Top 10 Museums to Visit in Atlanta This Fall

By Maria Smith

Published November 15, 2022

Last Updated August 22, 2025

Autumn in Atlanta is the perfect time to explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene. From world-class art to fascinating history, the season brings special exhibits and events you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for the best museums to visit in Atlanta during this fall, here are top attractions that showcase the city’s creativity and spirit.

Illuminarium Atlanta

Illuminarium Atlanta is a permanent immersive experience on the Atlanta BeltLine. Visit “SPACE: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond,” which will have you flying across the galaxy. Check out a technicolor nebula, kick up dust on the moon, see Saturn’s rings up close and weave through an asteroid belt.

Atlanta History Center

Fall is a beautiful time to take advantage of all the activities at the 33-acre Atlanta History Center. There are award-winning exhibitions, historic houses and lovely gardens for families to explore. Visit on Oct. 31 for the annual Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration for Mexican traditional dancing, food and cultural entertainment.

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame 

Fall is for football, especially in the South, so it is the perfect time to visit Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Visitors can check out the “Game Changers” exhibit, which showcases critical events over the past 50 years that have shaped the history of college football. The display includes never-before-seen artifacts from the game’s most significant moments and allows fans to test their knowledge with “Game Changers” trivia. Also, look for the ultimate game day watch parties on Saturdays during the fall with Tailgate Saturdays.

Michael C. Carlos Museum

Visit the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University to explore inspiring exhibits and permanent collections. Don’t miss the beautifully renovated Asian Gallery, showcasing South Asian art in a reimagined, accessible space. For fall 2025, highlights include “Continuum” by Nicholas Galanin and Insistent Presence, both on view through December. Check the museum’s listings for the latest exhibitions and programming.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium continues to engage visitors with unforgettable experiences. The renovated Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone remains a hands-on, educational highlight. In fall 2025, the aquarium hosts exciting evening events like Dragon Con Night (August 30), Aqua Vino, a chic wine-tasting fundraiser (September 26), and the Pride Kickoff Party beneath the waves (October 10).

Children’s Museum of Atlanta 

At the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, families can dive into immersive exhibits that change seasonally. This fall and winter, don’t miss the lively “Ruh-Roh! Scooby-Doo: Mansion Mayhem” (through September 7, 2025) or the hands-on adventures of The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY!, opening September 20, 2025 and running through January 4, 2026. The museum also continues to feature popular permanent galleries and rotating interactive experiences perfect for younger visitors.

High Museum of Art 

This fall, the High Museum of Art invites visitors to experience a mix of contemporary and immersive exhibitions. Highlights include “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys”, showcasing bold, socially conscious works from world-class contemporary artists. Art lovers can also explore “Kim Chong Hak: Painter of Seoraksan,” the first U.S. museum exhibition of the South Korean master’s landscape paintings, and “Ryoji Ikeda: data-verse,” an immersive light and sound installation that transforms data into a striking sensory experience. Alongside these special exhibitions, the museum’s permanent collection and recently refreshed galleries offer a full day of art, culture, and creativity for visitors of all ages.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum 

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of the 39th president. Visitors can explore a replica of the Oval Office, view artifacts from the Carter presidency, and learn about the Carters’ humanitarian work. In 2025, highlights include special exhibitions such as historical retrospectives, educational programs, and collections showcasing Carter’s early life in Georgia, his presidency, and ongoing advocacy work. The museum provides a rich, interactive experience for history buffs and families alike.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History 

Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers immersive experiences for all ages, blending indoor and outdoor attractions. This fall, visitors can explore “Changing Earth,” the museum’s largest permanent exhibit, the hands-on Orkin Discovery Zone, and the newly revamped Star Gallery. Rotating exhibitions provide fresh, engaging content, while Fernbank Forest, WildWoods, and interactive galleries encourage exploration of nature, science, and history. Families and curious travelers alike can enjoy a full day of learning, adventure, and discovery.

The Breman Museum 

The Breman Museum in Atlanta offers an in-depth exploration of Jewish history and culture, with a focus on both local and global stories. Its signature exhibition, “History with Chutzpah: Remarkable Stories of the Southern Jewish Experience,” showcases over 250 photographs, artifacts, and oral histories, highlighting how Jewish communities shaped and adapted to the American South. Visitors can also explore the Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933–1945 exhibit and Hidden History, which tells the story of Jewish refugees in Shanghai. Together, these immersive displays provide a rich, educational experience for anyone interested in history, culture, and community.

There is something to do in Atlanta year-round, but the fall is particularly special with the perfect weather and beautiful outdoors. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Fall in Atlanta for more ideas.