Atlanta Has The Largest Museum For Visual Art In The Southeastern US With Unique Exhibits

Like most major cities around the world, Atlanta, Georgia, is a hub for culture and art. You can attend concerts and plays throughout the city, or wander through different neighborhoods exploring public art displays for free. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the city's art scene, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so. The bustling metropolis is home to several excellent museums, but if you want to admire the original works of some of the most famous artists in history along with iconic creations from our current era, head straight to the High Museum of Art.

The High Museum of Art is located in the center of the city in the vibrant Midtown neighborhood. Midtown is walkable and full of green spaces, bars, and restaurants. It's known as the "Heart of the Arts" and is home to other venerable institutions such as the Fox Theater, the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, and the Center for Puppetry Arts. Midtown is also home to Atlanta's scenic botanical garden perfect for a relaxing escape. 

Within the High Museum of Art, guests can admire more than 20,000 different artistic creations, which range from classic paintings to contemporary installations. Special exhibits throughout the year ensure that there will be something new to see each time you visit the city. 

The High Museum of Art is not only one of the best art museums in the Southeastern United States, it's also the largest (although, it didn't quite make our roundup of the weirdest museums in the world). The museum itself is even a work of art designed by two award winning architects, Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to view the works of some of the world's most famous artists. European masterpieces include "Madonna and Child" by Giovanni Bellini and "Houses of Parliament in the Fog" by Claude Monet. American artists like Georgia O'Keefe, John Singer Sargent, and Norman Lewis also have works in the museum. African art, folk art, photography, and contemporary art can all be found within the walls of the High Museum of Art. Regardless of your taste, you'll almost certainly discover a piece that surprises and delights you.

The High Museum of Art attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists each year. Throughout the year, there are special traveling art exhibits, public art classes, lectures, and other events. On the first Friday night of the month, the museum stays open late and visitors can enjoy cocktails and dance to a live DJ. On the third Friday of every month, attendees can enjoy drinks, snacks, and live jazz in the evening. "Friday Jazz Night is a must! We had an absolutely amazing time. The music made the experience even more enjoyable," K S wrote in a Google review.

The High Museum of Art is open from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, it opens at noon, and the museum is closed on Monday. Admission costs $23.50 per person. Members can visit for free. If you require mobility assistance, there are wheelchairs, strollers, and stools available for free in the Taylor Lobby. Photography is permitted in the museum, and visitors are welcome to pause and sketch or take notes in the galleries.

It's best to arrive early at the High Museum of Art if you want to avoid the crowds. "If it is your first time, I would schedule a little more than 2 hours, especially if there is any special exhibit scheduled while you are planning to be there. Special exhibits always increase the number of people throughout the museum," a visitor named Road_Warr suggested on Tripadvisor. Other reviews suggested budgeting around four hours if you're a first time visitor or if you want to enjoy a leisurely experience wandering through the permanent exhibits and lingering on particular pieces that catch your eye.

Food and drinks are not allowed in any of the galleries, but you can purchase snacks and beverages at the museum. CJ's Café in the Taylor Lobby is the perfect spot for a light lunch. For a more elaborate meal, head to Elise, which serves French and Italian cuisine as well as seafood. If you're looking for somewhere to stay nearby, the Hotel Granada Midtown is within walking distance and has rooms for about $240 per night. For more things to do in Atlanta, check out these five attractions for a break from the city, according to visitors.