Music City Getaway

OUTSIDE ATLANTA MUSIC CITY

As the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row, Nashville more than lives up to its world-famous moniker of “The Music City.” But this thriving metropolis offers so much else to see and do that it could just as easily be known by at least a half-dozen other nicknames. Expand your focus beyond the iconic music venues (but definitely pay them a visit), and you may come away remembering it as a different city entirely.

Whether your style is upscale elegance or rustic chic, Nashville has accommodations that will suit you perfectly. A downtown Beaux Arts treasure dating to 1910, The Hermitage is Tennessee’s only Forbes Five Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel and offers the ultimate in luxury, with complimentary fresh-baked sweets, marble vanities, cashmere-cotton blend mattresses and twice-daily housekeeping. 21C Museum Hotel combines a boutique hotel with a restaurant and exhibition space presenting curated exhibitions of the best in contemporary art. More art fills the airy rooms, which also feature high-end bedding and plush robes for relaxing. Gray & Dudley serves a thoughtful menu of locally sourced comfort food and craft drinks, perfect for brunch or a low-key evening.

For luxury on an intimate scale, try one of Nashville’s bed and breakfasts. Just 5.5 miles from downtown, the Belle Air Mansion is an inn located inside a restored Greek Revival antebellum home built in 1832. Located on six acres in Nashville’s Donelson neighborhood, it includes a 200-year-old rose garden. Each of the 10 bedrooms in the main house, plus the five rooms in the Retreat House, is decorated with antiques and includes many modern ameni-

By Michelle Bourg

ties such as refrigerators and WiFi. Belle Air is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For the sheer jaw-dropping factor, there’s Gaylord Opryland, a 47-acre resort with nine acres of gardens, nearly 20 restaurants, and an indoor riverboat ride. The hotel also offers SoundWaves, featuring four acres of indoor and outdoor play structures, waterslides and on-site dining choices.

Before starting your day, you’ll want a hearty breakfast, and Nashville does breakfast right. Biscuit Love, with locations in the Gulch and Hillsboro Village neighborhoods, has something for everyone. Among the choices are a biscuit with ham, two over-easy eggs and sausage gravy; the SEC biscuit (with sausage, egg and cheddar) and cherry jam oatmeal. The Loveless Café has been a Nashville landmark for over 70 years, serving Southern favorites like ham and eggs with redeye gravy and fried chicken to more than a half million visitors every year.

Duly fueled up, you’re ready to explore. If you have kids in tow, make your first stop the Adventure Science Center, a 44,000-squarefoot space housing more than 175 interactive exhibits. Here the entire family can explore nature’s wonders at the Galactic Gardens, fly aerobatic maneuvers in the Max Flight simulator and view the mysteries of the stars at the Sudekum Planetarium. Cap the visit with a climb up the Adventure Tower, four ascending levels of interactive exhibits culminating in a breathtaking view from the giant globe at the top. Animal lovers will gravitate to the Nashville Zoo, home to nearly 3,000 animals and over 350 species.

History buffs will want to visit Belle Meade Plantation, a museum and winery located on the site of an antebellum estate and Thoroughbred horse farm, dedicated to the preservation of Tennessee’s history and horseracing legacy. A much older period of history is represented at The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Greek original, built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition and inspired by Nashville’s nickname of “The Athens of the South.” The Parthenon is now an art museum showcasing a collection by 19th- and 20th-century American artists.

Art lovers will find much to enjoy in Nashville. The Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk University hosts touring exhibitions and temporary installations from the college’s permanent collections, including biennial showings of The Alfred Stieglitz Collection, featuring works by Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, O’Keeffe and other masters. The Art Deco-style Frist Art Museum showcases an ever-changing selection of exhibits; visitors can also try their hand at creating their own masterpieces. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is a 55-acre art museum, sculpture trail and botanical garden set against the backdrop of the rolling Tennessee hills.

If your idea of art is a hat trick or a 50-yard field goal, you’ll be right at home. The NFL’s Tennessee Titans make their home downtown at Nissan Stadium and the Nashville Predators of the NHL take the ice just one mile away at Bridgestone Arena. u

Of course, Nashville is Music City, and while country is king, you’ll hear all kinds of music here. The Bluebird Café is a legendary venue for acoustic performances by both famous and up-and-coming singer-songwriters. In the Music Row neighborhood, you can visit historic RCA Studio B, where records by Elvis, Dolly Parton, The Everly Brothers and others were recorded. On Broadway you’ll find the city’s famed Honky Tonk Highway, with dozens of venues showcasing every genre of music, day and night.

Also downtown you’ll find Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry and still a major concert venue hosting marquee talent nightly. Not far away is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, home to 350,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, theaters and archives, as well as the Hall of Fame rotunda, where the names country music’s legends are enshrined. You can catch some of those legends as well as rising stars at the Grand Ole Opry, located in East Nashville.

While you’re downtown, stop by some of the many shops and boutiques located in the area’s renovated homes and browse for artisan gifts, home décor items, jewelry and sophisticated fashions. You’ll find plenty of authentic Western wear and boots, too.

Nashville is home to some of the best dining in the South, and as with the city itself, there’s something for every taste. On Broadway you’ll find Jack’s Bar-B-Que, famous for smoked classics and award-winning sauces. East of downtown you’ll find Folk, which specializes in Italian fare, including pizzas and seafood. At The Treehouse, an unassuming converted cottage (there’s a genuine treehouse out back) belies a menu of creative small plates accompanied by a carefully chosen wine list and complex craft cocktails. Comfort food and simply prepared steaks are given a refined treatment at 5th & Taylor.

Whether you experience Nashville as a city for art, history, great food, shopping or, yes, even music, it’s a place you’ll want to go back to again and again, and odds are good you’ll see it as a different city every time.

One way to avoid long commutes is to take advantage of the city’s local transit system, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Offering both train and bus service, MARTA is a convenient way to travel to downtown or the airport. The fee for traveling one way is $2.50 including transfers, and payment is even easier now with the Breeze limited-use and extendeduse cards. Weekly and monthly passes can be obtained at discounted rates. For fares, schedule and route information call 404848-5000 or visit itsmarta.com. MARTA Rail Service

Vehicles that are 24 model years old and later (except the three years prior to the current year) must be checked yearly for emission standard compliance. Visit a statedesignated inspection station for the service. Call 800-449-2471 or visit cleanairforce.com.

The Georgia DOT provides daily updates of road work, road closings and traffic delays, which are helpful when commuting. Updates can be obtained by calling (toll free) 877694-2511, by dialing 511 or by visiting dot.ga.gov.

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GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

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County cherokeega.com Neighborhoods cantonga.gov woodstockga.gov cityofballground.com hollyspringsga.us cityofwaleska.com Median household income: $75,477 Median age of residents: 38 Population: 235,896 Sales tax: 6%

Located northwest of Atlanta, Cherokee County gets its name from the original inhabitants of the area, the Cherokee Indians. The county seat, then called Etowah, was established in 1833 and renamed Canton in 1834. Today, the city is enjoying its greatest economic boom in its history since more than $60 million was invested in residential and commercial development in 1998. Despite developing its own industrial base, Cherokee County remains idyllic and serene. Farming, especially poultry processing, remains a leading industry.

Canton and the neighboring community of Woodstock have seen tremendous growth as subdivisions crop up to accommodate newcomers. In fact, nearly 60 percent of the county’s population are commuters. According to Zillow.com, the median value of homes is $283,573. Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farm, BridgeMill and Towne Lake Hills.

Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92 traverse the county, affording residents easy access to Atlanta and the nearby attractions of Town Center Mall, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Mountains. Other great places to live, work and play in Cherokee County include the cities of Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska.

Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County 770-345-0400, cherokeechamber.com Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $21.46; Incorporated Cherokee County, $21.46. Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400

Canton was incorporated in 1833 and renamed in 1834 at the request of two founding fathers who had visions that the town might become a silk center similar to what existed in Canton, China. Canton did become famous for its “Canton Denim,” known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced by Canton Cotton Mills.

Today, Canton is attracting new industry and residents. As a result, the city is reinvesting in its downtown. As part of its Streetscapes program, downtown Canton will be restored to its historic look and features a newly designed theater on Main Street. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is a prime location for development.

Located 12 miles south of Canton, Woodstock is one of Georgia's top 10 fastest-growing cities and a community recently named one of the Top 50 Cities Places to Live in the U.S. by Money magazine.

Residents also enjoy easy access to 575 and 92, allowing short commutes to Cobb and Fulton counties.

While affording convenience to big-city attractions, Woodstock still maintains its small-town appeal. Buildings dating back to 1879 characterize the downtown area, where antique and other specialty shops are located.

Various golf courses are located in Woodstock, including Arnold Palmer’s Eagle Watch, a course with wooded countryside views that is considered to be one of the top places to play in Atlanta. The 11,860-acre Lake Allatoona provides additional recreation. Woodstock is also convenient to more than 13 state parks. N

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Cobb County came into being in 1832 when the state redistributed land once part of the Cherokee Nation. Named after Thomas Willis Cobb, the county experienced a devastating setback during the Civil War when most of it was destroyed during the famous Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

Today, Cobb County, located northwest of Fulton County, is one of the state's most thriving counties. With a diverse economic base that includes jobs in the service, retail, aerospace and technology sectors, Cobb County offers a quality of life unsurpassed in the Southeast. Nearly $900 million has been spent on transportation improvements in recent years, allowing residents easy access to Atlanta and the commercial districts of Vinings Overlook, Cumberland Parkway and the prestigious Platinum Triangle in the popular Galleria area.

A variety of housing options exist in Cobb County, including luxury apartments and condos near

QUICK INFO

County cobbcountyga.gov

Neighborhoods austellga.org mariettaga.gov smyrnaga.gov kennesaw-ga.gov cityofpowdersprings.org smyrnacity.com

Median household income: $75,654

Median age of residents: 36.6

Population: 755,754

Sales tax: 6%

Chamber of Commerce

Cobb County 770-980-2000, cobbchamber.org

Property Taxes

The property tax is $33.84 per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000 Cumberland Mall, secluded subdivisions in East Cobb and horse ranches in the northwest corner of the county. The small towns of Marietta, Vinings, Smyrna and Austell still retain their Southern charm amidst urban settings. According to the Census Bureau, the median value of homes in 2018 was $237,800.

One of Family Circle magazine’s Ten Best Towns for Families, Kennesaw takes pride in its smalltown atmosphere and boasts abundant parks and greenspace, exceptional recreational programs and top-notch schools, including Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw’s historic downtown features shopping, dining and attractions such as the Smithsonianaffiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Smith-Gilbert Gardens and nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Rapidly defining what’s new and progressive in quality of life and citizen services, Smyrna delivers an amazing sense of style and love of life. The Market Village district, home to fabulous restaurants, bars and upscale shops and services, is the final piece of a master plan for success. Call it “Main Street USA” or “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its charm and ability to offer the best in fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N

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WATER Austell Water 770-944-4300 Cobb County Water System 770-419-6200 Marietta Water 770-794-5150 Powder Springs Water 770-943-8000 Smyrna Water 678-631-5338

HOSPITALS WellStar Cobb Hospital 470-732-4000 WellStar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000 WellStar Windy Hill Hospital 770-644-1000

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Fulton County serves as the center of the metro Atlanta area. With 90 percent of the city of Atlanta, including the state’s capital building, located within its borders, it sits at the hub of the area’s financial, transportation, retail, communications and cultural services. A number of Fortune 500 companies, including the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and UPS, are headquartered here.

More than one million people live in Fulton County, drawn by its convenience to Interstates 75, 85 and 285 and Georgia State Route 400. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of homes in the county is $290,400.

Fulton is home to many of Atlanta’s signature neighborhoods, including its bustling downtown QUICK INFO district. Older neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, Candler Park and Virginia-Highland offer affordable housing, pedestrianfriendly layouts and plentiful parks and recreational options. Midtown is the heart of Atlanta’s cultural scene, with the Woodruff Arts Center (home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art) and the historic Fox Theatre, as well as a host of art galleries. Midtown’s Piedmont Park, the city’s most popular greenspace, hosts many outdoor festivals and concerts. Neighborhoods Buckhead

sion, the historic Swan House and the Atlanta History Center. Buckhead is also an entertainment and dining hotspot.

With luxury hotels, shops, bars and more than 250 restaurants, the Buckhead area is a magnet for young professionals.The neighborhood also offers numerous antique stores, art galleries and mall shopping at both Lenox

Square and Phipps

Plaza. County co.fulton.ga.us Neighborhoods alpharetta.ga.us buckhead.net cityofmiltonga.us virginiahighland.com collegeparkga.com eastpointcity.org hapeville.org johnscreekga.gov roswellgov.com sandyspringsga.gov Median household income: $65,037 Median age of residents: 35.5 Population: 1,050,114 Sales tax: 7.75%, Atlanta City: 8.9% Chamber of Commerce Greater North Fulton 770-993-8806, gnfcc.com Metro Atlanta 404-880-9000, metroatlantachamber.com South Fulton 770-964-1984, southfultonchamber.com

Incorporated in 2006, this thriving community of 84,000 was ranked fourth among 50 Best U.S. Cities to Live In by USA Today. It boasts a diverse economic base, coupled with a peaceful environment: the city contains over 400 acres of parkland and nature reserves and contains five access points to the Chattahoochee River.

Buckhead is “where old money lives and new money parties,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With its mixture of mansions and uniquely styled homes, Buckhead is a favorite among architecture and history buffs. Convenient to Georgia 400, Interstate 85 and MARTA, it’s filled with high-rises, upscale restaurants, the Governor’s ManProperty Taxes The property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value is: $40.92 for the City of Atlanta; $29.18 for incorporated Fulton County; $40.76 for unincorporated Fulton County; $33.54 for Johns Creek; $33.91 for Sandy Springs. Tax Commissioner: 404-613-6100

One of metro Atlanta’s most vibrant and affluent cities, Alpharetta is home to about 64,000 residents, drawn to its affordable housing, parks, shopping at North Point Mall and concerts at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. The city's historic downtown boasts an appealing town square. Called Alpharetta City Center, it features locally owned shops and restaurants, and hosts events year round.

Also incorporated in 2006, Milton combines a pastoral setting with forward-thinking city planning that offers what's been called "The best quality of life in Georgia." N

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Originally part of Georgia’s Native American territory, Gwinnett County was created by the State Legislature in 1818 and named after Button Gwinnett, one of Georgia's three signers of the Declaration of Independence and a former governor. QUICK INFO

While the county was once largely rural with small towns, country stores, farms and forests, today it is home to about 600 international companies and 450 high-tech firms. With an average of 21 new professional and industrial companies relocating to the county each year, attracting almost 21,000 new jobs, Gwinnett County remains in the top 10 ranking for growth nationwide. The county supports many cultural events, restaurants and shopping opportunities, including the Mall of Georgia in Buford.

Gwinnett County remains affordable for renters and firsttime home buyers, many of whom find homes in the communities of Doraville, Lawrenceville and Snellville. The median value of homes in 2018, according to the Census Bureau, was $200,400. Neighborhoods Duluth For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our website at

Amidst the pristine setting newcomeratlanta.com

of Gwinnett County, Duluth has some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in metro Atlanta and is home to some of the best golf courses and private tennis clubs. There are numerous parks for recreation and participatory sports, including Bunten Road Park and Shorty Howell Park. North Point Mall, a major shopping center, is located near Duluth. The Southeastern Railway Museum, which preserves and operates old railroad equipment, is a must-see for any railroad aficionado.

Some of Duluth’s neighborhoods include Edgewater Estates, Sweet Bottom Plantation and Riverbrooke. Affluent estates with antebellum architecture can be found as well as apartment communities, older brick, ranch-style homes and subdivisions. Duluth still retains some of its original small-town businesses, along with chain businesses, many accessible by Ga. 400 and I-85.

County gwinnettcounty.com Neighborhoods cityofbuford.com duluthga.net cityoflilburn.com snellville.org suwanee.com Median household income: $68,914 Median age of residents: 35.3 Population: 920,260 Sales tax: 6% Chamber of Commerce Gwinnett County, 770-232-3000, gwinnettchamber.org Property Taxes The property tax in unincorporated Gwinnett County is $28.84 per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax Commissioner: 770-822-8800.

Suwanee is named after the Shawnee Indians who settled here in the latter part of the 18th century. Following the official founding of the city in 1837, Suwanee became a railroad stop along the Southern Railroad route. It remained a small country town well into the ’70s when construction of I-85 and U.S. 23 brought easy access to the region. Since then, Suwanee has experienced tremendous growth, from 2,412 residents in 1990 to more than 20,000 today. To help manage growth, the city has developed a comprehensive development plan that promotes pedestrianoriented development and mixed-use zoning. The city was designated a Tree City USA for 29 years for its commitment to preserving 27 percent of its land as greenspace.

Such foresight has allowed Suwanee to retain its old-fashioned charm while providing contemporary convenience. Only 35 miles from downtown Atlanta, Suwanee is close to big-city attractions, business districts and shopping. Many antique shops and historic structures, including several Victorian and regional farm-style homes, are located near downtown Suwanee. N

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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ELECTRICITY City of Buford 678-889-4600 City of Lawrenceville 770-963-9834 City of Norcross 770-448-2122 Georgia Power 888-891-0938 Jackson EMC 800-462-3691 Sawnee EMC 770-887-2363 Walton EMC 770-267-2505

GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated. For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

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The band responsible for such hits as “Take It Easy,” “Desperado” and many others performs as part of its Hotel California 2022 Tour. March 4,

The acclaimed actor/comedians perform. Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers also appear. March 6, 855-285-8499, atlanta.broadway.com.

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta presents this musical chronicling the career of the legendary Motown Records group known for such hits as “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” March 8-13, 800-278-4447, atlanta.broadway.com.

Come along for an exciting musical camping trip with everyone’s favorite pig and her friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. March 20, 855-285-8499, atlanta.broadway.com.

Daryl Hall of the hitmaking pop duo Hall & Oates performs a retrospective set highlighting his solo career. Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Todd Rundgren also performs

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock band known for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Faithfully” performs with special guest Toto opening the show. April 25, 800-745-3000,

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta presents the smash-hit musical recounting the life and career of the award-winning singer and songwriter.

PHOTO: Matthew Murphy

The award-winning songwriter and musician performs as part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. March 24, 855-285-8499, atlanta.broadway.com.

This touring production of the world-renowned, award-winning rock opera featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and lyrics by Tim Rice comes to the Fox for eight electrifying performances, courtesy of Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta. April 19-24, 800-278-

Mickey Mouse leads a stellar cast of characters through 14 classic and modern Disney favorites in an epic production featuring an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set. April 21-24, 770-626-2464, gassouthdistrict.com.

The comic and former “Tonight Show” host performs. April 23, cobbenergycentre.com.

Walk along the midway, play classic carnival games and enjoy cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes and other festival favorites at this family-friendly event. Don’t miss rip-roaring thrill rides like Alien Abduction, Drop Tower and The Expedition! March 4-April 10, atlantafair.net.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at this annual event featuring a parade of decorated golf carts, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, wagons and walking groups along the Braselton LifePath. Follow the event on Facebook at @Explore Braselton. March 12, visitbraselton.com.

Shop locally grown produce, baked goods and other homemade items like candles, soaps and pottery at this monthly event showcasing local farmers and vendors on the second Sunday of each month from 2 to 6 p.m. March 13, April 10 &

Interact with more than 30 life-sized dinosaurs in this walk-through adventure featuring realistic moving animatronics. Through April 8, dinosafari.com.

Browse the wares of more than 300 vendors and enjoy live music, food vendors and more at this event voted one of the top five festivals in the state of Georgia. April 22-24, visitbraselton.com.

Students from Duluth schools show off their projects showcasing science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. 5 to 7 p.m. April 26, duluthga.net.

Lyndon Academy fifth-graders will witness realworld applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at this overnight camp on the grounds of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum. April 26-28, lyndonacademy.org.

Enjoy the works of dozens of painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers, jewelers, crafters and leather and metalworkers, along with artist demonstrations, food and drink vendors, live music and a children’s play area.

Fridays-N-Duluth, the city of Duluth’s weekly free family-friendly downtown event, includes cuisine from food trucks and live entertainment on the Festival Center Stage and in Parsons Alley. May 6-Sept. 16. duluthga.net.

Break out your wide-brimmed hats and bow ties for Duluth’s ultimate Kentucky Derby viewing party, featuring all the big race action on a large screen in Parsons Alley. May 7, duluthga.net.

Choose from a variety of food trucks and enjoy live entertainment from the City Park bandshell on the second Tuesday of each month through October. May 10, cityoflilburn.com.

Find your newest treasure at this popular event showcasing previously owned household items such as furniture, clothing, toys, China, linen, books, electronics and more.

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a free outdoor screening of a family-friendly film on Braselton’s lovely Town Green. Follow the event on Facebook at @ExploreBraselton.

This exhibit transforms seven beloved books— “The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats; “Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill; “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff; “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Hr. and John Archambault; “Abuela” by Arthur Dorros; and “Tuesday” by David Wiesner—into three-dimensional learning environments. Through May

This weekend-long event features awardwinning wines, artisan hard cider, great food, educational programs, live music and more, showcasing the wineries and businesses of Henderson County. April 22-24, 800-828-4244,

By Karin Pendley Koser

LOCATION: 1315 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 HOURS: Wednesday-Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Call or check website before visiting; open times may change due to COVID-19. ADMISSION: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+, $8 for students 12-18 or in college and free for MODA members and children up to 11. CONTACT INFO: 404-979-6455 WEBSITE: museumofdesign.org M idtown Atlanta’s Arts District is home to hip hotels and restaurants, elite law firms, Colony Square, SCAD’s Atlanta campus and The High Museum of Art. Since 2011, it’s been the contemporary home of MODA, short for Museum of Design Atlanta. Founded in 1989, MODA’s move to Midtown solidified its evolution and reputation as the only design museum in the Southeast.

There’s nowhere else in Atlanta where you can find things like a passageway filled with pool noodle toys (for a 2018 exhibition, Designing Playful Cities); past, present and future bicycles (for 2021’s, Bike to the Future); guitars played by Metallica’s James Hetfield, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson (for 2019’s Wire & Wood: Designing Iconic Guitars); wearable tech such as dresses that light up (for 2016-17’s On You: Wearing Technology); or buildings designed for the people that house them (for 2018-19’s Design for Good: Architecture for Everyone).

MODA also offers children’s programs, workshops and field trips to help students develop design thinking and STEM skills.

On March 2-5, MODA hosts a hands-on architectural workshop for ages 8-17 called The Futuristic Skyscraper: Architectural Design where kids get to be really creative. On March 17, MODA opens Full Circle: Design Without End, which has no end date yet. This exhibition introduces visitors to systemic design approaches that help address climate change challenges affecting large-scale architectural structures to everyday products.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of MODA