It is hard to miss this ultra-modern, white structure that houses Atlanta's finest collections of classic and contemporary art. A towering atrium soars to four interior levels, with the galleries moving from 18th and 19th Century collections near the ground floor to cutting-edge art on the upper levels. The High has increased in size to 312,000 square feet (2972.89 square meters) with three buildings designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano: the Susan and John Wieland Pavilion, the Anne Cox Chambers Wing for galleries, and an office building. The High is a frequent host to some of the world's most important touring collections and has hosted exhibitions featuring artists like Pablo Picasso and Norman Rockwell. With over 18000 works in the permanent collection, the High also displays old prints of Abe Lincoln, General William Tecumseh Sherman and an array of sculptures and photographs.
The William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum, also known as The Breman Museum, is a testament to Atlanta's Jewish lineage. Administered by the Atlanta Jewish Federation since 1996, it curates archives from the mid-19th Century to the present day. In one of the largest displays in the Southeast, exhibitions here feature photographs, newspaper documentation, and memorabilia, including those from the Holocaust that are sure to leave you moved. In addition to the galleries, this establishment also houses a genealogy room and a couple of archive libraries.
Standing tall over Capitol Square, The Georgia State Capitol commands historic and architectural significance. Colored in rich white, the building displays a blend of neoclassical and classical revival architecture. It features elements like detailed pilasters and Corinthian columns, which support a four-story front porch, or portico. The towering dome is laden with gold leaf, with a statue of the Goddess of Liberty perched as its crowning glory. The monument features a museum that chronicles the history of the state through various historic artifacts like portraits, statues, relics and fossils. It serves as the primary legislative building of the government of Georgia and houses several office chambers, where the General Assembly meets annually. Students, tourists and locals alike can indulge in guided tours of the building to learn about the state’s and the country’s important historic events.
This majestic antebellum house and city landmark, built in 1855, is now converted into a historic museum housing a variety of historic exhibits. Passed down through several historic Fayetteville families (which explains the multiple names), the museum features an exhibit of memorabilia from Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind, a replica of the first flag made in Fayette County, relics from the Civil War and a garden of native and historically important plants! Self-guided and guided tours available.
A Civil War landmark as well as an expansive verdant oasis, Candler Park offers tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and an outdoor pool. Perhaps the park's most unique feature is its nine-hole golf course that winds its scenic way through one of the east side's most pleasant residential neighborhoods. Often crowded, Candler Park is not the ideal place for a quiet jog, but sports are always being played and everyone is welcome.
Created mostly with land granted by Colonel Lemuel Grant, the "Father of Atlanta," Grant Park is the oldest surviving park in the city. Its landscape was part of the defensive line against Union forces in the Civil War, and the breastworks of Fort Walker remain as evidence of the Confederacy's defeat. The Cyclorama, a circular building filled with the world's largest painting, tells the story of the battle. The park's other main attraction is Zoo Atlanta, one of the only places in the country that you can see a set of giant pandas.
Constructed in 1882 on the campus of Morris Brown College, the Fountain Hall is one of the oldest surviving structures on the original site of Atlanta University. Designed in the Victorian style by architect G. L. Norrman, this structure has served various functions over the years, and now houses the university's administrative offices, chapel and art studios. The building is situated atop Diamond Hill, from which vantage point visitors are offered a nice view of the downtown area.
Built by architect Emil Charles Seiz in 1901 at an estimated cost of USD9000, the Rufus M. Rose home is one of the last remaining examples of late Victorian architecture in Atlanta. The design is typical of affluent 19th Century in-town residences, with an elaborately-adorned front staircase that rises from the sidewalk, a necessity in pre-automobile Atlanta. The historic town home is in a dilapidated condition and is not safe for viewing.
When form meets function, art ascends to a whole new plane. Such is the philosophy behind the abstract offerings at the Artisan Resource Center. The art here consists not of your normal gallery fare, but of pieces that challenge traditional boundaries. Just north of the city in suburban Marietta, this fascinating art complex features works that will brighten your home while enlivening conversation. It features 27 studios that is home to talented artisans from various fields such as sculpture, painting, jewelry and more. The work of many creative local minds is yours for the asking, all within easy reach at the Artisan Resource Center.
Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, Heritage Green is a public park that is operated by the Heritage Sandy Springs organization, which is a not-for-profit entity that strives to preserve the heritage and culture of the city. A nice grassy space, it is a good spot to walk your dog or spend some time with your family. Admission is free to the park, which comprises attractions like the Sandy Springs Historic Site, the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, and the Williams Payne House Museum. Also, the park is home to the original natural springs that have been preserved.
Named for the high number of hotels built during the early 20th Century, the Hotel Row Historic District aims to preserve the historic structures that span one block on Mitchell Street. The hotels were built at the time to serve travelers using a nearby railroad stations. The district comprises six buildings, which are some of the most well-preserved structures from the time.
Dating to 1868, this two-story farmhouse was the home of Jeremiah Gilbert, the son of the first doctor to settle in Fulton County. The fieldstone and mortar construction is a rare surviving example of the type of farmhouse that flourished in the region during the Reconstruction era, and many of the home's original outbuildings still stand on the property. The house has been restored to its original condition, and stands as one of the oldest surviving buildings in Atlanta.