CHECK OUT YOUR NEW CITY’S MUST-SEE PLACES Welcome to Atlanta! By now, you’ve probably realized how many things there are to do and see in
your new hometown. It’s got something for everyone: art lovers, history buffs, sports fanatics … even whale shark enthusiasts. While there are dozens of sights to take in and places to explore, on the pages that follow we’ve narrowed down 20 of the city’s must-see picks. By Anna Bentley
1 ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER
Everything you need to know about the history of Atlanta can be found here. Permanent exhibits detail the Civil War, Southern folk art, Atlanta’s hosting of the 1996 Olympic Games and more. The Atlanta Cyclorama moved into a new space at the center in 2019. There’s also a vast collection of original papers and artifacts. The center also operates three historic houses, including the famed Swan House, which appeared in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in 2013. 404-814-4000, atlantahistorycenter.com
There’s nothing like catching a show at the Fox. Whether it’s a concert, movie screening or Broadway play, everything looks more special under the Fabulous Fox’s twinkling night sky. But you don’t have to see a performance to experience its ornate, detailed design: The Fox hosts guided, behind-thescenes tours two to three days per week that highlight 10 of the theatre’s special features, including Mighty Mo, the world’s largest working Moller organ. 404-881-21000, foxtheatre.org
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Center for Civil and Human Rights
Opened in 2014 just steps from Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, this mustsee destination features exhibits and educational programs that aim to show visitors how the American civil rights movement and modern civil rights issues around the world are linked— and empowers them to enact change in their own communities. 678-999-8990, civilandhumanrights.org
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4
GONE WITH THE WIND MUSEUM
Located in Marietta, the Gone with the Wind Museum is a fascinating shrine to the classic novel and film, with movie memorabilia, some of Margaret Mitchell’s personal volumes of the book and much more. The museum offers group tours, has a gift shop and rents indoor and outdoor space for events, including weddings. 770-794-5576, gwtwmarietta.com
5 HIGH
MUSEUM OF ART The Southeast’s leading art museum features more than 14,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings spanning 19th- and 20th-century American, European and African art in its permanent collection, plus an impressive selection of special and traveling exhibits. Exhibits scheduled for 2015 include a European print series, Paa Joe’s architectural sculptures and design featuring sensory expression and new approaches. 404733-4400, high.org
6 Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
This can’t-miss attraction showcases significant landmarks of the civil rights movement and the history of both Atlanta and the nation. It’s actually made up of five sites: the home on Auburn Avenue where King was born; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he began preaching at age 19; the King Center, where King and his wife Coretta Scott King are buried; the Peace Plaza, home of the “I Have A Dream” World Peace Rose Garden; and the Visitor’s Center. 404-331-5190, nps.gov/malu
PHOTO: Courtesy of Atlanta History Center
2 FOX THEATRE
