Cultural Experiences Not to Miss in Atlanta

By Travis Currie

Published February 15, 2021
Last Updated March 8, 2021

Atlanta’s cultural heritage is deep and progressive with experiences you can’t miss while visiting during a convention or meeting. When business brings you here, discover Atlanta’s iconic institutions and locations to learn why it is known as the cultural capital of the South.

Downtown Civil Rights and History

Downtown’s walkable convention and entertainment district offers an easy starting point to explore. National Center for Human Rights sits adjacent to Centennial Olympic and pays homage to the American Civil Rights Movement, while bringing current global human rights issues to the forefront. Atlanta Streetcar directly connects Centennial Park to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Encompassing nearly 35 acres, the park is comprised of landmarks, monuments and exhibits honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who was born in Atlanta.

Westside Historic Homes

Atlanta’s Westside is home to some of the destination’s oldest cultural facilities. Herndon Home Museum is a national historic landmark and the only Black, privately-owned house museum in the country. The 1910 mansion gives a glimpse into the life of Georgia’s first Black millionaire, Alonzo Herndon. Hammonds House Museum is unique to Atlanta’s arts scene. Founded in 1988, it is the city’s only fine arts museum that focuses on artists of African descent. The 250-piece collection features the work of Black artists from the late 19th century through today.

HBCU Tours and Music Industry

Take a tour to explore Atlanta University Center (AUC), a vital part of Atlanta’s history and heritage. The AUC is best described as a consortium of four Black private institutions of higher education which includes Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College. To learn more about Atlanta’s influence on the music industry, visit the Trap Music Museum. This art museum showcases a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces to honor some of hip-hop’s most iconic and influential musicians.

Restaurants with History

Venturing around the city works up an appetite and there are several restaurants ingrained in the history of Atlanta’s culinary community. Busy Bee Café is a diner located in historic West End and known for its popular fried chicken. Mary Mac’s Tea Room, one of the oldest restaurants in the city, serves up comfort food favorites such as, barbequed ribs, fried green tomatoes and peach cobbler.