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Atlanta History Center

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Center includes exhibits on the antebellum South & an 1845-era farm with a blacksmith & smokehouse. People often mention Atlanta, history, exhibits, museum, Swan, beautiful, History, great, House, experience,


Address

130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Website

www.atlantahistorycenter.com

Contact

(404) 814-4000

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (900 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Atlanta (38) history (28) exhibits (25) museum (21) Swan (20) beautiful (20) History (17) great (17) House (15) experience (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mary Elizabeth E. 5 months ago on Google • 321 reviews
    Had reserved a free pass from the Gwinnett County Public Library. Atlanta History Museum was available for use in 7 days & one renewal. I had to make a trip plan by figuring out the Gwinnett County transit along with the Marta Train. Had to commute to Atlanta twice to tour Atlanta History Museum. 33 acre of land including the Swan House, the museum, farm area, and parks. Theres plenty of tour guides in the area ready to answer any question. The three times I was here, wedding rehearsals were going on. Theres a cafe for coffee. Plenty of sight seeing available. Planning ahead was a must for me but so well worth it.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph B. 7 months ago on Google • 96 reviews
    Went there with my family for the Emmett Til exhibit as well as the other galleries. Had a great time, as there is a lot to see and after 3 hours still missed a lot. The Swan House and gardens were our favorites, as well as the Emmett Til exhibit. Hope to visit again.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth C. 11 months ago on Google • 290 reviews
    I went here with my family for a Saturday of history and fun. We spent around 4 hours walking the gardens and exploring the exhibitions. It was informative. Lots to do. The gardens are beautiful you can easily spend a couple of hours just walking around the trails. There are status and fake animals distribute around the property. You might be walking and spot a fox next to a tree (a fake one). They rent space for events. The day we visited they were preparing the mean entrance for a weeding.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew J. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved visiting here! The exhibits are super informative and the Cyclorama is especially impressive. They provide a very balanced viewpoint on Atlanta History and try to appease both sides of the Civil War. It's a little weird to see, but given the area and the fact Stone Mountain exists, not too surprising. They don't relent on the facts though. Overall, I would definitely recommend natives and visitors alike to visit this place. There's so much to see, you could easily spend hours here.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony K. 6 months ago on Google • 288 reviews
    What a great museum. Lots and lots of displays. And I want to thank you for the Emmett Till display. Having grown up in that part of Mississippi, it’s a stain on our history.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Justin Nguyen (. 8 months ago on Google • 341 reviews
    The Atlanta History Museum was a great place to learn about the history of Atlanta. The Cyclorama was certainly interesting, however, the museum did very little to draw in and engage with the audience. It certainly left it up to the viewer to determine their own level of engagement. The best part of the Atlanta History Museum was certainly the Swan House. This was absolutely pretty and a can’t miss.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joey G. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful grounds year round with the Swan House, streams, gardens, farm and forest areas, in addition to the world-class and educational exhibits in the main building. I especially enjoy the Olympics and civil rights history.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the best place in Atlanta by far. If you love history give yourself all day. We got there about 10:30 am, when it was closing time there still was so much to see. We didn't get outside. They shouldn't have made it so interesting. Give yourself all day there is an adorable cafe to eat lunch at. Whatever you do in Atlanta DON'T MISS this!!!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evelyn C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Atlanta. Make sure you reserve several hours as there is quite a bit to do. We enjoyed walking through the beautiful gardens, touring the historic farm, walking through The Swan house, and then back to the main building to look at all of the different exhibits and the cyclorama. Everyone we met there was very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend spending a day at the Atlanta history center!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevan M. 2 years ago on Google
    Just Amazing The Museum The House's and Antique's are amazing as so are the Grounds Perfectly Kept up love 😍the paths. Staff was A 10 helpful and Friendly thank y'all very much me and my Wife had a Awesome Day there👍👍
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa H. 4 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    What an incredible museum! There’s so much history contained within this beautiful building and on the grounds as well. Photo opportunities abound .. Don’t pass up the historic homes ! I was so excited to be able to tour and photograph the homes.. it was truly stepping back in time.🖤📸 It would only allow me to upload 50 photos.. I took hundreds 🖤#holleysgirlphotography
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alicia A. 2 years ago on Google
    I was honestly pleasantly surprised at the overload of local history at this place. From the property to the cyclorama to the multiple exhibits. Very impressive & honestly it’s great to have a place like this away from the downtown area where it’s difficult to navigate. I really loved the Swan house & the exhibit where they cover the civil rights era impacts. I’ll be coming back to try the coffee shop & get soup.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Zaiah C. 4 years ago on Google
    My family and I really enjoyed the Atlanta History Museum. There were some really neat exhibits and some really amazing stories and artifacts! I loved the fact that they have the Swan House and Smith Family Farm as a part of the museum. I did feel like there could have been more in certain areas and that they could have delved deeper into much of the history of Atlanta. I wasn’t able to see the 360*? Part of the museum but will definitely go back to experience that! If you love Museum or don’t have a lot of experience with them this is a really good place to start!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Auguste 2 years ago on Google
    The Atlanta History Center is absolutely amazing. There is so much to see and learn. You could easily spend all day here. When we went there were visitors; but, everyone was easily spaced out that you could really look at things and not feel rushed. Everyone was courteous and kept the six foot distance. They Swan House was truly beautiful as were the grounds. I recommend going in the spring or fall when you can really enjoy the outdoor areas. Don't forget to visit the gift shop it has some amazing goodies in it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zeeshan A. 1 year ago on Google
    Atlanta History Center is gorgeous. Cyclorama is interesting and depicts a moment from the Battle of Atlanta. It is one of few remaining Cycloramas in the world. The place has beautiful gardens and shouldn’t be missed. Swan House is a picturesque building. Parking is free.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Attila A Y. 4 months ago on Google • 110 reviews
    We find it highly interesting and informative. Spend 3 hours or more to fully see all!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew L. 4 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed the chance to learn more about Atlanta and how it has been shaped over time (positively and negatively). There is quiet the wide array of exhibits to engage into. The cyclorama was a first. It was more interesting and impressive than I anticipated.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sun S. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved our experience. Such an in-depth and exciting look at the history and development of the city. Really enjoyed the gardens and the Swan House as well as the farm and adorable animals!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helena B. 4 years ago on Google
    We stayed to the grounds looking for the tiny house and loved the outdoor set up
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ameena S. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a huge place to explore with museums, gardens and historic houses. We only had about and hour and a half and realized when we got there that we would need that only to explore the beautiful swan house and grounds. We would love to come back and explore this more. Swan house is a must. I was a little disappointed because the lawn was closed. So the beautiful staircase and perfect spot for pictures was not accessible. There is a tiny door near the swan house too!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monkeshia G. 4 years ago on Google
    I enjoyed my first experience at the Atlanta History Center. This is a great place to see the history in plain view. My kids enjoyed themselves as well but my most enjoyable moment was the play about "John Lewis's speech".
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alena G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place!! We enjoyed our walk a lot. The place is quite spacious, plan at least 2 hours for your visit. Parking is provided for free
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alyssa C. 1 year ago on Google • 37 reviews
    Could have spent all day here! So much to explore and learn, both indoors and outdoors. The indoor exhibits included a lot of local history, both about the general south and the city of Atlanta. The farm, houses and pathways were beautiful. This center has a little bit of everything to appease anyones taste
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Postcards from G. 11 months ago on Google • 92 reviews
    Nice exhibits, good for middle school and up, in my opinion. The Swan house was lovely and the grounds breathtaking. A number of things were closed, which was disappointing, otherwise I would have given it five stars.

  • 5/5 Samantha Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Really impressive history center with a lot of well curated and thoughtful exhibits. Gives you a really good appreciation for the history of the town and the role it plays in American history. Definitely recommend giving yourself enough time to experience it all! The grounds and buildings are also very cool and very beautiful, so make sure to wear good walking shoes so you can experience it all!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pegg A. 4 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed our time at the center has an amazing display of over 5000 artifacts from the Civil War representing both the Union and Confederate sides also has the Texas steam train that was involved in chasing down the General and the Cyclorama is an amazing artifact with a story of its own also depicting the Union winning the battle of Atlanta
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert S. 3 years ago on Google
    A great experience. Love the gardens and the cyclorama of first class
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenny Q. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent history museum, I'll come back with my friends and family
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cindy S. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful location for concert events. Enjoy them very much.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luis de la m. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent history museum, rarity in the US.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam E. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum that showcases Atlanta history and culture. Has well thought out and interesting exhibits, and the Swan House is gorgeous and a must see. Would strongly recommend for a fun day out. Although, make sure to get there early as it closes at 4pm, and it's easy to lose track of time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Crystal C. 4 years ago on Google
    Every year. Celebrate MLK day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 beardyeighty 4 years ago on Google
    The AHC is so awesome every time I go. Their efforts to preserve pieces of our collective past are stellar and staggering. It was really great The Cyclorama in better shape than ever and the restoration of the TEXAS locomotive was truly moving. I'm so grateful that I got to share it with my son.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 laurel w. 2 years ago on Google
    We had so much fun walking the beautiful property and learning about the special buildings from knowledgeable staff. And after all that walking it was so nice to sit and sip some coffee at the Cafe.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve Z. 2 years ago on Google
    It's much more than the museum itself. Beautiful gardens and nature around the site makes it a good setting for a visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeffery R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela P. 3 years ago on Google
    Exhibits are amazing, I dont know how anyone can say that this place is not great! They offer so much in a informational setting!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Angus B. 4 years ago on Google
    There were some really cool exhibits, my favorite being about handmade crafts in Atlanta/Georgia. Emory’s Laney Graduate School hosted its annual gala there and the setting was good. There were lots of places to take pictures.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon R. 4 years ago on Google
    Well worth the drive from anywhere!!! Cyclorama is absolutely stunning along with the history of the battle. History center has many galleries including folk art and bar-b-que as will as a steam engine. Be sure to go to the quarry gardens, historic farm and especially the swan house. You can spend 4-6 hours here easily. Have some of there famous soup and sandwiches. Good parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful grounds. History.and a wonderland all together!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 최두영 1 year ago on Google
    It was an accidental place, but it was very informative. Great material has been well preserved. Interestingly, the master's houses, such as the swan house, were carefully preserved, but the slave houses seemed to be neglected. They seemed to be discriminated against in the future as well
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria E. M. 3 years ago on Google
    I have had an annual membership to the Atlanta History Center for two years now and it is well worth the totally tax deductible $85. This place never gets old for me. I enjoy revisiting the regular exhibits and seeing what's new. My favorite parts are the Farm and the Swan House. The volunteers go out of there way to interact and educate you. In fact, I learned that the farm donated over 1000 lbs of fresh produce to a food pantry during the pandemic. I'm pleased to support such a place and can't wait until the actors in the Swan House are safely able to return. They are a bonus treat, for sure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dandy 1 year ago on Google
    The museum is very clean and tidy. It boasted a myriad of different exhibits from a civil war cyclorama to art of George W. Bush (although I hear this is a temporary exhibit). Even after you get your fill of the civil war exhibits, there is a whole outdoor back section to the museum. The gardens were easily the best part of the experience as you saw the variety of beautiful flora planted and the historical swan house that acts as an exhibit of the once richest families in ATL. We were not able to explore the whole museum as thoroughly as we hoped, but it was still a great attraction to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elaine B. 3 years ago on Google
    It is a true hidden gem in Atlanta. Everybody was awesome. I loved the new cyclorama. It is beautifully done. The exhibits inside the main building are very well thought out and put together. The Swan House is stunning. The gardens are beautiful It is well worth a visit. Well done Atlanta History Center.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lauren D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great for a relaxing weekend activity
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Berry P. 3 years ago on Google
    There are some outstanding exhibits at AHC. I highly recommend it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John K. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is excellent and I bet it worth your each penny. You will see hundreds of old items and the theatre will give you a real experience of the old war 🛠️.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie P. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a great place to learn history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Corliss M. 3 years ago on Google
    A must see. Such a wealth of history in one place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T&B L. 1 year ago on Google
    Our #1 favorite attraction in Atlanta. You can spend all day here. This is an extraordinary center, where every detail has been attended to. From the treasured Battle of Atlanta cyclorama (and impressive presentation) to the civil war artwork, exhibits and other collections, Swan House, Smith Farm, and grounds ... we rate this one place we would want to visit again and again (yes, we've seen all the other highly rated places Atlanta offers too). And we didn't see everything ... we missed a entire building, as the day we visited a tree had fallen onto the building and every precaution was being taken until it was safely removed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Big Nate F. 2 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    Had to go 3 times to see everything. So much to do and lots of walking. The historical value of the grounds and all the items there, heart touching. My children laughed when they saw what the phone room looked like back then. Can’t wait to go again to watch the documentary on Stone Mountain.

  • 5/5 Ahmed A. 9 months ago on Google
    It was fantastic. Our tour was for three hours but I think it requires more than that. If you are lucky and it is a nice weather day you will definitely enjoy walking outside where the garden is, especially after having lunch at the nice restaurant there which is run by two beautiful ladies. One thing to be added, the best time to go there is at the weekdays to avoid the crowds so can move and explore easily. Enjoy your time there folks as I did.

  • 5/5 California l. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are in the Atlanta area this museum is a must see with indoor and outdoor exhibits/ history. You can easily spend 4+ hours here. Start with indoor exhibit then tour the grounds and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Free to military and veterans with proof of service

  • 5/5 Cheryl C. 3 months ago on Google New
    Outstanding experience!! There's so much to see here and all the staff are super friendly. Relaxed atmosphere where you can take in a guided tour or just wander around on your own. Best mocha coffee I've ever had in my 62-year life, so don't miss Brash Coffee Roasters!!

  • 5/5 William DeArmon (. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I have been here 3 or 4 times and it's like a whole new experience every time. What a great way to spend your day. First of all military and disabled veterans are free to get in, which is great! Before I begin with the attractions/features I will mention they have several bathrooms scattered all over the complex. There is an eatery on-site and also a coffee ship, both on which are excellent. The eatery is Souper Jenny's and they have soups, leafy salads, fruit salads, pasta salads, chili, sandwiches, drinks, and food is excellent (try the chili, but AFTER you walk around! 🙃). The coffee shop has very good coffee and similar drinks. Highly recommend both. Now onto the museum. I could write several thousand words about this place but I'll try to be brief, but like a said, you will be hard pressed to see the whole set up in one day, so plan ahead. The museum is actually a large ~40 acre site almost in the heart of Buckhead, on West Paces Ferry Road very close to Peachtree Road. There are numerous buildings to visit, with the Cyclorama being a main attraction in one of the buildings. The Cylorama is a huge 360° "mural" that you walk around inside to view. It portrays the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. This mural is massive and spectacular. There are numerous exhibits throughout the museum grounds, depicting numerous events and the many faceted and fascinating history of Atlanta and the metro area. Another main focal point is the Schulze-Inman house, where the original owners lived before donating the property to the City of Atlanta. There is ample parking both off West Paces Ferry and also a large parking area and deck off Andrew's Road. Parking has been free whenever we visited. This place is a must see and a great place to come on a date, with kids or friends or groups. We've been several times and haven't seen everything yet. Next trip we are planning to come early morning and just plan on staying all day and having our lunch there. See the main page for hours. 100% enjoy and 100% recommend, one of our favorite places to visit in Atlanta.

  • 5/5 Tammy C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great

  • 5/5 J L. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to explore and learn about Atlanta's history.

  • 5/5 Suchita G. 5 years ago on Google
    The Atlanta History Center is an excellent place to visit. There are several galleries exhibiting the history of Atlanta and its people. They showcase everything right from handicrafts to military arms from the American civil war. Behind the museum consists of the historic houses. My favourite was the Swan house. There are exhibits of how people lived in those times.

  • 5/5 Sharon G. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic center! I will definitely be back.

  • 3/5 John D. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, some great exhibits and great price.

  • 4/5 Debra H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very educational for anyone who go there my thoughts?

  • 3/5 Cheslie C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great memories and history.

  • 5/5 Victoria B. 3 years ago on Google
    Our daughter's wedding & reception was held at the Atlanta History Center. The setting was gorgeous inside and out, providing a beautiful backdrop for their photos in a number of locations. Most importantly, though, was the care and attention to detail the staff provided to make the day as special as it could be....professional, positive, and well-organized. Originally planned as an outdoor event but had to move everything inside due to inclement weather ....accommodations were made without missing a beat and it was just as special and beautiful. Can't speak highly enough about how positive our experience was. Highly recommend it as a wedding venue!

  • 5/5 William T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place, my wife and I spent four hours in the museum. If you're an antebellum fanstic, this is the place for you. We didn't get a chance to go to the Smith's Farm House, but we visited the Swan House, what a magnificent home!!

  • 5/5 zhe g. 3 years ago on Google
    The history Center has such detailed and rich exhibitions of American history! It’s a beyond expectation experience. A hidden gem, definitely worth a visit if you want to know more about southern culture. Swan house is a beautiful and good photo spot too.

  • 3/5 Beverly G. 3 years ago on Google
    This place has some amazing facts... check it out

  • 3/5 Helen Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, some great exhibits and great price.

  • 3/5 Charles R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food,wonderful service,good price.

  • 5/5 Jovana C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place! My family and I really enjoyed the Atlanta History Museum.

  • 5/5 Curtis 3 years ago on Google
    Terrific exhibits

  • 5/5 Brittany C. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a fantastic experience here. Great way to spend the day! Plenty of historic sites, exhibits, gardens and more. Would recommend to anyone visiting out of state as well as the locals taking advantage of this beautiful center!

  • 4/5 Grant B. 3 years ago on Google
    Quite nice.

  • 5/5 BabyBoomer O. 3 years ago on Google
    We went to this Atlanta History Center on a school trip with my 👧🏼🧒🏾 grandkids. Guides are helpful and keep the kids on track. Good learning opportunity.

  • 5/5 Angelika P. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazingly beautiful house. I wish I could live there! Great museum

  • 5/5 David D. 4 years ago on Google
    ⚡🌻🌤

  • 5/5 Jorge S. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent Museum

  • 5/5 A A. 4 years ago on Google
    Diamond And Silk 👩🏾‍💻

  • 5/5 Beth 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous! Entertaining and educational. The Cyclorama is fascinating and an interesting. Museum has so many different exhibits there is something for everyone. They even have interactive places.

  • 5/5 Rachael O. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it! Had a wonderful time. So much to see, touch, do. We spent the entire day here. My kids had a blast.

  • 5/5 Lamont T. 2 years ago on Google
    A fantastic experience! The cyclorama is a treasure, as is the train, and the museum is first class!


Call (404) 814-4000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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