Art and Culture in Atlanta: A Neighborhood Exploration Itinerary

Atlanta’s art and culture scene takes you beyond a painting or a one-day festival. Every day the city’s rich and diverse community shines through numerous experiences and neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Whether you are an avid museum gazer or lover of the performing arts, a walk through this itinerary will prove that Atlanta’s art and culture scene is worth exploring with hidden gems and popular treasures around every corner.

Municipal Market

Start your journey Downtown in the Sweet Auburn Historic District. The Municipal Market is a perfect first stop to enjoy breakfast or an early lunch from one of the many food stalls.  At the opening of its doors in 1924, the Municipal Market became the largest single market for farm products in the state and continues to be one of the few remaining city markets in the country. Throughout the Jim Crow era, Blacks were able to shop inside the market, but were permitted to do business only on the curb until desegregation in the 1960s, which is how this market became known as “The Sweet Auburn Curb Market.”  This rich history lives on in the market today through a diverse selection of cuisine and art that tells the story of its past.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This walkable Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is a wonderful place to take in history and art. Not only can you view art at the MLK exhibit in the visitors center, you also can walk in Dr. King’s footsteps. Stop by the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. Even though tours are suspended until November 2025, you can view the exterior of the two-story Queen Anne style home at 501 Auburn Ave. The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church is another site worth visiting having been a spiritual home to notable figures including its first pastor, the Rev. A.A Williams, and assistant pastor, the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. In 1960, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined his father as co-pastor. Visitors can enjoy services today in the newly constructed sanctuary directly across the street under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, who also is a U.S. senator.

High Museum of Art

Begin your journey through Midtown with a visit to the High Museum of Art. With more than 19,000 works of art, the High assures that no two visits will be the same. Take your time browsing through the galleries for inspiration, and make new friends during one of the many events. Show off your dance moves while taking in the artwork during High Frequency Fridays. This popular event takes place every first Friday and almost always sells out so plan ahead and purchase tickets on the museum’s website. Take it easy and jam out to the smooth sounds of live jazz every third Friday. These events are the perfect place for visitors to intertwine with locals and immerse themselves in all the High has to offer.

Museum of Design Atlanta

The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) sits in the heart of the Midtown Arts District directly across Peachtree Street from the High Museum of Art. MODA is home to exhibits highlighting architecture, graphic design and even pasta. Through Sept. 1 see the exhibit, “Al Dente: The Design of Pasta.”

Catch A Show

Whether you want to enjoy classical masterpieces from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, watch a Broadway show at the Fox Theatre or see a play at Alliance Theatre, Atlanta offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the best talent in the performing arts. Icons including Elvis Presley and Bob Marley have graced the Fox Theatre stage along with Broadway shows including “Hamilton,” “Chicago” and “MJ.” The Alliance Theatre presents shows including musicals and world premieres.

Cabbagetown

Eastside Atlanta is all about street art and murals. Start your journey in the Cabbagetown neighborhood, walking along Wylie Street and viewing the Forward, Warrior!! Mural Project. Take in works by some of Atlanta’s most talented artists, Joe King, Lonnie Garner and Lisette Correa.

LottaFrutta

Prepare to explore art along the Atlanta BeltLine by refueling with fruit, smoothies and savory sandwiches at LottaFrutta. This Pan Latin-inspired restaurant is a neighborhood favorite as its colorful exterior is hard to miss. Indulge in Mexican-style fruit cups, South American-style smoothies, Cuban-inspired grilled sandwiches and Ecuadorian ice cream. Get a grab-and-go snack to munch as you walk along the BeltLine or sit and enjoy a sunny day at one of the outdoor tables.

Little Five Points

Take a tour of Atlanta’s funkiest neighborhood, Little 5 Points. Known as the A’s Hippie Hood, this is the perfect stop for those looking to go home with something unique or vintage. Whether you’re costume shopping at Psycho Sisters or looking for designer items for less at Rag-O-Rama, you are sure to find an eclectic range of options to add to your wardrobe. Feel all the nostalgic vibes while sorting through the vinyl selection at one of the records shops including Wax ‘N’ Facts, Moods Music and Criminal Records.

Westside BeltLine Trail

Atlanta’s Westside is another haven for arts and culture. Connecting the historic Westside neighborhoods, the Westside Trail is home to murals and a food and beverage district serving as the perfect pit stop for a bite to eat before your next stop. Options are endless with a range of cuisines. Enjoy tacos from Cielito Lindo Taqueria or a pasta dish from Pastaholics. Wash your food down with a cold beer from one of the breweries including Monday Night Garage and Wild Heaven Brewery or enjoy a glass of whiskey from ASW Whiskey Exchange.

Westside Art Galleries and Venues

Keep an eye out for exhibits and events at The Westside Cultural Arts Center. The calendar includes popular exhibitions like the Black Boy Art Show and a 404 Day exhibit. The Atlanta Contemporary is another gallery aiming to make art more accessible by offering free admission daily. Guests can enjoy new works from up-and-coming artists skilled in various forms of art. Previous exhibitions have included the exploration of 3D printing utilizing live heartbeat data and interactive video highlighting the optimism of big agriculture.

<br>Atlanta History Center

End your journey in Buckhead where Atlanta History Center provides an ample amount of art and culture. Stop by the historic Swan house where you might recognize scenes from films such as “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and Disney Channel’s “Descendents.” Journey up the green lawn and past the fountain stairs to get a feel for what it was like for Atlantans Edward and Emily Inman to return home in the late 1920s. You can learn more about the Inmans and their historic home on a guided tour.

Looking to discover more ways to see the city? Check out the Ultimate Guide to the Atlanta BeltLine Trails to keep the outdoor exploration going.