Not only does Atlanta have its fair share of world-class museums and attractions, but the exhibits that roll through here are oftentimes in a league of their own, as well. Whether trains, knights, science, sharks are your jam, you’ll want to check these current exhibits out before they’re gone. Keep reading for our favorites in town.
Locomotion at Atlanta History Center
The cornerstone of Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta is the restored locomotive Texas. The engine was built in 1856 for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which had established its terminus in 1837 at the site that became Atlanta. For that reason, the locomotive is an important link to the city’s origins. Learn about the Texas and other ways railroads have shaped Atlanta.
Pairs Well With: A trip to Duluth to see cool trains and transportation modes at The Southeastern Railway Museum.
130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW
Buckhead
404-814-4000
Thomas Edison's Secret Lab at Tellus Science Museum
Inspired by the educational, animated comedy series, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab presents an exciting world of science and discovery! The exhibit invites you to join the fun through interactive explorations of science, technology, engineering, and math. Discover invisible forces that seem more like magic than science, manipulate simple machines, learn basic coding and more.
Pairs Well With: A session of the Atlanta Science Festival (and for sure a visit to the Expo) in March.
100 Tellus Dr.
Cartersville
770-606-5700
Knights in Armor at Fernbank
Knights In Armor showcases stunning examples of European arms and armor from the renowned collection of the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy. Through more than 100 objects— including full suits of armor, mounted equestrian figures, paintings, helmets, swords and other weaponry— this exhibit tells the tale of the European knight from the medieval and Renaissance periods through the Medieval Revival of the 19th century.
Pairs Well With: Dinner and jousting (by the knights, of course) at Medieval Times.
767 Clifton Rd.
Druid Hills
404-929-6300
The Obama Portraits Tour at The High
From the moment of their unveiling at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in February 2018, the museum’s official portraits of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama have become iconic. Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Obama and Amy Sherald’s portrait of the former First Lady have inspired unprecedented responses from the public.
1280 Peachtree St NE
Midtown
404-733-4400
Sharks at Georgia Aquarium
The biggest aquarium in the western hemisphere just got a lot bigger. The Georgia Aquarium's expansive new gallery is home to multiple shark species and is overflowing with suspense and adventure. With epic views and unique encounters — including a cage dive! — Sharks: Predators of the Deep will transport you to the dark depths of the oceans to meet Atlanta's newest residents.
225 Baker St. NW
Downtown
404-581-4000
Storyland at Children's Museum of Atlanta
This exhibit provides imaginative, book-based experiences for children ages birth - 8 years old. Storyland transforms seven beloved books – The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; Abuela by Arthur Dorros; and Tuesday by David Wiesner into three-dimensional play and bi-lingual learning environments.
Pairs Well With: A performance of The Snowy Day at Center for Puppetry Arts
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW
Downtown
404-659-5437
Featured image by Valdemaras D. via Pexels
—Shelley Massey
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