Going off-the-beaten-track can lead to some incredible discoveries!
We’re rounding up some of the lesser-known museums in Atlanta to create this brand new bucket list, unique to the ATL. From money-making to African-American history, Atlanta has an awesome selection of museums including historic homes, unbeatable galleries, and so much more!
Always check with the museum before visiting for opening times, and coronavirus regulations.
Here are 10 lesser-known museums you must check out in Atlanta:
1. Art Museum of Oglethorpe University
Where: Brookhaven
OUMA is the only small liberal arts university museum in the Southeast that regularly shows nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions. Although small, the historic space makes every exhibition mighty. The collection includes more than 420 objects spanning seven centuries!
2. APEX Museum
Where: Sweet Auburn
There are some incredible stories and exhibits on offer at the APEX. This Sweet Auburn gem is a museum of history presented from the black perspective. Established in 1978, there’s a lot of history that goes beyond its opening that’s packed in this small, but super important museum.
3. Center For Puppetry Arts
Where: Midtown Atlanta
If you’re a lover of The Muppets or Sesame Street, Atlanta has got a treat for you. The Center for Puppetry Artsoffers a captivating day for the entire family, with an extensive collection of puppet artifacts. Come face-to-face with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Bert, Ernie, and more!
Rainbow Connection: Midtown Atlanta Is Home To The Country’s Largest Puppetry Museum
4. Museum of Design
Where: Midtown Arts District
Formed in 1989 as the Atlanta International Museum of Art & Design, MODA has grown and evolved over the years to become the Southeast’s only design museum. MODA’s mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of design as the convergence of creativity through exhibitions, education, and their top-notch programming.
5. Atlanta Contemporary
Where: West Midtown
Atlanta Contemporary is a non-profit, non-collecting institution. The space features works by Georgia artists in painting, print, sculpture, photography, performance, and more! It has become one of the nation’s leading contemporary art centers, playing a vital role in Atlanta’s cultural landscape.
6. Margaret Mitchell House
Margaret Munnerlyn Mitchell was an American novelist and journalist. Her only book Gone With The Wind won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. You can visit her Midtown home, which has become a museum dedicated to her and her renowned novel.
Gone with the Wind: Explore The Fascinating World Of Atlantan Author Margaret Mitchell
7. Tellus Science Museum
Where: Cartersville
This world-class, 120000-square-foot space is perfect for science and nature lovers. This natural history and science museum promote a hands-on approach, and make it a super fun day out for the whole family!
8. Delta Flight Museum
Where: Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Near the airline’s main hub, gain incredible insight on Delta airways at this aviation and corporate museum. Great for aviation lovers, this gigantic space is home to vintage planes, modern designs, and more!
9. Southeastern Railway Museum
Where: Duluth
This awesome railroad museum was founded in 1970. The Southeastern Railway Museum is an excellent day out for the whole family, where you can learn all about train history. The museum is a beautiful National Historic Landmark located at the old Central of Georgia Railway, making it a truly unique and immersive experience.
10. Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Where: Georgia Tech
This research institution and public museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of paper and paper technology. Although the space it’s small, you’ll leave more fascinated with paper than you thought was possible.
See more: 10 Tiny Doors In Atlanta That Are Redefining Public Art
Featured Image: Art Museum of Oglethorpe University