Explore Atlanta

A Guide to Atlanta's Museums and Historical Sites

A gallery in the Center for Civil and Human Rights' American civil rights exhibit

(©Albert Vecerka-Esto)

Michelle Khouri
July 14, 2017

Atlanta's attractions, museums and historical sites are as diverse as the city digging into topics like contemporary art, the American Civil Rights movement, local history, ocean conservation, papermaking and everything in between. A quick way to score tickets to these and other top Atlanta destinations is with CityPASS, which offers admission to the city's most popular attractions at a reduced rate rolled into one ticket price. Use this handy guide like a cultural à la carte menu—pick and choose the stops that suit your interests.

Atlanta History Center

The center includes the Atlanta History Museum, the Cyclorama, the Centennial Olympic Games Museum, two historic homes (the Swan House and the Smith Family Farm), a research center and 33 acres of gardens. Open daily. Tickets: adults $21.50, seniors and students $18, ages 4-12 $9, children under 4 free.

William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum

This is one of USA Today's 10 best museums in Atlanta. Here, you'll find exhibitions about the Holocaust, Jewish arts and culture, and the history of Atlanta's Jewish community. Learn about contributions Jewish people have made to Atlanta from 1845 to the present. Su-Th 10 am-5 pm, F 10 am-4 pm.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Built in 1920 for the oldest son of Coca-Cola Company founder, Asa Candler, this Gothic-tudor mansion is now a community arts center. Open M-Sa. An upstairs gallery presents changing exhibits. Art gallery open M-Th 9 am-5 pm, F-Sa 9 am-noon.

Center for Puppetry Arts

After a recent expansion, the nation's largest private organization dedicated to puppetry arts is now home to the world's largest collection of original Muppets from the Henson Foundation.

Children's Museum of Atlanta

This museum allows children to build and launch a rocket, paint a masterpiece, construct a house, explore robotics, and even climb through the Earth’s core. Hands-on play and exploratory learning get your child's gears turning in new ways.

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Upon entering this high-tech attraction, visitors come face to face with a wall of 768 college football helmets. Exploring this massive college football shrine’s three stories lands visitors on a 45-yard indoor football field and sitting in Georgia’s only 4K movie theater, among many other interactive activities.

David J. Sencer CDC Museum

This unique museum features award-winning exhibitions that focus on a variety of public health topics, as well as the history of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Four temporary exhibitions—each related to the CDC’s work—are mounted each year. M-F, 9 am-5 pm, open Th until 7 pm. Free admission.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Experience a world of adventure filled with dinosaurs, live animals, cultural artifacts and hands-on science explorations. Take a walk on the wild side as you explore 75 acres of new outdoor nature adventures in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring awareness and preservation of the ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.

Hammonds House Museum

The former home of Dr. Otis T. Hammonds, a notable black anesthesiologist, this is the only public museum in Atlanta dedicated exclusively to the collection, exhibition and study of the fine arts of the African diaspora and Africa. W-F 10 am-6 pm, Sa-Su 1-5 pm.

High Museum of Art

Designed in 1983 by Richard Meier, the High was named one of the 10 best works of American architecture of the 1980s by the American Institute of Architects. Italian Architect Renzo Piano’s expansion in 2005 doubled the size of the space while maintaining the minimalist look.

Jimmy Carter Library Museum

This museum details President Carter’s life, including his Navy career and the work both he and Rosalynn have done since leaving the White House. The replica of the Oval Office is a must-see. Check website for special events and exhibits. Tickets: adults $12; seniors, students and military $10, ages 16 and under free.

The King Center

The official memorial dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibits illustrate his life and teachings; highlights include Freedom Hall and The Eternal Flame. The King Center Library, archives, King’s final resting place, a gift shop and other facilities are also on-site. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Free admission.

Margaret Mitchell House

The restored home of “Gone With the Wind” author Margaret Mitchell showcases furniture, letters and memorabilia from Mitchell’s life. Tours M-Sa 10 am-5:30 pm, Su noon-5:30 pm. Adults $13, seniors and students $10, children 4-12 $5.50, ages 3 and under free.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

The area, run by the National Parks Service, is home to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Birth Home, and more. All of the attractions offer free admission; call for individual hours. Highlights and Tips:

Michael C. Carlos Museum

This Emory University museum focuses on art and objects from ancient civilizations. “Ancient Egypt, Nubian and the Near Eastern Art” features mummies and ancient artifacts; additional collections include Greek and Roman, Ancient America and Works on Paper. Tu-F 10 am-4 pm, Sa 10 am-5 pm, Su noon-5 pm. Tours Su at 2 pm.

Millennium Gate Museum

This triumphal arch celebrates Georgia's history, legendary families and peaceful accomplishments with a 12,000-square-foot gallery and several period rooms. Open M-Sa 10 am-5 pm.

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

MODA is the only museum in the Southeast dedicated exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design. Formed in 1989 as the Atlanta International Museum of Art & Design, MODA's mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of design.

Oakland Cemetery

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and regarded as one of the finest Victorian cemeteries in the U.S., the 48-acre Oakland Cemetery is a showplace of sculpture and architecture, a botanical preserve and a quiet retreat.

Oglethorpe University Museum of Art

7,000 square foot museum that presents three major and several smaller exhibitions each year, featuring art work which is international, representational, figurative, and spiritual in nature. Tu-Su noon-5 pm. Adults $5, children under 12 free.

World of Coca-Cola

Explore the story of the world’s best-known brand. Visitors will see a functioning bottling line, watch a 4D movie and taste more than 100 different beverages from around the world. Open daily. Tickets: $13-$17; ages 2 and under free.

Wren's Nest House Museum

Atlanta’s oldest house museum was the home of Joel Chandler Harris, known for the tales of Brer Rabbit in "The Uncle Remus Tales." Sa-Su 10 am-3 pm; storytelling Sa at 1 pm. Adults $10; children, seniors, students $8.