Portrait of Maud Barker dressed for the Nine O' Clock Bal Poudre in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta History Center

Atlanta History Center Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Discover Atlanta’s Living History

Situated in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, the Atlanta History Center (AHC) is a premier cultural destination offering a multifaceted look into the city’s past and present. Across 33 acres of curated gardens, immersive exhibits, and preserved historic homes, visitors can engage with Atlanta’s stories—from its antebellum origins to its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Whether you’re interested in the architectural elegance of the Swan House, the immersive Goizueta Children’s Experience, or the powerful narratives at the Smith Family Farm, the AHC caters to history enthusiasts, families, and tourists alike.

Amenities such as free on-site parking, full wheelchair accessibility, and an open-to-all museum shop make the Center welcoming for everyone. The Margaret Mitchell House, a satellite campus in Midtown dedicated to the “Gone with the Wind” author, offers a focused literary and cultural experience with separate admission.

This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know before your visit to the Atlanta History Center, including hours, ticketing, campus highlights, accessibility, and insider tips. For real-time updates, refer to the Atlanta History Center website, or consult local guides such as Atlanta & Beyond and Discover Atlanta.

Campus Layout and Setting
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Main Museum Building and Exhibits
Historic Houses and Outdoor Spaces
Special Programs and Events
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Dining, Shopping, and Amenities
Nearby Attractions and Accommodations
FAQs
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
References

Campus Layout and Setting

The AHC’s main campus spans 33 acres in Buckhead, blending indoor galleries with outdoor historic homes and themed gardens. Paved walkways and clear signage make navigating between buildings, gardens, and play spaces easy. Free parking is available adjacent to the main entrance, and the campus is designed with accessibility in mind (Atlanta & Beyond).

The Margaret Mitchell House, a separate campus in Midtown accessible from the Midtown MARTA Station, presents exhibits on the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, requiring its own admission (Atlanta & Beyond).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Main Campus Hours:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Mondays and major holidays
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $24
- Seniors (65+): $20
- Youth (4–12): $16
- Children under 4: Free
- Separate admission is required for the Margaret Mitchell House.
Purchasing Options:
- Tickets can be purchased in advance online or onsite.
- Group rates and memberships are available.
- Library passes (available from select Georgia public libraries) may provide free family admission on a limited basis (Forsyth County Public Library).

For the latest ticketing information and hours, check the official AHC visit page.

Main Museum Building and Exhibits

Permanent Exhibitions

Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta
Chronicles Atlanta’s history through pivotal events and influential figures, providing essential context for understanding the city’s evolution (Atlanta & Beyond).
Any Great Change: The Centennial of the 19th Amendment
Explores the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for voting rights, spotlighting the impact of Georgia’s women (Secret Atlanta).
Goizueta Children’s Experience
An interactive, hands-on space for ages 1–8, focusing on Atlanta’s neighborhoods, culture, and history through play-based learning (Atlanta Parent).

Rotating Exhibits

AHC regularly debuts new temporary exhibitions on contemporary and historical themes, ensuring fresh experiences for return visitors. Online access to past exhibits is also available (Atlanta & Beyond).

Museum Shop

The shop offers books, gifts, and locally crafted items and is open to all, even without museum admission (Atlanta & Beyond).

Historic Houses and Outdoor Spaces

Swan House (1928):
This architecturally stunning mansion is open for guided and self-guided tours, offering a glimpse into Atlanta’s high society. It’s also a notable film location for “The Hunger Games” (Explore Georgia).
Smith Family Farm (Tullie Smith Farm):
An 1860s farmstead with original farmhouse, outbuildings, and period gardens, brought to life by costumed interpreters and live demonstrations (Atlanta & Beyond).
Wood Family Cabin:
An 1820s log cabin, providing insight into pioneer-era Georgia.
Goizueta Gardens:
Multiple themed gardens, including the Swan Woods Trail and Quarry Garden, highlight native plants and Southern landscapes.
Children’s Playhouses:
Two playhouses offer space for imaginative play, conveniently located near the main building and Swan House (Atlanta & Beyond).

Special Programs and Events

Signature Events:
- Candlelight Nights: Holiday event with music, lights, and period traditions.
- Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Free admission and educational programming.
- Día de los Muertos: Cultural celebration with food, crafts, and performances (365 Atlanta Traveler).
Family and Children’s Activities:
- Goizueta Children’s Experience: Hands-on exhibits for young visitors.
- Meet the Past: Live theater performances by costumed interpreters.
- Storytimes and crafts during special weekends.
Educational Offerings:
Robust calendar of lectures, workshops, and field trips for all ages (Atlanta History Center).
- Kenan Research Center: Open to researchers and students, with extensive archives on Atlanta and the Southeast (Atlanta History Center).

Check the events calendar for current schedules.

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Campus Accessibility:
All major attractions are wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs are available upon request.
Paved paths connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
Visitor Tips:
- Plan for 3–4 hours to explore; a full day is ideal for history buffs.
- Weekday mornings are generally quieter.
- Many exhibits and gardens are outdoors—check the weather and dress accordingly.
Language and Inclusivity:
Most exhibits are in English. Select events may offer bilingual programming.
Health and Safety:
For up-to-date protocols, consult the official website.

Dining, Shopping, and Amenities

Souper Jenny Café:
Offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and beverages. Outdoor and indoor seating available (365 Atlanta Traveler).
Museum Shop:
Features books, gifts, local crafts, and memorabilia (Paige Minds the Gap).
Facilities:
Restrooms, baby-changing stations, family restrooms, and free Wi-Fi are located throughout the campus.

Nearby Attractions and Accommodations

Buckhead:
Upscale shopping and dining nearby.
Atlanta Botanical Garden and Midtown:
Short drive to other leading cultural sites.
Hotels:
Numerous options range from luxury to budget-friendly in the Buckhead area (365 Atlanta Traveler).
Margaret Mitchell House:
Included with select admission tickets if visited within nine days (Discover Atlanta).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Atlanta History Center located?
A: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Q: What are the Center’s hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and select holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults $24, seniors $20, youths $16, children under 4 free. Margaret Mitchell House admission is separate.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, free parking on-site.

Q: Are all areas accessible?
A: Most, including paved paths and wheelchairs on request. Some historic homes have limited access.

Q: Can I visit the museum shop without a ticket?
A: Yes, the shop is open to all.

Q: Are there free admission days?
A: Yes, on select holidays and via some library passes.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, including special photography tours. Check schedules online.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Purchase Tickets: Atlanta History Center Visit Page
Preview the Campus: Virtual Tour
Check Events: Events Calendar

Stay updated via the Center’s social media channels and download the Audiala app for exclusive audio tours, planning tools, and personalized recommendations.

References

Plan your visit to the Atlanta History Center for a journey through the stories that have shaped Atlanta. Download the Audiala app for enriched tours, and make the most of your time at this essential Atlanta landmark.