Local’s Guide to the Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is one of my favorite places in the city for learning about Atlanta beyond the usual landmarks. As an Atlanta local, I’ve visited several times, and I love that there’s much more to explore than just museum exhibits.
Between the historic homes, gardens, rotating exhibits, and stories from Atlanta’s past, it’s easy to spend a few hours here without feeling like you’re in a traditional history museum.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s what to see at the Atlanta History Center, how long to spend, and what I think is most worth prioritizing.
About the Atlanta History Center
In 1926, 14 Atlanta enthusiasts came together to preserve Atlanta’s history through the Atlanta Historical Society. In 1990, the Atlanta Historical Society officially became the Atlanta History Center, with the mission to connect people, history, and culture.
The museum encompasses 33 acres of land, has three historic homes on the grounds, and has an array of permanent and temporary exhibitions on display.
Atlanta History Center Permanent Exhibitions
See what’s on at the Atlanta History Center. These permanent exhibitions are always on display and explore different aspects of Atlanta’s history.
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Atlanta ’96: Shaping an Olympic and Paralympic City
Atlanta ’96: Shaping an Olympic and Paralympic City explores the impact that the Centennial Olympic Games, held in Atlanta in 1996, had on the city and on the lives of Atlantans.
The exhibit tells stories and memories of the city’s Olympic and Paralympic history, showcases the iconic Olympic torch, unexpected objects, and memorabilia from athletes and fans.
Cyclorama: The Big Picture
The Cyclorama, which moved to the Atlanta History Center from Zoo Atlanta in 2019, features the fully restored cyclorama painting of The Battle of Atlanta. The 49-foot-tall hand-painted work of art was created in 1886 depicting the Union victory.
A 12-minute film is projected on to the painting every hour on the hour. The film explores the painting’s history, from its conception through changes made to depict a false “Confederate victory” and its change back to its original form.
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Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta
Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta centers around the restored locomotive Texas, which was built in 1856 for the Western & Atlantic Railroad that established its terminus in Atlanta.
You can climb aboard the Texas and learn how to operate a steam engine. This exhibit also features the Zero Mile Post, which was used to determine the city center of Atlanta in 1842.
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Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta
Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta is an interactive exhibition exploring the various influential people and places that make up Atlanta. This exhibition shares the stories of the many different individuals who helped shape Atlanta.
You can explore artifacts, ephemera, interactive media, recording booths, and immersive experiences covering themes like Politics and Policy, Cultural Life, Family and Community, and Urban Growth.
Fair Play: The Bobby Jones Story
Fair Play: The Bobby Jones Story explores the life of Georgia’s most famous golfer, Bobby Jones.
The exhibition chronicles the early development of golf in the United States and Jones’ 14 year playing career.
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life
Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life highlights the collection of Swan House architect Philip Trammel Shutze.
Displayed in the basement of the Swan House, the collection includes decorative arts, silver, pottery, rugs, painting, Chinese porcelain, and English period furniture.
Goizueta Gardens
The Goizueta Gardens captures the variety of landscapes that shaped Atlanta’s history, from curated gardens to native Piedmont forest.
It encompass nine distinct gardens with preserved woodland, diverse plant collections, and heritage-breed animals.
Historic Buildings
The Atlanta History Center is home to three historic buildings at its Buckhead campus. You can explore each one to learn about different periods in Atlanta’s history.
Swan House
The Swan House was built for Edward and Emily Inman in 1928. It’s recognizable today as a filming location for The Hunger Games as President Snow’s mansion.
The home contains many of its original furnishings, ranging from 18th century antiques to 20th century objects. Exhibits and items on display depict Atlanta life during the Jazz Age.
Smith Farm
The Smith Farm is Atlanta’s oldest surviving farmhouse. The farm tells the story of a working slaveholding farm in the 1860s and includes the main farmhouse, a smokehouse, and the slave’s quarters.
The landscape includes historic varieties of crops in the fields, the enslaved people’s garden, a kitchen garden, and a yard of heirloom flowers. You can also see heritage-breed sheep, goats, chickens, and turkeys on the farm.
Wood Cabin
The Wood Cabin is an example of a log structure constructed during the time North Georgia was the frontier.
This historical home exhibit tells the story of Native Americans, white settlers, and folk traditions of the rural South.
Things to Do at the Atlanta History Center
Eat at the Center’s Dining Facilities
The Atlanta History Center offers three different spots for coffee and food while you visit the museum. Admission is not required to dine at these restaurants.
- Swan Coach House — The Swan Coach House is an iconic Atlanta restaurant that used to house the carriages for the Swan House mansion. The women of The Forward Arts Foundation renovated the carriage house into a restaurant, wedding venue, gift shop, and art gallery in 1967. Dine on Southern-inspired dishes that are perfect for a ladies’ luncheon. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Souper Jenny — Located in the main museum building, Souper Jenny offers a rotating daily menu of soups, salads,, and sandwiches using the freshest local ingredients. The café is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- BRASH Coffee — Located in the main museum building, BRASH Coffee offers drinks including drip coffee, espresso, cortado, cappuccino, mocha, matcha and chai lattes, and tea, as well as baked treats, wine, and beer. The café is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Attend Special Events and Programs
The Atlanta History Museum offers a variety of annual programs and events that explore and celebrate the city’s history.
These include things like author talks, community engagement, interpretive performances, and annual events for holidays like Juneteenth, MLK Day, Dia de Los Muertos, and Veterans Day.
Find the Perfect Gift at the Museum Shop
Located in the main museum building, the Museum Shop offers gifts, goods, and an extensive book selection highlighting regional history.
Entrance to the Museum Shop is always free. The Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Swan Coach House also has a gift shop that’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visiting the Atlanta History Center
Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Admission: Pre-purchased weekday tickets bought online cost $29 for adults, $25 for children ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under. Pre-purchased weekend tickets bought online cost $33 for adults, $29 for children, and free for 3 and under.
Tickets bought at the museum cost $31 for adults and $27 for children on weekdays and $35 for adults and $31 for children on the weekends.
You can get discounted admission to the Atlanta History Center using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Museum tickets include access to the entire 33-acre campus, the permanent and rotating exhibitions, three historic houses, the gardens, and the Kenan Research Center.
Hours: The Atlanta History Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The historic houses open at 11 a.m.
Parking: Onsite parking at the Atlanta History Center is free!
Atlanta History Center FAQ
How long does it take to visit the Atlanta History Center?
Exploring everything the museum has to offer can take all day! I recommend setting aside at least 3-4 hours to explore the Atlanta History Center.
This gives you enough time to see the main museum exhibitions, tour the Swan House, visit Smith Farm, and wander through the gardens.
If you enjoy reading every exhibit or exploring historic homes in detail, you could easily spend most of the day here.
Is the Atlanta History Center worth visiting?
Yes! The Atlanta History Center is one of my favorite museums in Atlanta because it offers so much more than traditional history exhibits. You can learn about the city’s role in the Civil War, explore its Olympic legacy, tour historic homes, and stroll through beautiful gardens, all in one visit.
I especially recommend it for first-time visitors who want to understand Atlanta’s history and culture.
Is the Swan House included in Atlanta History Center admission?
Yes, admission to the Swan House is included with your Atlanta History Center ticket.
Your ticket also includes access to the other historic buildings, museum exhibitions, and Goizueta Gardens.
If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, you’ll definitely want to see the Swan House, which served as President Snow’s mansion in the movies.
What time should I arrive at the Atlanta History Center?
I recommend arriving around 10 or 11 a.m. to make the most of your visit.
The museum opens at 9 a.m., but the historic houses don’t open until 11 a.m. You can explore the indoor exhibitions first and then head outside to visit the Swan House, Smith Farm, and gardens.
Arriving earlier also gives you plenty of time before the museum closes at 4 p.m.
Is the Atlanta History Center good for kids?
Yes! The Atlanta History Center has plenty of family-friendly activities, including the new Goizueta Children’s Experience, a 5,000-square-foot interactive exhibit designed for children ages 1-8. Kids can learn about Atlanta’s landmarks and history through imaginative play, hands-on activities, and storytelling.
Outside the museum, families can explore the gardens on the Connor Brown Scavenger Hunt, visit the heritage-breed animals at Smith Farm, and discover the Lee Playhouse and Victorian Playhouse.
The History Center also offers special family programming, including Toddler Storytime, Homeschool Days, seasonal festivals, and summer camps. I recommend checking the family activities calendar before your visit to see what’s happening.
What should I prioritize if I only have two hours at the Atlanta History Center?
If you only have two hours, I’d prioritize the Cyclorama, Swan House, and one additional exhibition that interests you.
The Cyclorama’s enormous Battle of Atlanta painting is unlike anything else in the city, while the Swan House is one of the museum’s most recognizable attractions.
If you have a little extra time, take a quick walk through the gardens. I’d save Smith Farm and the remaining exhibitions for a longer visit.
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Top Atlanta Tours
A guided tour is always a good way to get to know a city! Check out these top Atlanta tours.
- 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car
- Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour
- Atlanta Beltline & Historic Inman Park Food, Art & History Tour
Where to Stay in Atlanta
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your Atlanta vacation!
- My Favorite Stay: Westin Peachtree Plaza
- Top Hotel: The Candler Hotel
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- Unique Stay: Stonehurst Place
Craving More Atlanta Activities?
If you need more things to do while visiting Atlanta, check out these top posts:
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- Local’s Guide to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta
- Local’s Guide to Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta
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Cheers!
Paige
Have you visited Atlanta History Center? Let me know in the comments!
I haven’t spent much time in Atlanta as an adult, but I want to take my kids there soon. Thank you for the comprehensive list of things to do. It looks amazing.
Atlanta is so great for kids! We have so many fun museums that you and your family would love!
Thank you for this guide. I am planning a trip to the US and Atlanta will be in my list.
That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy Atlanta!
This will be bookmarked. It will be a great tool when we visit Atlanta.
So happy to hear that!
I had never heard of this place before. Definitely adding it to my list for next time I visit Atlanta.
It’s definitely a must-visit museum!
This is such a great guide. I wish I knew about these things when I visited Atlanta a few years ago!
Now you know for your next visit! 😉
Such a wonderful place to visit with a rich history.
Absolutely!
Atlanta History Center looks like a great place to venture. Would love to learn more about the history of the Atlanta railroads. Thanks for sharing
You could definitely learn a lot there!
This place looks great! My husband and daughter would love it; they’re all about history. 🙂
It’s such a fun museum!