The Atlanta History Center is a 33-acre museum and more located amid the gorgeous estates of Buckhead in Atlanta. It offers something for everyone and includes several sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time and experience everything from permanent and traveling exhibitions to historic houses to stunning gardens.
Parking and public transportation at the Atlanta History Center
Complimentary parking is available next to the grounds in Buckhead. For public transportation, take the MARTA train to the Buckhead Station on the Red Line; transfer to the Southbound #110 Peachtree Street bus; exit the bus where Peachtree Street and Roswell Road fork together, then make a right on West Paces Ferry Road and proceed west two blocks.
Best and worst time to go to the Atlanta History Center
The gardens are a wonderful part of a visit here, so going during spring/summer/fall months is recommended. As with other tourist attractions, this becomes busier during spring break and holidays.
Admission to the Atlanta History Center
Admission is free for members and children under four. Paid admission ($11 to $16.50) includes access to the Atlanta History Museum, the Centennial Olympic Games Museum, the Smith Family Farm, the Swan House and the gardens. Admission to the Margaret Mitchell House, the former home of the author of Gone With the Wind, in Midtown is included if visited within nine days of the Atlanta History Center. Tours at multiple spots are offered for an additional fee.
Must see/do at the Atlanta History Center
Visit the American Civil War exhibition, one of the largest in the country. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Down the Fairway with Bobby Jones exhibition in addition to the Centennial Olympic Games Museum in the Fentener van Vlissingen Family Wing, which features the complete collection of Olympic torches and medals along with highlights of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Other places to visit near the Atlanta History Center
With the prime Buckhead location, there are limitless possibilities for shopping, such as Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza along with restaurants, galleries, spas and entertainment galore.
Insider tip for visitors to the Atlanta History Center
Spend the extra $10 on the Capital Tour of the Swan House (offered Monday - Saturday at 4pm), a breathtaking Southern mansion which was featured in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Be sure to chat with the interpreters who help bring the history of the venue to life. Don't miss out on the tea sandwiches at the Swan Coach House when you're ready for a bite.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
The Millennium Gate serves as a transition, one you notice, between the lakeside row of residences and the boutiques and commercial offices in Atlantic Station. Made of Indiana limestone, the gate extends 100 feet in the air from the three-acre Lake Hylia, and 82 feet from 17th St. Outside, the Romanesque architecture and iron tables and chairs create the feeling of a European plaza. Inside the gate, is a 12,000-square-foot museum with three historically-decorated rooms. The museum features exhibits that highlight Georgia history, architecture, culture and philanthropy.
The Hammonds House Museum was established in 1988 to increase awareness of creative works by people of African descent. According to museum officials, some 10,000 individuals visit the site annually.
Activities at the Hammonds House include lectures, workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions, youth programming and special art showings and events. In addition to regular events, the museum hosts four or five major exhibitions every year.
The museum is the former residence of the late Dr. Otis Hammonds, an Atlanta anesthesiologist and arts collector who died in the mid-1980s.