum’s official channels.

Keeping an eye on MODA’s updates is especially useful for Atlanta residents, since the museum’s focus and exhibits evolve regularly, making it a place you can return to several times a year and have a different experience each time.