Atlanta History Center | Atlanta

Atlanta History Center – Overview

The Atlanta History Center (AHC) is a major cultural and educational institution located in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia. Spanning 33 acres, it offers a rich and immersive experience that weaves together Atlanta’s past through museums, historic houses, gardens, and a research library. It appeals to all ages and is considered one of the city's most significant historical resources.

Main Attractions

1. Swan House
The Swan House is a 1928 neoclassical mansion designed by architect Philip Trammell Shutze. It reflects the opulence of the post-World War I era and was home to the Inman family, prominent members of Atlanta society. Visitors can explore the elegant interior, restored to its original condition, and learn about the cultural and political history of early 20th-century Atlanta. The house also gained recognition as a filming location for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

2. Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum
The centerpiece is the restored Cyclorama painting titled The Battle of Atlanta. Originally created in the 1880s, it is one of only two cycloramas in the United States. This massive panoramic painting is over 42 feet high and 358 feet long, offering a 360-degree visual narrative of a pivotal Civil War battle. The exhibit also includes a short film and artifacts contextualizing the war and its lasting impacts on the region.

3. Tullie Smith Farm
This living history site features an 1840s farmstead that has been carefully preserved to reflect rural Georgia life in the 19th century. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period activities like blacksmithing, weaving, and farming, giving visitors insight into the daily lives of working-class Georgians during that time.

4. Goizueta Gardens
The History Center grounds include nine distinct gardens, each designed to reflect different periods and plant ecosystems in Georgia’s history. Highlights include the Quarry Garden, the Asian Garden, and the Mary Howard Gilbert Memorial Quarry Garden, which features native southeastern plant species and beautiful walking paths.

5. Margaret Mitchell House
Although located separately in Midtown Atlanta, this property is operated by the History Center and is the former home of Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. Visitors can tour her apartment and see exhibits related to her life, the writing of her famous novel, and its cultural legacy.

Exhibits and Permanent Galleries

Turning Point: The American Civil War
Features one of the nation’s largest collections of Civil War artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, photographs, and personal items, all arranged to present the complexities of the war from multiple perspectives.

Shaping Traditions: Folk Arts in a Changing South
Explores the folk art and crafts of Southern communities and how they have evolved over time.

Metropolitan Frontiers
Chronicles the growth of Atlanta from a railroad town into a sprawling metropolis, focusing on urban development and social change.

Atlanta in 50 Objects
A curated look at fifty key artifacts that tell the story of the city’s identity, culture, and history.

Educational Programs and Events

The center offers a wide range of educational programming, including field trips, lectures, workshops, author talks, and summer camps. Seasonal events and special exhibitions often explore timely topics such as civil rights, immigration, and Southern foodways.

Visitor Information

Location:
130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
(Historic houses open at 11:00 AM)

Admission:

Adults (13+): $27

Youth (4–12): $24

Children under 4: Free

Members: Free

Discounts are available for military members, AAA members, and through special programs such as "Museums on Us" by Bank of America.

Parking:
Free on-site parking is available for all visitors.

Planning Your Visit

You can expect to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring the grounds and exhibits, though many visitors stay for most of the day. The café and museum store provide convenient amenities, and the surrounding Buckhead neighborhood offers additional dining and shopping options.