List of museums in Atlanta facts for kids
Atlanta is a big city in Georgia, and it's full of amazing places to learn and explore! This list will tell you all about the museums in Atlanta. Museums are special places that collect and take care of interesting objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. They let everyone come and see these collections and learn new things.
This list includes museums right in Atlanta and in nearby areas like Druid Hills and Hapeville, which is close to Atlanta's airport. If you want to find museums in other parts of Georgia, you can check out the List of museums in Georgia (U.S. state).
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Explore Atlanta's Museums
Atlanta has many different kinds of museums. You can find places dedicated to art, history, science, and even fun topics like puppets or Coca-Cola!
Art and Creativity Museums
Atlanta's art museums showcase everything from ancient treasures to modern masterpieces.
High Museum of Art: A Top Art Spot
The High Museum of Art is one of the most important art museums in the Southeast. It's located in Midtown Atlanta. This museum has a huge collection of art from different times and places. You can see American art from the 1800s and 1900s, European art, and even art from Africa. They also have cool traveling exhibits that change often.
Michael C. Carlos Museum: Ancient Wonders
At Michael C. Carlos Museum, you can travel back in time! This museum, located in Druid Hills, has the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast. You can see amazing artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They also have art from the ancient Americas and Africa.
Center for Puppetry Arts: World of Puppets
The Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown Atlanta is a super fun place! It's all about puppets from different countries and times. You can see puppets from famous shows and learn how they are made and used.
Other Art Museums to Discover
- Atlanta Contemporary Art Center: This center in West Midtown shows modern art from local, national, and international artists.
- Callanwolde Fine Arts Center: Located in Druid Hills, this center has a gallery that features art by local artists.
- Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia: In Buckhead, this museum keeps a collection of modern art by artists from Georgia.
- Museum of Design Atlanta: Also in Midtown, this is the only design museum in the Southeast. It explores design in architecture, products, and fashion.
- Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking: Found in Midtown Atlanta, this museum teaches you about the science of making paper. You can even try making your own paper!
History and Heritage Museums
Learn about Atlanta's past, important people, and major events at these historical sites.
Atlanta History Center: Step Back in Time
The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead tells the story of Atlanta and Georgia. It has exhibits about the Civil War and the Centennial Olympic Games. You can also explore historic homes on its grounds.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: A Civil Rights Journey
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the Old Fourth Ward is a very important place. It covers the American Civil Rights Movement and honors Dr. King. You can see his childhood home, the church where he preached, and his final resting place.
Jimmy Carter Library and Museum: Presidential History
The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Poncey-Highland is a presidential library. It holds papers and exhibits about President Jimmy Carter and his family's life. You can learn about his time as president and his work for peace.
Historic Homes and Special Collections
- Herndon Home: Located in the West End, this historic house belonged to Alonzo Franklin Herndon. He was born into slavery and became Atlanta's first black millionaire.
- Margaret Mitchell House & Museum: In Midtown Atlanta, this museum is about the life of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell.
- Swan House: A beautiful 1920s–1930s mansion in Buckhead, operated by the Atlanta History Center.
- Tullie Smith House: An 1840 plantation farmhouse in Buckhead, also operated by the Atlanta History Center.
- Wren's Nest: In the West End, this was the home of Joel Chandler Harris, who wrote the Tales of Uncle Remus.
African American Heritage
- APEX Museum: In Sweet Auburn, this museum highlights the contributions of African Americans to the United States and the world.
- The Breman Museum: In Midtown Atlanta, this museum focuses on Jewish history, especially in Georgia, and the the Holocaust.
- Hammonds House Museum: Located in the West End, this museum celebrates African American fine art and the culture of the African diaspora.
Science and Discovery Museums
Explore the natural world, space, and how things work.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs and More
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Druid Hills is a fantastic place to learn about natural history and how our planet developed. You can see huge dinosaur skeletons and explore different ecosystems.
Fernbank Science Center: Stars and Forests
Also in Druid Hills, the Fernbank Science Center has a Planetarium where you can watch shows about space. It also has a telescope for looking at stars and the beautiful Fernbank Forest, a large natural forest.
David J. Sencer CDC Museum: Public Health Stories
The David J. Sencer CDC Museum in Druid Hills teaches about public health issues. It's operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fun and Unique Museums
Atlanta also has museums that are just plain fun or cover very specific topics!
Children's Museum of Atlanta: Play and Learn
The Children's Museum of Atlanta in Luckie Marietta is perfect for younger kids, but older kids can still enjoy the interactive exhibits. It's all about learning through play.
World of Coca-Cola: A Sweet History
The World of Coca-Cola in Luckie Marietta is a popular spot. You can learn all about the history of Coca-Cola and see lots of memorabilia. And yes, you can taste different Coca-Cola products from around the world!
Delta Flight Museum: Aviation Adventures
At the Delta Flight Museum in Hapeville, you can explore the history of Delta Air Lines and aviation. You'll see real aircraft and learn about how planes have changed over time.
College Football Hall of Fame: Sports Heroes
The College Football Hall of Fame in Luckie Marietta celebrates amazing college football players from all over the country. If you love sports, this is a great place to visit!
Defunct Museums
Sometimes museums close or move. The Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum closed in 2015. Its famous cyclorama painting, which is a huge circular painting, is now at the Atlanta History Center.