With over 40 museum scattered across the city, Atlanta is not short of fascinating institutions and exhibitions, where you can learn more about the human condition and history. However, there are a few museums that perhaps don’t get all the hype they deserve that you might not be familiar with.
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!
1. Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
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 1000 objects spanning seven centuries, including works by Boudin, Matisse, Pissarro, Delacroix, among others. With three spaces, the Shelley and Donald Rubin Gallery, the Skylight Gallery, and the Center Gallery, OUMA can be found on the third floor of Lowry Hall. And best of all, admission is always free!
🏰 Lowry Hall, Brookhaven
2. APEX Museum
There are some incredible stories and exhibits on offer at the African American Panoramic Experience. This Sweet Auburn gem is a museum of history presented from the black perspective. Established in 1978, the APEX is the oldest Black History Museum in the city. There’s a lot of history that goes beyond its opening that’s packed in this small, but super important museum. Check out the
AFRICA: THE UNTOLD STORY or THE MAAFA (THE AFRICAN HOLOCAUST) exhibitions.
🏰 135 Auburn Ave NE, Sweet Auburn
3. Center For Puppetry Arts
If you’re a lover of The Muppets or Sesame Street, Atlanta has got a treat for you. The center was inaugurated in 1978 by none other than Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog themselves. Since then, the center has seen exhibitions and visitors come and go, continuing to offer various exhibitions, puppet shows and workshops. The Center for Puppetry Arts offers 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!
🏰 1404 Spring St NW, Midtown Atlanta
4. Museum of Design
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. Tickets for adults cost 10$, discounted are valued at 8$ and MODA and NARM members get free entrance.
🏰1315 Peachtree St NE, Midtown Arts District
5. Atlanta Contemporary
Atlanta Contemporary is a non-profit, non-collecting institution. The space features works by over 100 hundreds, mainly by Georgia artists, but also national and international, 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. The museum wants to make art accessible to people from all walks of life and is free admission.
🏰 535 Means Street NW, West Midtown
6. Tellus Science Museum
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! Tellus consists of four main galleries: The Weinman Mineral Gallery, The Fossil Gallery, Science in Motion and The Collins Family My Big Backyard. From an 80 foot-long Brontosaurus to a replica Wright flyer, a visit to the Tellus Science Museum will most definitely not disappoint.
🏰 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville
7. Delta Flight Museum
Near the airline’s main hub, gain incredible insight on Delta airways at this aviation and corporate museum. The museum is a nonprofit organization that opened in 2014. Great for aviation lovers, this gigantic space is home to vintage planes, modern designs, and more! It’s kid-friendly with its interactive and hands-on exhibits, so be sure to check it out.
🏰 Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
8. Southeastern Railway Museum
This awesome railroad museum was founded in 1970 by the Atlanta Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. With over 90 pieces of rolling stock, 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.
🏰 3595 Buford Hwy, Duluth
9. Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
This research institution and public museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of paper and paper technology. From the earliest writing materials and the invention of paper to the high technology machines and mechanisms we use today, the museum houses over 100,000 artifacts including manuscripts, rare books, prints, hand and industrial papermaking tools and equipment. Although the space it’s small, you’ll leave more fascinated with paper than you thought was possible.
🏰 500 10th St NW, Georgia Tech
Featured Image: Art Museum of Oglethorpe University