One Day in Atlanta for Art Lovers

By Taylor Boser

Last Updated April 14, 2026

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From free public murals and fine art to the work of local artists, Atlanta’s art scene is eclectic. While one day to really take in Atlanta’s art scene won’t cover it, explore our itinerary for a good starting point.

Museums and Galleries

High Museum of Art

Start the day off strong with a visit to the High Museum of Art. Located on the Woodruff Arts Center campus in Midtown, the High’s collection includes more than 20,000 works of art. Pieces come from around the world and include African, American and European art. The museum regularly rotates displays so that there always are new pieces to discover.

The High is celebrating 100 years in 2026, after being established in 1926 when Harriett “Hattie” High donated her family’s Peachtree Road residence. 

Museum of Design Atlanta

Across Peachtree Street from the High Museum of Art in Midtown is Museum of Design Atlanta. Known as MODA, this museum explores design. MODA has tackled the design of chocolate, the evolution of the chair, the birth of hip-hop architecture and much more.

Some exhibits have interactive features so you can add in your thoughts to continue conversations about specific designs.

SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film

The nearly 10,000-square-foot SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film features a different type of artwork: fashion. The museum delves into the history of fashion from all different social classes and considers the future of fashion design.

Many of the rotating exhibits feature work from well-known fashion designers, filmmakers and creative professionals. Notable names whose designs have been featured include André Leon Talley, Oscar De La Renta and Cristóbal Balenciaga.

The Shops of Miami Circle

Find the highest concentration of fine art galleries in Atlanta at Miami Circle in Buckhead. This enclave is a resource for interior design, packed with furniture shops, galleries, showrooms and everything in between to style your home.

If you’re coming from Midtown, take MARTA from the Arts Center station to Lindbergh Center. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to Miami Circle.

The Johnson Lowe Gallery showcases work from emerging, mid-career and established artists from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The Thomas Deans Fine Art gallery specializes in contemporary paintings, contemporary and historical works on paper, and selected sculpture and photography. Artists featured are from all around the world. The space has been open since 1983.

Mason Fine Art features a diverse selection of contemporary art featuring mainly Southern artists and self-taught artists.

Atlanta Contemporary

Located on Atlanta’s Westside near Downtown, Atlanta Contemporary features artists and creatives from local, national and international art scenes. A visit to the gallery is free. You’ll see rotating exhibits, with past exhibits paying homage to Atlanta, highlighting underrepresented communities and social issues. Atlanta Contemporary commissions new work with a major focus on artists who haven’t had a significant exhibition in the Southeast.

The Sun ATL

The Sun ATL gallery and events space was founded by Shawn Vinson, an Atlanta-based art dealer who has co-founded four galleries and numerous pop-up exhibitions, The Sun ATL is located in the historic Sweet Auburn district near the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. This art, business and culture hub displays work from international artists.

Whitespace Gallery

Whitespace Gallery in the Inman Park neighborhood on Atlanta’s Eastside is a contemporary art gallery. Artists whose works are available for purchase include Jason Matherly, Wihro Kim, Kole Nichols and Sandra-Lee Phipps.

If you are driving, there is free street parking in the area. You’ll be near the Atlanta Beltline.

Public Art

Just being outside in Atlanta will find you surrounded by public artwork. Throughout our neighborhoods, there is art everywhere.

Atlanta Beltline

The Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile trail that loops around the city, is the largest temporary public art exhibit and linear gallery in the U.S. Stroll along the trail to find sculptures created by local artists, graffiti and colorful murals.

On the Eastside Trail is Krog Street Tunnel. Walk through to admire ever-changing graffiti and possibly even see an artist at work on a new design. The tunnel showcases a combination of styles and designs.

After you pass through Krog Street Tunnel, find Wylie Street. This half-mile stretch of the Beltline is part of the Forward, Warrior!! Mural Project. Every fall, new artists are chosen to create new designs.

The “How We Grew Together” mural was designed by Charity Hamidullah. It features smiling faces with colorful elements and represents her experience on the Beltline and in Atlanta. Find this mural near Piedmont Park on the Northeast Trail.

Tiny Doors ATL

While you’re exploring the city, keep an eye out for Tiny Doors ATL. The miniature doors are found hidden at top attractions, often with designs similar to the attraction where they are located.

Little Five Points

Little Five Points is a funky neighborhood on Atlanta’s Eastside. It features a variety of street art.

Where To Eat

A day in Atlanta wouldn’t be complete without a bite to eat. And there are plenty of restaurants to visit that highlight Atlanta’s art scene.

Two Urban Licks

If you’re on the Beltline’s Eastside Trail, stop for a bite at Two Urban Licks. The restaurant was around long before the Beltline became the bustling space it is today. See artwork by Todd Murphy.

Eclipse di Luna

While shopping at The Shops of Miami Circle, note that Eclipse di Luna is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and admire the artwork. It features rotating works that are on sale.

Atlas

A one-star MICHELIN restaurant, Atlas is a staple in Buckhead. Beyond the beautifully crafted dishes, are pieces from The Lewis Collection, one of the largest private art collections in the world. The curator regularly changes out the artwork.

Himitsu

Around the corner from Atlas is a upscale theatrical speakeasy: Himitsu. Here, you’ll find the “King of Birds” by Todd Murphy. The moody lighting and copper bar provide a sophisticated aesthetic and make for a great way to wrap up your art-filled day.

If you’re looking for a place to stay when visiting or needing a staycation, there are plenty of hotels designed with art lovers in mind. Explore our list.

A Chicago transplant, Taylor loves exploring what makes Atlanta the place to be. Name a popular festival, food hall or brewery to check out and she will be there.

Originally Published March 6, 2026