Neighborhood Guide To Atlanta’s Awe-Inspiring Art Galleries and Event Spaces

By Chris Watkins
Posted April 18, 2019

For art enthusiasts looking to fill their brains with soul-stirring canvases and sculptures, there’s no better place to take it all in than ATL. And while Midtown is the “heart of the arts,” fine art destinations have spread throughout Atlanta from Buckhead to Castleberry Hill, displaying inspired works for every visual appetite. No matter your neighborhood, find fabulous art at these galleries and event spaces.

Dashboard’s unique view of the Atlanta art scene has opened up unexpected exhibition spaces, mediums or art, and events you won’t find anywhere else.

MIDTOWN

(📷 Gene Phillips, AtlantaPhotos.com)

High Museum of Art

With updated and reimagined reinstallations of dynamic permanent collections, special exhibitions like “45 Years of Collecting Photography” and worldwide tours like the groundbreaking “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors,” High Museum of Art continues to be the Southeast’s most prominent art museum.

Where: 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30309

MODA

Impeccable design, whether it be bespoke coffee makers, motorcycles or architectural marvels, is an everyday affair at the only museum in the Southeast dedicated to its study and celebration, the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA).

Where: 1315 Peachtree St.NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30309

BUCKHEAD

(📷 Alan Avery Art Company)

Alan Avery Art Company

Alan Avery Art Company is an Atlanta icon and the oldest sustained art gallery in the city, featuring rousing pieces and exhibitions. It not only displays the artists’ work in the best light but takes you inside their minds with in-depth interviews.

Where: 656 Miami Circle NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30324

Pryor Fine Art

For more than 25 years, Pryor Fine Art has been a go-to destination for art lovers to not only soak in amazing artwork, but to also obtain signature pieces ranging from portraits and sculptures to watercolor and abstract works for their own collections.

Where: 764 Miami Circle NE, Suite 132, Atlanta, Ga. 30324

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA)

More than a gallery, The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) keeps the Peach State on its mind by featuring the works of prominent artists that call Georgia home, artists like Fahamu Pecou, Kathy Yancey and more.

Where: 75 Bennett St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Jackson Fine Art 

You won’t find any selfies here (unless the light is just right). Focused solely on contemporary photography, Jackson Fine Art is held in high esteem as the go-to destination for photographer’s to display their work.

Where: 3115 E Shadowlawn Ave. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30305

DOWNTOWN

(📷 Atlanta Contemporary Art Center Facebook)

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Art is constantly evolving, and what started as an artist co-op in 1973 has morphed into a focus on presenting and commissioning work from artists who have never been exhibited. The center’s premiere event, the Atlanta Biennial, is a gathering of the most prolific voices in Southern art.

Where: 535 Means St. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30318

CASTLEBERRY HILL

(📷 Besharat Museum Gallery)

Besharat Museum Gallery

With four distinctive galleries and event spaces showcasing fine art photography, contemporary works, sculptures and abstract pieces, the by-appointment-only Besharat Museum Gallery is a must-see for all art lovers.

Where: 163-175 Peters St. SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30313

Marcia Wood Gallery

From sculptures of animals adorned in luminescent gold trinkets to eye-popping canvases to otherworldly installations, Marcia Wood Gallery’s penchant for securing engaging works draws in guests. Some pieces from the gallery are the first thing visitors see at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Where: 263 Walker St. SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30313

ZuCot Gallery

All the works displayed at this noteworthy Castleberry Hill Gallery are “for the culture.” ZuCot Gallery stands as the largest African-American owned fine art gallery in the Southeast and deals solely in the celebration and display of works from living African-American artists.

Where: 100 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30313

Peters Street Station

The brainchild and labor of love from prolific Atlanta tattoo artist, City of Ink owner Miya Bailey, Peters Street Station is a new gem in the ATL art community and lives at the precipice of imbuing new talents from mural artists to photographers with a community and space where their work can shine.

Where: 333 Peters St. SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30313

INMAN PARK

(📷 ABV Gallery)

ABV Gallery

As an experiential marketing agency, ABV is a unique liaison to top brands, connecting the dots from creative consulting to brand activations. The Inman Park gallery is a vibrant space for captivating exhibitions from ATL favorites like Greg Mike and Sam Parker, as well as pop-up experiences like the monthly Drink & Doodle series.

Where: 659 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30312

WESTSIDE

(📷 Goat Farm Arts Center Facebook)

The Goat Farm Arts Center

Home to more than 450 artists and performers, the historic 19th century factory known as The Goat Farm Arts Center hosts many experiential events ranging from performance art from dance troupe gloATL to art exhibitions encompassing various mediums.

Where: 1200 Foster St. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30318

Westside Cultural Arts Center

Featuring a rotating collection of local as well as national and international contemporary works, Westside Cultural Arts Center provides a welcoming environment for artists ready to take the next step in showcasing their work to art community at large.

Where: 760 10th St. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30318

KAI LIN ART

Staying on the cutting edge of art is a difficult task. Luckily, KAI LIN ART’s approach to exhibiting new, contemporary works from creative and energetic artists every six to eight weeks, keeps a steady stream of visual candy for the soul flowing in.

Where: 999 Brady Ave. NW #7, Atlanta, Ga. 30318

ATLANTA BELTLINE

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Atlanta BeltLine Trails

What started as an ambitious urban revitalization project has evolved into a catalyst for connecting neighborhoods, businesses and even art to the greater community. The Atlanta BeltLine is a venerable art gallery in itself adorned with murals, photography exhibits and sculptures along its trails and even serves as an event space for annual art-driven events like the A.M.F.M. Festival, Lantern Parade and more.

Where: All Around You

DRUID HILLS

(📷 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Facebook)

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

The historic 12-acre Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is a community arts conservatory and cultural center with a goal of preserving and displaying art from wide-ranging mediums. With dedication in nurturing creative talent, Callanwolde is an advocate for artists and brings art to the masses at the annual Callanwolde Arts Festival and Artist Market.

Where: 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30306

Chris Watkins is an Atlanta-based writer and photographer and serves as the voice of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (@DiscoverAtlanta) on social media. You can follow him on Instagram @christopherbw.