If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Atlanta has been called the “capital of the new south.” It’s growth is driven, in part, by huge companies such as Holiday Inn and Coca Cola. You can find all the modern entertainment venues of sporting events, nightclubs, and world-class restaurants. However, even the progression of this great city can not take the history of Atlanta away. It’s cultural value remains in much of it’s architecture, historical museums and the southern charm of its residents. There is a lot to learn about Atlanta’s history. They’ve saved artifacts, pictures and sites from the past for your education and enjoyment.Atlanta History Center is more than a museum that follows Georgians through the civil war. The 33 acre site includes 2 historical houses to tour, gardens and the swan woods trail through the forest. You can easily spend between 3 and 4 hours exploring or reserve the guided tour when you first arrive. Take a break and have lunch at their southern restaurant, the Swan Coach House. You are not allowed photos indoors, but can shoot the beautiful site outdoors.

Jimmy Carter Library and Museum freezes, in time, the oval office during the era of President Carter’s Administration. Learn things about his private life as well as the inside working of his presidency. Read correspondence as read by the president. View photos and documents that will take you back to the highlight of Jimmy Carter’s life and fully view his tireless effort for human rights.

Margaret Mitchell House and Museum honors the woman who wrote the famous book of Atlanta, “Gone with the Wind.” On the 90 minute guided tour you will learn about the life of the author, the writing of the book and the making of the movie. Margaret Mitchell was an Irish catholic girl who married an alcoholic abuser thought to be the inspiration for the character, Rhett Butler in her book. She is rumored to have a blood relation to Doc Holliday of the OK Corral fame. Ms. Mitchell’s house is also a center for literature of the south. Author readings and signings are held here. Adult writing classes and programs are offered as well. If this interests you call to check their schedule.

New World of Coca Cola museum and factory will start you out with the history of Coca Cola through early advertisement memorabilia dating back to 1905. Enjoy the cute documentary in the Happiness Factory Theater. When the movie is finished, it rolls up to reveal a museum hub where guests may linger as they please. The Bottle Works display is a mini fully functioning factory producing 8 ounce bottles of Coca Cola. This museum is fun for oldsters to remember Coke way-back-when and for youngsters to realize how long this company has been around.  photo credit: biskuit

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums in the United States. Before you begin to explore the contents of this museum you will be mesmerized by the architecture of the building with it’s brick atrium, spiraling staircases and enormous columns. There are wonders to behold within this treasure trove such as the largest dinosaur skeleton ever found, recreated landscapes of a swamp, a cave and a marsh. Don’t miss the “Walk Through Time in Georgia.” With their “kids section” it makes a terrific outing for the whole family. The location is a bit out of the way, but don’t let that denture you from this adventure.

High Museum of Art is housed in another spectacular building designed by architect Richard Meier. Take a panoramic view of all the exhibits from the four story glass atrium. The museum offers 11,000 permanent pieces of art, photography and exhibits.
Enjoy original pieces by Monet, Wyeth and John Singer Sargent. Check their schedule for changing shows of interest.

Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum is like seeing a movie in a painting. Before movie theaters were thought of, in the 1880s, cyclorama’s were painted. You will be mesmerized by the 42-foot cylinder-shaped painting of the 1864 Atlanta battle. To make it a complete experience, the museum has added sound effects, music and narration. If you are a Civil War buff you will love this and the rest of the artifacts. A great history lesson for children. This museum is located in Grants Park, near the zoo.

Children’s Art Museum is interactive everything. And isn’t that what a children’s museum should be. Kid’s learn best by doing. The creators of this institution knew that. Children will work and play in a ceramic studio, a black-box theater, puppet theater and there are a bunch of kaleidoscopes to peer through. Most Saturdays include a Black Box live performance, check the museums schedule. The minimal $5 entrance fee covers the Children’s Art Museum, the entire Hudgens Center of the Arts and the Weeks Sculpture Garden. It is located across from the Centennial Olympic Park and just on the other side of the Coca Cola Museum.

National Museum of Patriotism is not a political museum. It touts the truths of the great nations created by our ancestors to the country we are today and the hope of tomorrow. This museum is not only informative, but interactive as well - don’t we love that. Form your own view about what American patriotism really means. The Hall of Patriots honors people in uniform and civil patriots. The Immigrant Experience relates the contributions by immigrants. In Defense of Freedom tells the stories of each branch of the military. One America is a tribute to the brave Americans of September 11th.

Museums in Atlanta

Wherever your interests lead you, there is sure to be an Atlanta museum or historical site to engage your curiosity. Whether you decide to relive the Civil War, peruse famous pieces of art or teach your child about science these experiences will be the making of memories you will want to visit time and again.

Tags: atlanta | children | family | georgia | museums