Cnn Center

CNN Center Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Atlanta Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The CNN Center’s Legacy in Atlanta

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the landmark formerly known as the CNN Center stands as a testament to the city’s history of innovation and cultural evolution. Originally the Omni Complex—home to the World of Sid and Marty Krofft, the world’s largest indoor amusement park at the time—the site was transformed in 1986 by media pioneer Ted Turner into the global headquarters for CNN, revolutionizing 24-hour news broadcasting and elevating Atlanta’s profile as a media hub (The Atlanta 100; New Georgia Encyclopedia). For decades, the building’s iconic eight-story escalator and vast atrium drew millions for immersive studio tours and live media experiences.

With CNN’s 2024 relocation to Midtown, the site—now branded “The Center”—is undergoing a major redevelopment, signaling a new era for downtown Atlanta. This guide explores the site’s rich history, evolving visitor access, redevelopment plans, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions, ensuring you get the most out of your Atlanta visit.

CNN Center building in Atlanta Georgia USA

CNN Center building in downtown Atlanta Georgia

CNN Center building exterior in Atlanta Georgia

CNN Center building at Marietta Street Atlanta Georgia USA

Exterior view of CNN Center at Marietta Street in Atlanta, Georgia

CNN Airport Network offices interior at CNN Center in Atlanta

CNN Center airport in Atlanta Georgia USA

Interior view of CNN Center with modern architecture and large digital screens in Atlanta

Interior view of CNN Center with large digital display and food court area

Centennial Olympic Park with fountain and cityscape in Atlanta, Georgia

Origins: Omni Complex and World of Sid and Marty Krofft
Ted Turner’s Vision: A Media Powerhouse
CNN Center Visiting Hours and Tickets
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Expansion and Downtown Integration
Sale, Leaseback, and CNN’s Departure
The Center: Redevelopment and New Features
Architectural and Cultural Legacy
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Summary and Recommendations
References

Origins: From Omni Complex to World of Sid and Marty Krofft

The CNN Center began as the Omni Complex in 1976, envisioned as a catalyst for downtown Atlanta’s revitalization. Its centerpiece, the World of Sid and Marty Krofft, was a six-level amusement park boasting futuristic rides, a grand carousel, and what became the world’s largest free-standing escalator—an architectural marvel still present today. Despite its ambition, the park closed just six months after opening due to low attendance, leaving the complex primed for reinvention (The Atlanta 100).

Ted Turner’s Vision: The CNN Center Rises

Recognizing the site’s potential, Ted Turner acquired the property in 1986, transforming it into CNN’s global headquarters. This move revolutionized news media, establishing the world’s first 24-hour news channel and turning Atlanta into a global communications center (Urbanize Atlanta). The building’s grand atrium, once an amusement park, became a buzzing media hub with public spaces, studios, and offices, and the famous escalator became synonymous with the CNN experience.

For nearly four decades, the CNN Center was both a nerve center for news and a top Atlanta attraction, offering studio tours that let visitors witness live broadcasts and the inner workings of modern journalism.

CNN Center Visiting Hours and Tickets

Studio Tours (Now Discontinued)

Traditionally, the CNN Center offered studio tours Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. These tours provided rare access to studios, newsrooms, and interactive demonstrations (Travel Caffeine). However, as of early 2024, with CNN’s move to Midtown, all tours and branded experiences at the original site have ended. No tickets for studio tours are currently available.

Current Access (2025):
While the main atrium and studio areas are closed for redevelopment, visitors may access certain parts of the building via the Omni Hotel lobby and select food court vendors. For future public events or re-openings, check official sources or CP Group’s project page.

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

The facility was designed with accessibility in mind, offering ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The Five Points MARTA station provides direct access, making it easy for visitors to arrive by public transit. Ample parking is available in nearby garages, and the attached Omni Hotel remains a convenient lodging choice.

Visitor Tips:

Check current building access before your visit.
Arrive early for events or dining to avoid crowds.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a full downtown Atlanta experience.

Expansion and Integration with Downtown Atlanta

Strategically located, the CNN Center complex anchors major attractions including State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, and Centennial Olympic Park. The area welcomes over 40 million visits annually, and the attached Omni Hotel has long made the site a hub for tourists and event-goers (Urbanize Atlanta).

Sale, Leaseback, and CNN’s Departure

In 2021, CP Group acquired the property through a sale-leaseback with CNN’s parent company. This allowed CNN to operate until its February 2024 move. The subsequent removal of CNN branding marked a turning point, paving the way for the site’s next phase as a mixed-use destination.

The Center: Redevelopment and New Features

Now rebranded as “The Center,” the 1.2-million-square-foot complex is being transformed into a vibrant hub for retail, dining, entertainment, and media production (Urbanize Atlanta).

Highlights of the Redevelopment:

Retail and Dining: Over 230,000 square feet of new shopping and dining, including a “Hawks Plaza” adjacent to State Farm Arena.
Office and Production: 920,000 square feet dedicated to creative offices and production spaces for Atlanta’s booming media industry.
Amenities: Fitness center, conference spaces, tenant lounges, and modernized atrium.
Design: Facade upgrades, digital signage, murals, and enhanced connectivity to adjacent venues.

The redevelopment is scheduled in phases, with key features set to open ahead of Atlanta’s hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Architectural and Cultural Legacy

The building’s adaptive use—from amusement park to global news HQ to mixed-use hub—embodies Atlanta’s spirit of reinvention. Its architecture, particularly the iconic escalator, remains a symbol of the city’s ambition (The Atlanta 100). As the home of CNN, the site witnessed historic events—from Gulf War coverage to the fall of the Berlin Wall—shaping public opinion and global media forever (New Georgia Encyclopedia; Georgia History; Medium).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Within Walking Distance:

Centennial Olympic Park: Celebrating Atlanta’s 1996 Olympics.
Georgia Aquarium: One of the world’s largest.
World of Coca-Cola: Iconic beverage museum.
State Farm Arena: Sports and entertainment events.

Use MARTA for convenient access, and consider combining visits for a full day of downtown Atlanta exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are CNN Center studio tours still available?
A: No, all tours at the original CNN Center ended in 2024.

Q: Is the building open to the public?
A: General access is limited to the Omni Hotel lobby and certain dining venues during redevelopment.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Take MARTA to the Five Points station or use nearby parking facilities.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

While studio tours are no longer available, visitors can still enjoy:

The Omni Hotel’s amenities
Select dining options in the food court
Proximity to Atlanta’s top attractions

Accessibility:
Wheelchair access, ramps, elevators, and service animal accommodations are available throughout the facility.

Travel Tips:

Check official updates before you go.
Download the Audiala app for personalized guides and real-time updates.

Summary and Recommendations

The former CNN Center remains a linchpin in Atlanta’s story, representing a journey from bold urban experiment to the birthplace of 24-hour news, and now to a 21st-century mixed-use destination. While visitors can no longer tour the studios, the site’s redevelopment as “The Center” promises renewed energy through expanded retail, dining, and creative spaces. Its enduring architectural and cultural legacy makes it a must-see for those interested in Atlanta’s dynamic past and future.

Maximize your trip: