Olympia Building Atlanta: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Olympia Building, located at the heart of Atlanta’s historic Five Points intersection, is one of the city’s most enduring architectural and cultural landmarks. Built during the mid-1930s by the esteemed firm Ivey & Crook, it stands as a testament to Atlanta’s resilience and ambition during the Great Depression. Its distinct triangular footprint, classic Art Deco and early Modernist details, and the iconic rooftop Coca-Cola neon sign make it instantly recognizable and deeply woven into the city’s urban identity.

Since its inception, the Olympia Building has played a pivotal role in shaping Atlanta’s commercial landscape, having housed various prominent businesses, including Walgreens and the Wormser Hat Company. Over the decades, it has undergone significant transformations, most notably a comprehensive restoration completed in 2015, preserving its historical character while accommodating modern tenant needs.

Open to the public during regular business hours, the Olympia Building is conveniently situated near other notable Atlanta sites such as Woodruff Park, the Flatiron Building, and Underground Atlanta. Its accessibility via MARTA and prominent location make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and casual explorers alike. This detailed guide covers the building’s history, architectural features, visiting logistics, restoration efforts, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips.

For further reading and updates, visit Discover Atlanta, SaportaReport, and the Atlanta Downtown Visitor Center.

Table of Contents

Early 20th-Century Atlanta and the Rise of Peachtree Street

The Olympia Building’s site at Five Points marks the symbolic heart of downtown Atlanta. By the early 20th century, Peachtree Street emerged as the city’s commercial artery, lined with theaters, retailers, and office buildings that reflected Atlanta’s status as a leading Southern city (Discover Atlanta). By the 1930s, Atlanta’s population growth and economic vitality created a strong demand for modern retail and office spaces, setting the stage for the Olympia Building’s creation.

Concept and Architectural Vision

The Olympia Building was envisioned as a mixed-use commercial hub, maximizing its triangular lot at the city’s most prominent crossroads. Designed by Ivey & Crook, the building reflected a blend of Art Deco and early Modernist styles—characterized by clean lines, geometric motifs, and a sense of verticality. Its “Olympia” name was chosen to convey grandeur and classical inspiration, aligning with naming trends of the era.

Construction and Architectural Features

Construction began in 1935 and concluded in 1936, despite the lingering impact of the Great Depression. Utilizing a steel frame, the building offered large, open interiors ideal for retail and office use. The façade features white limestone and brick, with decorative metalwork highlighting entrances and windows. The signature curved front follows the triangle-shaped lot, creating a dramatic anchor at Five Points. Ground-floor retail windows were designed to attract shoppers, while upper stories provided flexible office space (SaportaReport).

Iconic Rooftop Signage

A defining feature is the rooftop Coca-Cola sign, which, though not original, has become a beloved symbol of Atlanta’s identity.

Historical Significance and Tenants

Upon completion, the Olympia Building quickly became a landmark, with its modern design setting a new architectural standard in downtown Atlanta. Early tenants included the Wormser Hat Company and Walgreens, the latter becoming a neighborhood staple for decades. The Walgreens sign and later the Coca-Cola sign contributed to the building’s iconic presence (Discover Atlanta).

Preservation and Restoration

By the late 20th century, the Olympia Building was recognized for its historical and architectural value. Preservation efforts culminated in a major restoration project completed in 2015, which returned the building to its original 1930s appearance while incorporating modern upgrades. Historic details such as marquee bands, ornamental metalwork, and the façade were meticulously restored, guided by archival photographs and original plans. The restoration was widely praised for its sensitivity to the building’s heritage (SaportaReport).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

  • Visiting Hours: The Olympia Building is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. As a commercial building, access is primarily to the ground-floor retail spaces.
  • Tickets and Admission: There is no admission fee for general visits.
  • Accessibility: The building is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available. Curb cuts and accessible crosswalks at Five Points ensure ease of navigation.
  • Photography: Exterior and public area photography is permitted; the Coca-Cola sign is especially photogenic at dusk.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Travel Tips:

  • Visit during business hours for the best experience.
  • For quieter visits and optimal photography lighting, consider mornings or evenings.
  • The area is generally safe, but always remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Olympia Building visiting hours?
A: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, general access is free.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps and elevators for public areas.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, local historical walking tours include the Olympia Building. Check with Discover Atlanta.

Q: How do I get there by transit?
A: The Five Points MARTA station is steps away.

Alt text: Olympia Building exterior view showing triangular footprint and marquee at Five Points, Atlanta.

Alt text: Close-up of the restored marquee band on the Olympia Building facade.

Alt text: Neon Coca-Cola sign atop the Olympia Building, a landmark feature in downtown Atlanta.


Summary and Travel Tips

The Olympia Building is a steadfast symbol of Atlanta’s history and urban vitality. Its Art Deco design, central location at Five Points, and iconic Coca-Cola sign make it a highlight among Atlanta’s historical landmarks. Visitors benefit from free public access, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and proximity to other notable sites. Whether you’re exploring the city’s architectural heritage, participating in a walking tour, or simply passing through downtown, the Olympia Building offers a unique glimpse into Atlanta’s dynamic past and present.

For curated tours and updated tips, download the Audiala app and follow local tourism channels. Stay informed about ongoing preservation efforts and upcoming events to enrich your visit (Discover Atlanta, SaportaReport, Atlanta Downtown Visitor Center).


References


All external links open in new tabs for your convenience.


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Atlanta

1105 West Peachtree
1105 West Peachtree
1180 Peachtree
1180 Peachtree
999 Peachtree
999 Peachtree
Academy Of Medicine
Academy Of Medicine
|
  All Saints' Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
| All Saints' Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
Alliance Theatre
Alliance Theatre
Americasmart
Americasmart
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Antico Pizza
Antico Pizza
Antioch Baptist Church North
Antioch Baptist Church North
Apex Museum
Apex Museum
Atlanta Biltmore Hotel And Biltmore Apartments
Atlanta Biltmore Hotel And Biltmore Apartments
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta City Hall
Atlanta City Hall
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta Silverbacks Park
Atlanta Silverbacks Park
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Atlanta Union Station
Atlanta Union Station
B. Mifflin Hood Brick Company Building
B. Mifflin Hood Brick Company Building
Bank Of America Plaza
Bank Of America Plaza
Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
Bass Furniture Building
Bass Furniture Building
Besharat Museum Gallery
Besharat Museum Gallery
Big Bethel Ame Church
Big Bethel Ame Church
Bobby Dodd Stadium
Bobby Dodd Stadium
Brookwood Hills
Brookwood Hills
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Carnegie Building
Carnegie Building
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Cathedral Of Christ The King
Cathedral Of Christ The King
Center For Puppetry Arts
Center For Puppetry Arts
Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University
Cnn Center
Cnn Center
College Football Hall Of Fame
College Football Hall Of Fame
Consulate-General Of Japan, Atlanta
Consulate-General Of Japan, Atlanta
Crum & Forster Building
Crum & Forster Building
Delta Flight Museum
Delta Flight Museum
Donna And Marvin Schwartz Center For Performing Arts
Donna And Marvin Schwartz Center For Performing Arts
Dramatech
Dramatech
Edward C. Peters House
Edward C. Peters House
Elbert P. Tuttle United States Court Of Appeals Building
Elbert P. Tuttle United States Court Of Appeals Building
Emory University
Emory University
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Fairlie-Poplar
Fairlie-Poplar
Federal Reserve Bank Of Atlanta
Federal Reserve Bank Of Atlanta
Fernbank Forest
Fernbank Forest
Ferst Center For The Arts
Ferst Center For The Arts
Fire Station No. 11
Fire Station No. 11
First Church Of Christ, Scientist
First Church Of Christ, Scientist
First Congregational Church
First Congregational Church
First Presbyterian Church Of Atlanta
First Presbyterian Church Of Atlanta
Flatiron Building
Flatiron Building
Food Processing Technology Building
Food Processing Technology Building
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Fox Theatre
Fox Theatre
French Consulate General, Atlanta
French Consulate General, Atlanta
Garden Hills
Garden Hills
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Dome
Georgia Dome
|
  Georgia Governor'S Mansion
| Georgia Governor'S Mansion
Georgia Institute Of Technology College Of Architecture
Georgia Institute Of Technology College Of Architecture
Georgia Institute Of Technology Historic District
Georgia Institute Of Technology Historic District
Georgia Mental Health Institute
Georgia Mental Health Institute
Georgia State Capitol
Georgia State Capitol
Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center
Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center
Georgia World Congress Center
Georgia World Congress Center
Glenn Building
Glenn Building
Glg Grand
Glg Grand
Goat Farm Arts Center
Goat Farm Arts Center
Grace United Methodist Church (Atlanta)
Grace United Methodist Church (Atlanta)
Grady Memorial Hospital
Grady Memorial Hospital
Grant Park
Grant Park
Gravity Research Foundation Monument
Gravity Research Foundation Monument
Healey Building
Healey Building
Herndon Home
Herndon Home
High Museum Of Art
High Museum Of Art
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Homage To King
Homage To King
Hope Moving Forward
Hope Moving Forward
Hotel Ansley
Hotel Ansley
Hotel Aragon
Hotel Aragon
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown
Hurt Park
Hurt Park
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
|
  Imagine It! The Children'S Museum Of Atlanta
| Imagine It! The Children'S Museum Of Atlanta
J. Mack Robinson College Of Business Administration Building
J. Mack Robinson College Of Business Administration Building
Jimmy Carter Library And Museum
Jimmy Carter Library And Museum
King Center For Nonviolent Social Change
King Center For Nonviolent Social Change
King Plow Arts Center
King Plow Arts Center
Krog Street Tunnel
Krog Street Tunnel
Lanier University
Lanier University
|
  Loew'S Grand Theatre
| Loew'S Grand Theatre
Majestic Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Margaret Mitchell House & Museum
Margaret Mitchell House & Museum
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
M.C. Kiser Company Building
M.C. Kiser Company Building
Mccamish Pavilion
Mccamish Pavilion
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Millennium Gate
Millennium Gate
Morningside Nature Preserve
Morningside Nature Preserve
Murder Kroger
Murder Kroger
Museum Of Contemporary Art Of Georgia
Museum Of Contemporary Art Of Georgia
Museum Of Design Atlanta
Museum Of Design Atlanta
National Center For Civil And Human Rights
National Center For Civil And Human Rights
Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery
Olympia Building
Olympia Building
Omega Chapter Of The Chi Phi Fraternity
Omega Chapter Of The Chi Phi Fraternity
Omni Coliseum
Omni Coliseum
Peachtree Station
Peachtree Station
Pemberton Place
Pemberton Place
Phipps Plaza
Phipps Plaza
Plaza Theatre
Plaza Theatre
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market
Prince Hall
Prince Hall
Promenade Ii
Promenade Ii
Regal Tara Cinemas
Regal Tara Cinemas
Regions Plaza
Regions Plaza
Rhodes Hall
Rhodes Hall
Rialto Center For The Arts
Rialto Center For The Arts
Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Roxy Theatre
Roxy Theatre
Rufus M. Rose House
Rufus M. Rose House
Russ Chandler Stadium
Russ Chandler Stadium
|
  Saint Joseph'S Hospital
| Saint Joseph'S Hospital
Saint Philip Ame Church
Saint Philip Ame Church
Shrine Of The Immaculate Conception
Shrine Of The Immaculate Conception
Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia
Spelman College
Spelman College
|
  St. Luke'S Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
| St. Luke'S Episcopal Church (Atlanta)
St. Mark Methodist Church (Atlanta, Georgia)
St. Mark Methodist Church (Atlanta, Georgia)
Statue Of Eugene Talmadge
Statue Of Eugene Talmadge
Statue Of Jimmy Carter
Statue Of Jimmy Carter
Statue Of Martin Luther King Jr.
Statue Of Martin Luther King Jr.
Swan House
Swan House
Sweet Auburn
Sweet Auburn
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Atlanta
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Atlanta
Terminal Station
Terminal Station
The Masquerade
The Masquerade
The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle
The Temple
The Temple
Trap Music Museum
Trap Music Museum
Turner Field
Turner Field
United States Penitentiary, Atlanta
United States Penitentiary, Atlanta
Utoy Cemetery
Utoy Cemetery
Variety Playhouse
Variety Playhouse
W. D. Grant Building
W. D. Grant Building
Washington Hall
Washington Hall
Westview Cemetery
Westview Cemetery
William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum
William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum
William-Oliver Building
William-Oliver Building
Winecoff Hotel
Winecoff Hotel
Woodlands Garden
Woodlands Garden
Woodruff Arts Center
Woodruff Arts Center
World Of Coca-Cola
World Of Coca-Cola