15 Best Museums to visit in Atlanta!

Atlanta is a city full of stories, culture, and creativity, and its museums are the best places to experience all of that in one trip. From art and history to science and even food, the museums here show different sides of the city and make every visit memorable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 best museums to visit in Atlanta, explained each in detail, so that anyone can add these museums in your travel list to explore.

1. Georgia Capitol Museum

The Georgia Capitol Museum gives visitors a chance to explore the state’s political past and view original items that reflect Georgia’s history. The Capitol building, completed in 1889, still serves as the center of state government today. Inside, guests can see collections of historic flags, campaign materials, and artwork that share the story of Georgia’s leaders. Exhibits also explain how laws are created and how the state government continues to function in the present. Guests can walk through the museum on their own, while larger groups of ten or more have the option to book guided tours in advance.

2. World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola gives guests a lively way to explore the story and impact of one of the most famous drinks worldwide. A key stop inside is The Vault, the place said to hold the brand’s secret recipe. One of the highlights is the Taste It! exhibit, where guests can sample over 100 Coca-Cola drinks from around the world. The museum also includes hands‑on displays, old advertisements, and collections of memorabilia that show how Coca-Cola grew into a global name. Families especially enjoy meeting the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, a playful photo spot that adds a fun memory to the visit.

3. Fernbank Museum

The Fernbank Museum is a place where science, history, and nature come together in one engaging experience. One of the highlights is the Giants of the Mesozoic display, which features the enormous Argentinosaurus, stretching 123 feet long and ranked among the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. Indoors, the A Walk Through Time in Georgia exhibit takes visitors through the state’s natural history, showing how ecosystems have changed from prehistoric times to today. It also puts together seasonal events, like plenty of science-focused activities and programs, giving visitors something new to enjoy.

4. High Museum of Art

Opened in 1905, High Museum of Art has grown into one of Atlanta’s most recognized places for people who love art and learning. Today, the museum holds a collection of more than 20,000 works, ranging from American and European pieces to African art, folk traditions, photography, and modern creations. The building itself is worth noticing, designed by well‑known architects Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, giving the museum a striking look. Inside, visitors of all ages can join programs that include hands‑on art activities, guided tours, and special events such as Friday Night Jazz.

5. Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center is a great place to learn about the city’s past, spread across 33 acres in Buckhead with museums, old homes, gardens, and a research center. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that share stories of the Civil War, Southern traditions, and local culture. Guests can walk through the Swan House, a mansion built in 1928, or visit Smith Farm to see how daily life looked in the 1800s. The Margaret Mitchell House, where Gone with the Wind was written, is also part of the collection. Walking through the gardens gives a quiet break, with native plants and scenic paths.

6. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Opened in 2014, National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is a museum that helps visitors understand both the Civil Rights Movement in America and the ongoing fight for human rights around the world. Inside, one section focuses on the stories of leaders and everyday people who worked for equality in the 1950s and 1960s. Another section highlights global struggles, showing how issues of freedom and justice connect across countries. The museum also holds personal papers and writings of Martin Luther King Jr., giving a closer look at his life and ideas.

7. Delta Flight Museum

Sitting inside two old airplane hangars from the 1940s, Delta Flight Museum gives visitors a chance to explore the story of Delta Air Lines and see how flying has changed through the years. Exhibits trace the company’s beginnings as a small crop‑dusting business before it grew into one of the world’s major airlines. A favorite stop is the 747 Experience, where guests can walk through the very first Boeing 747‑400 built and even look inside its cockpit. Inside, visitors can also find detailed scale models, many hands-on exhibits, and personal stories of the employees who helped build this airline’s history.

8. College Football Hall of Fame

Opened in 2014, College Football Hall of Fame is an interactive museum that celebrates the tradition of college football. One of the first things visitors see is a huge wall covered with helmets representing more than 760 teams from across the country. Inside, the museum is packed with activities, letting guests to watch short films in the GameDay Theater, practice on an indoor field, and explore the rotunda that celebrates legendary players. Displays also highlight how the sport has grown with collections of old uniforms, trophies, and stories from different schools that bring the history of the game to life.

9. Krog Street Tunnel

Completed in 1913, Krog Street Tunnel connects neighborhoods of Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown and Inman Park, and is famous for its walls covered in colorful street art. What makes this tunnel stand out is the colorful street art that covers nearly every surface inside. Local artists and even visitors treat it like an open canvas, adding fresh designs and messages almost daily. Walking through, you’ll notice everything from large murals and spray‑paint stencils to posters, notes, and community announcements. Since it sits along the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine, it’s easy to reach by foot or bike.

10. Atlanta Contemporary

The Atlanta Contemporary is a creative space that highlights fresh and meaningful work from artists across the globe. It began back in 1973 as a small circle of local photographers and today, giving a platform to artists who have not yet had major shows in the Southeast. The site features open galleries, a shop filled with items made by artists, and working studios offered to local creators through its Studio Artist Program. In addition to exhibits, Atlanta Contemporary organizes talks, workshops, and special events that allow visitors to meet artists and better understand their work.

11. The Breman Museum & Cultural Center

Since opening in 1996, Breman Museum & Cultural Center is widely recognized for its dedication to teaching about the Holocaust. One of its central exhibits, “Absence of Humanity,” tells the story of the Holocaust through the voices and memories of survivors who later made Atlanta their home. Another exhibit, “History with Chutzpah,” highlights how Jewish communities influenced Southern culture, using photographs, letters, and personal belongings. The museum also welcomes exhibits, which may include artwork from Jerusalem or accounts of Jewish traditions and experiences from other parts of the world.

12. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum takes visitors through the life and career of the 39th U.S. President. It begins with his childhood in Plains, Georgia, continues with his service in the Navy, and highlights his years as Georgia’s governor before covering his presidency from 1977 to 1981. The museum also shares his work after leaving the White House, focusing on his efforts to promote peace, health, and human rights. Guests can view his Nobel Peace Prize, along with interactive exhibits, videos, and personal belongings that present his story in a clear and approachable way.

13. Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the city’s only museum created just for young kids, with exhibits that let them learn by doing. In the Fundamentally Food area, children can pretend to be farmers, grocery clerks, or chefs, giving them a clear idea of how food travels from the farm all the way to the table. The Tools for Solutions section introduces basic engineering through playful activities, helping kids discover simple mechanics and practice problem‑solving skills. Live shows are also part of the experience, performed by actors called Imaginators, who bring science and stories to life in a fun and easy way.

14. Southeastern Railway Museum

Started in 1970, Southeastern Railway Museum features more than 90 trains, buses, and vehicles that once served Georgia and beyond. A highlight for many visitors is the chance to step inside vintage train cars and imagine how travel felt in earlier times. Among the collection are passenger cars once used by U.S. presidents, including Pullman “Superb” and the “Marco Polo.” The museum also showcases a well-restored 1871 depot and a detailed model railroad. Guests can enjoy a short ride on a historic train, while programs like summer camps and themed weekends make the experience more engaging.

15. Michael C. Carlos Museum

The Michael C. Carlos Museum is home to one of the biggest collections of ancient art in the Southeast, featuring treasures from Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, Africa, and the Americas. Many of the pieces are thousands of years old, showing how long human creativity has been part of our story. The museum also includes art from Asian cultures and paper-based works from both Europe and United States. Beyond exhibits, the museum also runs programs for both families and students, with hands-on activities, lecture talks and live workshops that make learning about history and art engaging.

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