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The High Museum of Art is one of my favorite Atlanta museums because there’s always something new to see. Between the permanent collection, rotating exhibitions, and the museum’s beautiful architecture, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours exploring art from around the world.
As an Atlanta local, I’ve visited the High multiple times for both its regular galleries and special exhibits. Even if you’ve been before, the changing exhibitions and events give you a good reason to come back.
If you’re planning your first visit, here’s what you need to know about exploring the High Museum of Art, including what to see, how long to spend there, and tips for making the most of your visit.
About the High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta is one of the top art museums in the Southeast, with more than 16,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Their collection spans African art, American art, European art, folk art, photography, modern art, and the decorative arts and design.
This highly-rated Atlanta art museum always has an interesting array of rotating exhibits passing through, too, so every time you visit you can discover something new.
Explore the High Museum
Stent Family Wing
Even the buildings of the High Museum are a work of art. The Stent Family Wing, opened in 1983, was named one of the ten best works of American architecture of the 1980s by the American Institute of Architects.
The Stent Family Wing houses the majority of the museum’s growing permanent collection. The Lobby Level contains the Robinson Atrium, the Greene Family Learning Gallery, and a bridge to the Wieland Pavilion. The Lower Level contains the Greene Family Education Center, a café, and a nursing room.
Level 2 holds some Special Exhibitions, European Art including pieces by Monet and Renoir, and Decorative Arts including a collection of Meissen Porcelain and English Ceramics. Level 3 holds American Art and Decorative Arts. The Skyway Level holds African Art and Folk and Self-Taught Art, as well as a bridge to the Wieland Pavilion.
This is my favorite part of the museum because of the Impressionist art.
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Weiland Pavilion
The coffered ceilings on the Wieland Pavilion Skyway Level with funnel-shaped skylights, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, illuminate the Skyway galleries with indirect northern light, favored by artists for its soft effect.
The Lobby Level contains the museum’s Main Entrance in the Taylor Lobby, Admissions and Information, the Orkin Sculpture Terrace, a coffee bar, the Museum Shop, and a bridge to the Stent Family Wing. The Lower Level contains Photography and Works on Paper and the Works on Paper Study Room.
Level 2 holds rotating Special Exhibitions. The Skyway Level holds Modern and Contemporary Art like the giant concave dish sculpture by Anish Kapoor, Contemporary Design, and bridges to the Stent Family Wing and the Anne Cox Chambers Wing.
This is always a fun part of the museum because the contemporary art and rotating exhibitions are always interesting and exciting.
Anne Cox Chambers Wing
The exterior of the Anne Cox Chambers Wing, opened in 2005, is clad in aluminum panels and has a specially designed roof system that fills the space with natural light.
The Lobby Level contains the Entrance and Special Exhibitions. Level 2 is also dedicated to Special Exhibitions. The Skyway Level contains additional Modern and Contemporary Art as well as the Blackbox Theatre and a bridge to the Weiland Pavilion.
I always love to see what special exhibits are on here. Sometimes they’re included in admission, and sometimes you’ll need to pay a separate fee. For instance, their Winnie-the-Pooh exhibition (one of my favorites because y’all know I love bears) was included in regular admission. But a big traveling exhibition, like Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors, might be ticketed separately.
Sifly Plaza
The High Museum engages visitors with outdoor, interactive installations on their Sifly Plaza.
These exhibits are always free to view, and the museum encourages playing with and playing on the exhibits.
Things to Do at the High Museum of Art
Attend Special Events and Programs
The High Museum offers a ton of special programs and events throughout the year.
These include things like conversations with artists, talks, art lessons, jazz Fridays, and the popular Free Second Sunday (which is always my favorite time to go, even though it’s more crowded).
Find the Perfect Gift at the Museum Shop
Located on the Lobby Level of the Wieland Pavilion, the Museum Shop offers designs from around the world, a large selection of art books for all ages, and handmade art by local and regional artists.
Entrance to the Museum Shop is always free. The Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The shop is closed on Mondays.
Eat at the High’s Dining Facilities
The High offers four different food options, ranging from quick snacks and coffee to elevated dinner and brunch.
- CJ’s Café — CJ’s Café in the Taylor Lobby provides salads, sandwiches, light snacks, baked goods, and beverages. The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Refuge Coffee Co. — Refuge Coffee Co. is located across the Piazza, facing Peachtree Street. The café serves espresso, coffee, and tea as well as pastries and light bites. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Elise — Located in Sifly Plaza, Elise is an elegant dining space with French and Italian-inspired cuisine focused on seafood inside an artful atmosphere. It is open Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Visiting the High Museum of Art
Location: High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Admission: High Museum of Art tickets include admission to special exhibitions, unless otherwise noted, and the permanent collection. Admission to the High Museum of Art costs $23.50 for adults, and free for children 5 and under. There is an additional fee for purchasing online. Active-duty, reserves, veterans, and retired members of the US Armed Forces will receive free admission with a valid military ID.
Re-entry is permitted within the same day.
I always recommend visiting on the Free Second Sunday, if you’re able! In addition, the museum offers free admission to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders on the first full weekend of each month as part of the Bank of America Museums on Us program.
Hours: The High Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. The last ticked is issued 1 hour prior to closing.
Parking: Parking for the High Museum is available at the Woodruff Arts Center Garage.
On weekdays (Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.), parking costs:
- free for the first 30 minutes
- $8 for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- $18 for 1 hour to 5 hours
- and $20 for more than 5 hours.
On nights and weekends (Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday), parking costs $25.
Museum Members can park for free during Museum hours.
Important things to know: Non-flash photography is encouraged for their permanent collection galleries; sketching in the permanent collection galleries is also permitted. Don’t bring food or drink into the galleries, and don’t touch the art.
Hotels near the High Museum of Art
There are plenty of hotels that are within walking distance of the High Museum of Art. A few of my favorites include:
- Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection — I’ve stayed at this foodie-centric hotel in Midtown, and it’s about a 12 min walk from the High.
- Kimpton Shane Hotel — This hotel is just a 7 min walk from the High, and they have a great on-site restaurant.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Midtown/Peachtree at 17th — This is the closest hotel at just a 4 min walk.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown — Just a 6 min walk from the High.
- Hotel Granada, a Member of Design Hotels — A unique Midtown hotel that’s only a 8 min walk from the High.
High Museum of Art FAQ
How long does it take to visit the High Museum of Art?
Plan to spend about two to three hours at the High Museum of Art. That gives you enough time to explore the permanent collection and any special exhibitions without rushing. You may need longer if you like to read every description, while an hour or two may be enough if you only want to see a particular collection or exhibition.
How much does it cost to visit the High Museum of Art?
General admission costs $23.50 for visitors ages 6 and older, while children ages 5 and younger can enter for free. The High also offers free admission programs on select days, including UPS Second Sundays and Access for All on the third Wednesday of each month. Check the museum’s website before your visit because ticket prices and free admission requirements can change.
Are special exhibitions included with High Museum tickets?
General admission includes access to the High Museum’s permanent collection galleries and most special exhibitions. Some major exhibitions, programs, or evening events may require a separate ticket, so check what is included when reserving your admission.
Where should you park for the High Museum of Art?
The closest parking is in the Woodruff Arts Center Garage beside the museum. The garage can fill on weekends and during events at the Woodruff Arts Center, so reserving prepaid parking is a good idea for a busy visit. You can also avoid parking altogether by taking MARTA to Arts Center Station, which is directly across the street from the museum.
Can you take pictures inside the High Museum?
You can take non-flash photos in the High Museum’s permanent collection galleries. Photography may be restricted in certain special exhibitions, so look for posted signs or ask a museum employee before taking pictures.
Does the High Museum of Art have food?
Yes. Dining options around the High include CJ’s Cafe for snacks and light meals, Refuge Coffee Co. for coffee and pastries, and Elise for a sit-down meal. You can also bring your own lunch and eat at the outdoor tables on the piazza, but food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries.
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Cheers!
Paige
Are you planning on visiting the High Museum of Art in Atlanta? Let me know in the comments!
The post Local’s Guide the High Museum of Art in Atlanta appeared first on Paige Minds The Gap.
