Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Atlanta Historical Sites

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, located at 535 Means Street NW in Atlanta’s West Midtown, serves as a vital institution for contemporary art in the Southeast. Established in 1973 as Nexus, this nonprofit, non-collecting institution is dedicated to presenting innovative exhibitions and fostering artistic experimentation. With a mission grounded in accessibility, the Center has offered free admission since 2015, welcoming over 200 artists annually and engaging diverse audiences through robust public programming and educational initiatives. Its strategic location near Georgia Tech and other key cultural sites enhances its role as a creative anchor in Atlanta’s thriving arts scene.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your visit: up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing and registration details, accessibility, travel tips, a historical overview, current exhibitions, signature programs, and nearby cultural attractions. For the latest information, consult the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center website and the Atlanta Art Week participant page.

Visiting Information
Exhibitions and Programs
- Current and Recent Exhibitions
- Signature Events and Programs
History and Cultural Significance
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Supporting the Center
Call to Action
References

Visiting Information

Location and Directions

The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is situated at 535 Means Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, in the West Midtown arts district. This area is known for its creative energy, with neighboring galleries, restaurants, and cultural venues. The Center is adjacent to the Georgia Tech campus, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

Getting There:

Car: Free parking is available in the designated lot at the corner of Bankhead Avenue and Means Street (entry via Bankhead Avenue).
Public Transit: The nearest MARTA station is Arts Center Station. From there, visitors can take a short rideshare or bus trip. The area is also accessible by bike and on foot for nearby residents.

Visiting Hours

As of 2025, the Center’s hours are:

Sunday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Hours may vary for holidays or special events. Always check the official website for the most current schedule.

Admission, Tickets, and Registration

Admission to the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is always free, reflecting its commitment to accessibility and community engagement. However, registration is required—either online in advance (via Eventbrite or the Center’s website) or at the door, subject to capacity.

Advance registration: Recommended, especially for popular exhibitions or events.
On-site registration: Available, but subject to space.

Donations are encouraged and support ongoing programming.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking: Free on-site parking is provided in the lot at Bankhead Avenue and Means Street, with additional street parking nearby.
Accessibility: The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. Service animals are welcome. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact the Center prior to their visit for personalized assistance (CN Traveler).

Exhibitions and Programs

Current and Recent Exhibitions

Atlanta Contemporary is a non-collecting institution, meaning its galleries continuously feature new, temporary exhibitions across a range of media. The Center presents work by over 200 artists annually, embracing emerging, mid-career, and underrepresented voices (Atlanta Contemporary; Secret Atlanta).

Spring 2025 Highlights:

Tall and Wild Atlanta: 1984–1994: Curated by Rosa Duffy, this exhibition explores a pivotal decade in Atlanta’s cultural history through significant artworks, books, and period objects—featuring artists such as John Riddle and Radcliffe Bailey (The Atlanta Voice).
Journey of a Black Girl: Courtney Brooks’ fiber art installation This Crown Belongs to Us serves as a communal tribute to Black hair and identity, involving workshops and community contributions (The Atlanta Voice).
Craig Coleman: Closet Geometry: This immersive video installation transforms the Sliver Space into a kaleidoscopic environment exploring non-binary identity (Creative Loafing).

Exhibitions typically run for several months and span painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and installation. The Center’s approach emphasizes commissioning new works and bringing fresh perspectives to Atlanta audiences (CN Traveler).

Signature Events and Programs

Studio Artist Program: Provides 13 subsidized on-site studios to local artists, fostering creativity and community. Studios are open to the public during select events (The Nexus Fund).
Annual Art Party: The Center’s marquee fundraising and community celebration, featuring live performances, open studios, and immersive art experiences (Atlanta Contemporary).
Contemporary Kids: Family-friendly, hands-on art workshops.
Contemporary Cocktails: Social evenings with exhibition tours and artist talks.
Contemporary Talks: Panel discussions and lectures exploring current themes in contemporary art.

The Center organizes over 125 public programs annually, ensuring there are frequent opportunities for deeper engagement (Atlanta Art Week).

History and Cultural Significance

Founded in 1973 as Nexus, Atlanta Contemporary has evolved from a grassroots artists’ cooperative into a leader in the region’s contemporary art landscape (Atlanta Contemporary on Google Arts & Culture). Its history includes:

1973: Founded as Nexus, a cooperative for Atlanta photographers.
1976–1983: Expansion into new spaces and broader programming.
1984–1999: Rebranded as Nexus Contemporary Art Center; launched Nexus Press and studio spaces.
2000: Became Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, emphasizing regional/national ambitions.
2013–2015: Major facility upgrades and policy shift to free admission.
2024: Celebrated 50th anniversary with special programming.

The Center plays a pivotal role in Atlanta’s cultural renaissance, supporting emerging and underrepresented artists and serving as a catalyst for urban renewal in West Midtown (Artnet News).

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Atmosphere: Housed in a converted industrial building, the Center features minimalist galleries and open layouts that spotlight the art.
Gift Shop: Offers curated art books, prints, and crafts; proceeds support local artists.
Restrooms and Seating: Facilities are clean and accessible; benches available throughout galleries.
Photography: Permitted in most areas unless otherwise posted. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences using #atlantacontemporary.

Family-Friendly: While some exhibitions may address mature themes, the Center welcomes families and provides ample space for strollers and groups.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

The Center’s location in West Midtown places visitors near a variety of additional cultural and historic sites:

Westside Cultural Arts District
Georgia World Congress Center
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Centennial Olympic Park
High Museum of Art
Center for Puppetry Arts

Travel Tips:

Best Times to Visit: Weekdays for quieter galleries; Thursday evenings for extended hours.
Duration: Allocate 1–2 hours for a thorough visit.
What to Bring: Photo ID (for registration), notebook/sketchbook, reusable water bottle.
Dining: No onsite café, but many restaurants are nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center visiting hours?
A: Sunday 12–4 pm, Tuesday–Wednesday 12–5 pm, Thursday 12–8 pm, Friday–Saturday 12–5 pm. Closed Mondays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, admission is always free, but registration (online or at the door) is required.

Q: Where is parking located?
A: Free parking is available at the lot at Bankhead Avenue and Means Street.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are offered occasionally. Check the website for current schedules.

Q: Is the Center wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the facility is fully accessible.

Q: Can I take photos inside the Center?
A: Yes, unless otherwise indicated. Please respect posted policies and the artwork.

Supporting the Center

While admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted to support the Center’s mission. Contributions can be made online, onsite, or through purchases at the gift shop.

Call to Action

Plan your visit by registering online via the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center website. For updates on exhibitions, events, and programs, follow the Center on social media and download the Audiala app for exclusive content and virtual tours. Enhance your Atlanta experience by exploring related articles on the city’s top cultural destinations.