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A Guide to Visiting the High Museum of Art in Atlanta

High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re looking to admire works of art from all around the world, then the High Museum of Art in Atlanta is the place for you! Check out this in-depth guide to visiting the High Museum of Art and discover one of the top art museums in the Southeast.

About the High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta is one of the top art museums in the Southeast, with more than 16,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Their collection spans African art, American art, European art, folk art, photography, modern art, and the decorative arts and design. This highly-rated Atlanta art museum always has an interesting array of rotating exhibits passing through, too, so every time you visit you can discover something new.

Explore the High Museum

Stent Family Wing

Houses of Parliament in the Fog, by Claude Monet, at the High Museum of Art

Even the buildings of the High Museum are a work of art. The Stent Family Wing, opened in 1983, was named one of the ten best works of American architecture of the 1980s by the American Institute of Architects.

The Stent Family Wing houses the majority of the museum’s growing permanent collection. The Lobby Level contains the Robinson Atrium, the Greene Family Learning Gallery, and a bridge to the Wieland Pavilion. The Lower Level contains the Greene Family Education Center, a café, and a nursing room.

Level 2 holds some Special Exhibitions, European Art including pieces by Monet and Renoir, and Decorative Arts including a collection of Meissen Porcelain and English Ceramics. Level 3 holds American Art and Decorative Arts. The Skyway Level holds African Art and Folk and Self-Taught Art, as well as a bridge to the Wieland Pavilion.

Weiland Pavilion

Concave Dish Sculpture at the High Museum of Art

The coffered ceilings on the Wieland Pavilion Skyway Level with funnel-shaped skylights, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, illuminate the Skyway galleries with indirect northern light, favored by artists for its soft effect.

The Lobby Level contains the museum’s Main Entrance in the Taylor Lobby, Admissions and Information, the Orkin Sculpture Terrace, a coffee bar, the Museum Shop, and a bridge to the Stent Family Wing. The Lower Level contains Photography and Works on Paper and the Works on Paper Study Room.

Level 2 holds rotating Special Exhibitions. The Skyway Level holds Modern and Contemporary Art like the giant concave dish sculpture by Anish Kapoor, Contemporary Design, and bridges to the Stent Family Wing and the Anne Cox Chambers Wing.

Anne Cox Chambers Wing

Winne the Pooh Art, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia

The exterior of the Anne Cox Chambers Wing, opened in 2005, is clad in aluminum panels and has a specially designed roof system that fills the space with natural light.

The Lobby Level contains the Entrance and Special Exhibitions. Level 2 is also dedicated to Special Exhibitions. The Skyway Level contains additional Modern and Contemporary Art as well as the Blackbox Theatre and a bridge to the Weiland Pavilion.

Sifly Plaza

Sonic Playground, Sifly Plaza, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia

The High Museum engages visitors with outdoor, interactive installations on their Sifly Plaza. These exhibits are free to view and encourage playing with and playing on.

Things to Do at the High Museum of Art

Attend Special Events and Programs

The High Museum offers a ton of special programs and events throughout the year. These include things like conversations with artists, talks, art lessons, jazz Fridays, and the popular Free Second Sunday.

Find the Perfect Gift at the Museum Shop

Located on the Lobby Level of the Wieland Pavilion, the Museum Shop offers designs from around the world, a large selection of art books for all ages, and handmade art by local and regional artists.

Entrance to the Museum Shop is always free. The Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Eat at the High’s Dining Facilities

The High offers four different food options, ranging from quick snacks and coffee to elevated dinner and brunch.

  • CJ’s Café — CJ’s Café in the Taylor Lobby provides salads, sandwiches, light snacks, baked goods, and beverages. The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Refuge Coffee Co. — Refuge Coffee Co. is located across the Piazza, facing Peachtree Street. The café serves espresso, coffee, and tea as well as pastries and light bites. It is open during museum hours.
  • Twelve Eighty — Inspired Dining — Located in Sifly Plaza, Twelve Eighty Inspired Dining offers farm-to-table cuisine, including fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, entrées, and gourmet sides. They also serve wine by the glass, hand-crafted cocktails, and beer. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for an all-day grab-and-go menu from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; they’re also open during Atlanta Symphony Hall performances and show nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and during HIGH Frequency Friday and Friday Jazz until 8 p.m.

Visiting the High Museum of Art

Contemporary Art at the High Museum of Art

Here are some important things to know when visiting the High Museum of Art: Non-flash photography is encouraged for their permanent collection galleries; sketching in the permanent collection galleries is also permitted. Don’t bring food or drink into the galleries, and don’t touch the art.

Location: High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Admission: Museum tickets include admission to special exhibitions, unless otherwise noted, and the permanent collection. Admission costs $16.50 for adults, and free for children under 6. Active-duty, reserves, veterans, and retired members of the US Armed Forces will receive free admission with a valid military ID. Re-entry is permitted within the same day.

I always recommend visiting on the Free Second Sunday, if you’re able! In addition, the museum offers free admission to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders on the first full weekend of each month as part of the Bank of America Museums on Us program.

Hours: The High Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Parking: Parking is available at the Woodruff Arts Center Garage. On weekdays (Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.), parking costs: free for the first 30 minutes; $8 for 30 minutes to 1 hour; $16 for 1 hour to 5 hours; and $18 for more than 5 hours. On nights and weekends (Monday through Friday after 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday), parking costs $20. Museum Members can park for free during Museum hours.

High Museum of Art FAQ

How long does it take to walk through the High Museum?


It will typically take most people 2-3 hours to walk through the entire collection at the High Museum of Art. Expect to spend more time if you like to stop and appreciate every single piece of art. If you’re only visiting for a few select pieces or for a special exhibit, you can expect to spend less time at the museum.

How much does the High Museum of Art cost?


General admission to the High Museum costs $16.50 for adults and free for children under 6.

Does the High Museum have food?


The High Museum offers four different food options ranging from coffee and snack to café lunches to elegant dinners.

Where to Stay in Atlanta


Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
  • Save on Attractions: Save 42% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

Cheers!

Paige

A Guide to Visiting the High Museum of Art in Atlanta

Are you planning on visiting the High Museum of Art in Atlanta? Let me know in the comments!

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