Whether you are a lifelong resident or just in town for a visit, Atlanta has a lot to offer and enjoy. Culturally, the city is known for its diversity and showcases some of the best exhibits in the nation. Here are the top five museums to explore:
High Museum of Art – The High Museum sits on Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Street and is one of the most visited art museums in the United States. On any given visit, patrons may find anything from a Monet to Chinese Terracotta warriors.
The museum pulled off a major coup when they negotiated a deal with the Louvre in Paris to share some of its prized art over the course of three years (Oct. 2006-Sept. 2009). According to a museum press release, over 1.3 million visitors viewed the Louvre exhibits.
Shortly after the current High Museum building was built in 1983 it was featured in the Michael Mann film, “Manhunter,” starring William Petersen (CSI) as Will Graham and Brian Cox as Hannibal Lecter. The film was later remade as “Red Dragon” with Edward Norton and Anthony Hopkins.
Visit them at: http://www.high.org
Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Science Center – If you were a student in the Atlanta area as a child, you no doubt made at least one trek to Fernbank’s impressive planetarium. Even today, on Thursday and Friday nights, you can look at the stars and planets at the Observatory.
The Ferbank Museum as a great date place? It’s true! Every Friday night they host “Martinis & Imax,” widely regarded as one of the best places to take a first date in Atlanta. Sip on drinks underneath a towering Brontosaurus skeleton while you’re listening to the tunes of a live band and then head upstairs to take in an Imax movie.
Visit them at: http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/
Atlanta History Center – The AHC houses the largest personal collection of Civil War memorabilia in the Southeast. It is located on the beautifully tree lined West Paces Ferry with some of the biggest and beautiful homes in Atlanta. The Governor’s Mansion is just a block away. Guest Lecturers have included prominent historians such as Doris Kearns Goodwin and Michael Beschloss.
Visit them at : http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/
The Georgia Aquarium – Opened in 2005, largely due to the passion and backing of Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the world. Over 500 species reside in the aquarium, including beluga whales and rare whale sharks. A dolphin exhibit opened this year that is sure to delight kids of all ages and Jeff Corwin just filmed a show there on the mysteries of the oceans.
Visit them at: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
World of Coca-Cola – Coca-cola is celebrating its 125 year anniversary, making this the perfect time to visit this museum dedicated to the number one brand in the world. Originally opened in 1990 next to Underground Atlanta, the museum moved three years ago to a prime spot next to the Georgia Aquarium and the northern edge of Centennial Olympic Park. Experience their exhilarating 4D theater, see original memorabilia from the early days and sample Coke products from around the globe.
Visit them at: http://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/