Location: Atlanta
Top Things to do in Atlanta
What to do and see in Atlanta, Georgia (GA): The Best Art Museums
Atlanta has been dubbed everything from the "capital of the new South" and "the next international city" to "the best place to do business." It's also a great place to visit. Fueled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, the prestige of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the energy of young upwardly mobile types who have migrated to the city in droves - Atlanta is on fire. And this time it's a good thing. From world-class restaurants and a myriad of cultural attractions to a hip nightlife and sporting events galore, the city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. But Atlanta has also managed to maintain its historic character. Stop by the Atlanta History Center or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, a moving tribute to an American icon. Browse through the former home of famous author Margaret Mitchell or pop into the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum for details on the life and times of the former president and his family. Whether you choose modern urban endeavors or old southern pleasures, Atlanta will not disappoint.
Restaurants in Atlanta
1. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,110 reviews
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects The American Civil Rights Movement to today's Global Human Rights Movements. The Center features four immersive and thought-provoking exhibit spaces, including a continually rotating gallery of items from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, where visitors can view the personal papers and items of Dr. King. The Center also provides designated event spaces and educational programs inspiring visitors to join the ongoing dialogue about contemporary movements for human rights around the world. 3/2/2020 - Closing at 3pm (Last ticket at 2pm).
Reviewed By Olde_biL - Markham, Canada
Our visit to the National Center for Human and Civil rights near Centennial Olympic Park completed our trifecta of civil rights themed museum visits during our one full day visit to Atlanta. (This was our second visit to Atlanta and our first without our children.) It proved a valuble complement to what we learned and experienced at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site. Admission to the center was more than the free for the MLK Jr. Historic site and the $8/adult for the presidential library. Nonetheless, it provides a powerful experience and the lunch counter simulation itself was worth more than the price of admission. Caution, this latter is not for the very young as cautioned by the posted signage. The simulation includes a reproduction of a lunch counter at which protesters would sit. The participant takes a stool and puts on a headset, places hands palms down on the counter, and closes their eyes. The sounds and jolting movement of the stool over about a minute and a half provide the merest taste of what young protesters must have endured. I emerged deeply affected, both marveling at the courage of the protesters and angry at the need. Most of the museum exhibits are well executed and interactive. Right from first exhibit hall is "Rolls Down Like Water", it houses the lunch counter but starts with Atlanta of the 50's, with interactive features such as the sign board upon which users choose the jurisdiction from which to display Jim Crow laws. The exhibit moves forward through time with displays covering the bus boycott, the freedom riders, notorious figures such as Bull Connor, and continuing through the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The museum isn't exclusively about the American Civil Rights movement. The "Spark of Conviction" on the 3rd floor houses a series of interactive mirrors that users can approach and select from a number of real individuals from around the world to hear their story. The objective is to allow an individual to choose someone that is like them in some way. Other exhibits work similarly and provide multi-sensory ways to interact and convey more than just facts about the struggle for civil and human rights. We spent more than two hours going through the museum. I feel better educated but also with a desire to return after doing more personal research and being better prepared to comprehend the material.
2. The Patch Works Art & History Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
The Patch Works Art & History Center is a unique, community-based, nonprofit charity operating in Cabbagetown, Atlanta. The organization is dedicated to preserving, sustaining, and maintaining the historical identity of Atlanta's Cabbagetown through exhibits of history, local art, and community-based public programs and events. Due to the pandemic, the brick-and-mortar museum will be closed until further notice. Nonetheless, The Patch Works is revamping its website in order to create a virtual experience similar to its museum. The updated site will offer — among other things — self-guided walking tours, exhibits, live streaming events, music performances, and educational workshops. Please contact us if you wish to know more about what The Patch Works will be offering during this temporary closure.
3. TFTI Atlanta - Interactive Photo Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Looking for perfect selfie experience in Atlanta? TFTI invites you to our ultimate immersive pop-up photo experience. Now open for a limited time engagement for the summer at Lenox Square in Atlanta. Explore over 12+ curated rooms for fun photos — ranging in theme from an Upside Down Room to Mirror Room to a Whimsical Room — and many more. Tickets must be purchased online at TFTI.com
4. Michael C. Carlos Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
The Carlos Museum is one of the Southeast's premier ancient art museums with major collections of art objects from ancient Egypt, Nubia, Near East, Greece, Rome, ancient Americas, Africa, and Asia, as well as a collection of works on paper from the Renaissance to the present.
Reviewed By mariagZ1086JM - Dunwoody, United States
Whenever I am around Emory add an event I always go to the Carlos Museum. I loved the Hindu culture exhibit. I also love the gift shop. It’s reasonably priced and has a very unique items of jewelry based on their collections. Everyone is very friendly. Don’t miss the mummies.
5. Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
6. Museum of Design Atlanta
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By KirkS140 - Atlanta, United States
MODA is so different from your standard art museum fare. If you are only interested in the art of Picasso or Monet, this isn’t your cup of tea, but if you find beauty in the objects around you and want to learn more about how they are designed and made, this place should be on your list. It’s a great add-on to a day at the High, which is right across the street, or can be a stand alone activity while out in Atlanta.
7. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia
8. Nickelodeon Slime City
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 7 reviews
Discover Nickelodeon's slime-filled adventure throughout a unique 20,000 square-foot space featuring an array of insta-worthy, slime-tastic moments for kids of all ages. Plus, you and your guests will have the opportunity to create your own gooey Slime concoction and receive Nickelodeon's ultimate honor - getting slimed!
9. Ancient African History Museum
At the Ancient African History Museum, we aspire to bring the hidden history of Africa to life! As a small museum, we focus on prehistoric through medieval periods of African history. We are devoted to displaying unique and diverse art forms that tell or contributes to a story.
10. ZuCot Gallery
ZuCot is a full-service art company focused on promoting original art pieces by living African American Artists. Located in downtown Atlanta, in a modern facility that is designed to house some of the most prolific artists of our generation. The gallery offers exclusive art exhibits, unique art tasting experiences, fun activities for kids and an incredible addition to your trip to Atlanta.
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