Bank Of America Plaza

Bank of America Plaza Atlanta: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta is not just the tallest building in Georgia and the Southeastern United States—it is also a potent symbol of the city’s ambition, resilience, and architectural innovation. Completed in 1992, this 1,023-foot postmodern skyscraper dominates the Atlanta skyline with its iconic gold-leaf spire and pyramid. Designed by Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates, the building draws inspiration from classic Art Deco skyscrapers, while its illuminated crown serves as a beacon visible for miles (ArtsATL; Skyscraper Center; Buildings DB).

Strategically located between Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, Bank of America Plaza’s distinctive 45-degree orientation and “tower in a park” site planning highlight its grandeur. Over the decades, the building has mirrored Atlanta’s economic highs and lows, from its boom in the 1990s to revitalization efforts in recent years, including sustainable upgrades and public amenity improvements (Wikipedia; Urbanize Atlanta).

Although public access to the interior is limited due to its primary function as an office tower, the building’s exterior, surrounding plazas, and proximity to notable attractions like Centennial Olympic Park and the Fox Theatre make it an essential stop for architecture enthusiasts and visitors to Atlanta (AtlantaFi). This guide provides everything you need to know about visiting Bank of America Plaza, from its history and design to practical information on hours, accessibility, nearby attractions, and travel tips.

Bank of America Plaza skyscraper in Atlanta viewed from Centennial Olympic Park

AT&T Midtown Center and Bank of America Plaza skyscrapers in downtown Atlanta Georgia

Bank of America Financial Center building in Atlanta Georgia

Bank of America Financial Center building in Atlanta with modern glass structure and clear blue sky

Bank of America Financial Center in Atlanta Georgia

Bank of America Financial Center building in Atlanta Georgia with modern architecture and clear blue sky

Bank of America Financial Center building exterior in Atlanta Georgia

Bank of America Financial Center building in Atlanta, Georgia with clear sky

Bank of America Financial Center in downtown Atlanta with modern glass facade

Bank of America Financial Center in Atlanta viewed from Pemberton Place

Bank of America Plaza skyscraper in Atlanta

Bank of America Plaza illuminated at night in Atlanta

History and Origins
Architectural Significance
Symbolism and Impact
Urban Context and Controversies
Economic and Cultural Evolution
Security and Recent Events
Visiting Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Media Resources
Sustainability and Renovations
Summary and Recommendations
Sources

History and Origins

The Bank of America Plaza was conceived during a period of significant optimism in Atlanta as the city prepared for the 1996 Olympic Games. Originally initiated by Citizens and Southern Bank (C&S), the project became part of a major corporate merger wave, opening in 1992 first as NationsBank Plaza before adopting its current name following further banking consolidations (ArtsATL; Skyscraper Center).

The development reflected Atlanta’s aspirations to become a global business hub. The building provided a new corporate headquarters and helped catalyze Midtown’s transformation into a thriving commercial and cultural district.

Architectural Significance

Designed by Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates, Bank of America Plaza is an outstanding example of postmodern architecture with strong Art Deco revival influences. The building’s most distinctive feature is its 90-foot open pyramid, clad in 23-karat gold leaf and topped with a luminous spire (Kiddle). Its granite and glass façade, accentuated by vertical piers, echoes the grandeur of 1920s New York skyscrapers while embracing modern engineering innovations (Buildings DB).

Structurally, the skyscraper uses a trussed tube-in-tube system with a reinforced concrete core, perimeter columns, and horizontal trusses, providing large, flexible office spaces with minimal interior columns (Buildings DB). The lobby, recently renovated with Art Deco motifs and modern finishes, welcomes visitors with a sense of historic elegance.

Symbolism and Impact

Since its completion, Bank of America Plaza has been a symbol of Atlanta’s economic growth, business ambition, and urban identity. At 1,023 feet (311.8 meters) and 55 stories, it remains the tallest building in the Southeast and the tallest in any American state capital (Skyscraper Center). The illuminated spire has become an integral part of the city’s branding and visual identity, featured prominently in media and promotional materials (Kiddle).

Urban Context and Controversies

The Plaza’s “tower in a park” design, with its 45-degree rotation from the street grid, was intended to provide undisturbed views for tenants. However, some urban planners have critiqued its limited pedestrian engagement and the dominance of parking infrastructure at street level (ArtsATL; Wikipedia). Despite these criticisms, the building’s scale and design have made it a defining feature of Atlanta’s linear skyline.

Economic and Cultural Evolution

Bank of America Plaza’s fortunes have mirrored Atlanta’s economy. The building thrived during periods of growth but faced high vacancy rates during the Great Recession. Recent years have seen significant investment in renovations, rebranding, and sustainability, positioning the tower for continued relevance as a premier office destination (ArtsATL; AtlantaFi).

Security and Recent Events

The building’s prominence has also brought it into focus for security concerns. In 2024, Bank of America Plaza was revealed as the intended target in a foiled terrorist plot, highlighting both its symbolic importance and the ongoing vigilance required to protect such landmarks (Fox5 Atlanta).

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours and Access

Lobby Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to security and building management policies).
Public Access: The lobby and exterior plazas are open to visitors during business hours, but access to upper floors and tenant areas is restricted.
Observation Deck: There is no public observation deck.

Tickets and Tours

Tickets: No admission fee is required to enter the lobby or exterior public areas.
Tours: There are no official public tours, but some local architectural walking tours may include the building’s exterior as a highlight.

Accessibility

Entrances and Facilities: ADA-compliant entrances, elevators, and restrooms.
Pedestrian Access: Improved sidewalks and landscaping enhance walkability. The North Avenue MARTA station is directly across the street (MARTA Guide).

Parking and Transportation

Parking: 1,251 parking spaces are available in the integrated podium garage. Rates vary by time and day (Buildings DB).
Public Transit: Accessible via MARTA rail (North Avenue station) and several bus lines.
Rideshare/Biking: Uber, Lyft, and Atlanta’s Relay Bike Share offer convenient options (Relay Bike Share).

Travel Tips

Best Photo Times: Sunset and nighttime, when the spire is illuminated.
Weather: Atlanta summers are hot and humid; dress accordingly and bring water.
Safety: Midtown is generally safe, but remain aware of your surroundings, especially after dark (Midtown Blue).
Photography: Personal photography is allowed in public areas. Professional equipment may need prior approval.

Nearby Attractions

Fox Theatre: Historic performance venue two blocks south (Fox Theatre).
Centennial Olympic Park: Walkable green space commemorating the 1996 Olympics.
High Museum of Art and Midtown Arts District: Cultural attractions within a mile (Midtown Atlanta).
Dining: Midtown offers a wide variety of restaurants, from quick bites to fine dining.
Shopping: Ponce City Market is nearby for shopping and Atlanta-themed souvenirs (Ponce City Market).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I go inside Bank of America Plaza?
A: The lobby is open during business hours, but upper floors are restricted to tenants and guests.

Q: Are there any public observation decks or tours?
A: No, but the building can be viewed from surrounding plazas and streets. Some walking tours include the exterior.

Q: Is Bank of America Plaza wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ADA-compliant entrances, elevators, and facilities.

Q: Where can I park?
A: The building has an integrated garage, and there are other parking options nearby.

Q: How do I get there via public transit?
A: The North Avenue MARTA station is across the street.

Q: Are there restaurants or shops inside?
A: No public dining or retail inside, but many options are available in Midtown.

Visual and Media Resources

High-quality images: The building’s gold-leaf spire and illuminated night views.
Maps: Highlighting location, nearby attractions, and transit.
Virtual tours: Available through architecture-focused Atlanta tour operators.
For more, explore Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and Midtown Atlanta.

Sustainability and Renovations

Bank of America Plaza completed major renovations in 2014 and 2024, including lobby modernization, streetscape improvements, and sustainability enhancements. The building now holds LEED Silver certification for its energy and water conservation measures (Wikipedia).

Summary and Recommendations

Bank of America Plaza is a defining feature of Atlanta’s skyline and an enduring symbol of the city’s growth and architectural innovation. While public access is limited, the building’s exterior, plazas, and proximity to Midtown’s top attractions make it an essential destination for visitors. Recent renovations have boosted sustainability, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience. Be sure to explore the surrounding neighborhood, enjoy the illuminated spire at dusk, and use public transit for convenience and sustainability.

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