The capital of Georgia, Atlanta, has lots to offer no matter your age and interests. If you are traveling with kids, drop by Georgia Aquarium where you will find an abundance of aquatic creatures. Engage in a series of interactive activities such as the dive program where you can snorkel with the sharks. Those on the hunt for fresh, crisp air and scenic views must head to Atlanta Botanical Garden. Let the rare and bright flowers dazzle your eyes. If you’re one of those tourists who love looking at paintings and exhibits, Atlanta’s vibrant art scene will make you weak in the knees. Many of the museums offer free admission and they will bring you on a journey to the past, present, and future. So, wait no more and check out these top entry-free museums in Atlanta, Georgia.
1. Atlanta Monetary Museum
The money museum in the Federal Reserve Bank, or Atlanta Monetary Museum, is an interesting attraction. There are several exhibitions here that will teach you how money is produced and destroyed. Learn about how history and different political systems have changed the way money is represented throughout the United States during the past two centuries. All exhibitions are interactive and you will even get to watch how money is sorted manually. Samples of shredded money will be given to visitors. Guided group tours are free at The Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum but are subject to reservation. Valuables must be stored in the free but secured locker upon entry.
The Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum
Address: 1000 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Website: Atlanta Monetary Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Come stand on the land that Martin Luther King, Jr. once walked on. Enter his home where he stayed as a child and listen to stories of his childhood. If you are keen on exploring the home of one of the most well-known activists, make sure you arrive early because spots are limited and you can only reserve the tour in person. Tours are free and a ranger will join you during the trip. Children are welcomed here and once they complete a series of activities, they will be sworn in as Junior Ranger. Each child will receive a badge and certificate of achievement. There are no admission fees and you are free to visit any area.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Address: 450 Auburn Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30312
Website: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
3. Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
Come to the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art to catch sight of the finest and most unique art pieces. Opened in 1996, the museum is known to exhibit paintings and sculptures that champion the rights of women of the African diaspora and features art by them. If you have a few days to spare, join them on their yoga camp where you will go on a journey to find your identity and confidence. Art displays here are interactive and informative so young children are certainly welcomed. Please note that the museum is temporarily closed. Admission is free for all visitors.
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
Address: 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, United States
Website: Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
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4. Atlanta Contemporary
Discover a range of art pieces from new artists at Atlanta Contemporary and join them on a spiritual journey. There are several ongoing events at any time so you are bound to find something for yourself. It is open to the public and admission is free for all. For those who are looking to rejuvenate their mind and soul, there is an event that integrates mindfulness and art. All exhibitions and events are available on their website. For a night of fun and drinks, swing by on Thursday night for a cocktail made by an innovative mixologist.
Atlanta Contemporary
Address: 535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States
Website: Atlanta Contemporary
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Tue - Wed, Fri - Sat: - Sat: 12pm - 5pm; Thu: 12pm - 8pm (Closed on Mon)
5. Georgia Capitol Museum
You can easily spot this luxurious and historical building miles away. All you have to do is look out for that iconic, gold dome. If you are going to Georgia Capitol Museum in the months of January and February, you can catch the legislature in session from the public gallery. Art pieces detailing the history of Georgia and the museum can be found here. Guided tours are available if you have a group of more than 10. Those who prefer to explore the museum independently can download the online tour map. Admission and tours are free.
Georgia Capitol Museum
Address: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334, United States
Website: Georgia Capitol Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Sat)
6. Fernbank Science Center
Free admission and free parking are available at Fernbank Science Center. As it contains one of the largest planetariums in the United States, guests come here to admire the wonders of the galaxy that the human eye would never see if not for technology. Public shows are available on certain months so do check the calendar before heading there. Since this is also a kid-friendly museum, you can also check out their animal exhibitions. An Apollo spacecraft is also there if you are a fan of NASA. Fernbank Science Center is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Fernbank Science Center
Address: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States
Website: Fernbank Science Center
7. Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Guests who intend to make a trip to the esteemed Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking must make a reservation in advance. Admission is free but groups of 10 or more must book in advance with additional fees. Here, you will learn about how paper was made in the olden days and how technology has transformed this process. Watch out for the countless displays that will give you a glimpse of writers’ lives in the past. Permanent and temporary exhibitions can be found here. Do check out their site if you are keen to join one of their workshops.
Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Address: 500 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
Website: Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking](https://paper.gatech.edu/)
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
8. Hapeville Depot Museum
Only 10 minutes away from the airport, Hapeville Depot Museum is a gem for those interested in trains and the history of Hapeville. Built in 1981, Hapeville Depot Museum contains a great number of exhibits where you can learn about the United States mail system and the impressive technological inventions of the past. A display commemorating the artists in Hapeville is available here as well. So, art enthusiasts who are keen to learn how art pieces have transformed over the years must come here. Admission to Hapeville Depot Museum is free.
Hapeville Depot Museum
Address: 620 S Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354, United States
Website: Hapeville Depot Museum
Museums that are free on certain days
9. High Museum of Art
Free admission to High Museum of Art is offered to those who are visiting on the second Sunday of every month. If you want to admire works from different continents, you can consider getting a museum pass which will give you unlimited daytime admission. Parents of toddlers can bond over art every Thursday or participate in one of their gallery scavenger hunts. If you don’t wish to leave empty-handed, head to the on-site gift shop where you will find souvenirs celebrating the artists’ works.
High Museum of Art
Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309
Website: High Museum of Art
Opening hours:Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
10. Museum of Design Atlanta
In Museum of Design Atlanta, admission is free for all on the second Sunday of each month, also known as Design Club Day. Spend your day learning and witnessing how art is used as a medium to fight for democracy and the environment. Families with children can engage in activities involving science and technology, which will give them a chance to unleash their creativity. Museum of Design Atlanta is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Museum of Design Atlanta
Address: 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Website: Museum of Design Atlanta
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 12pm - 6pm; Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Enrich your mind at Atlanta, Georgia
Visit the gorgeous museums that Atlanta, Georgia, has to offer. A variety of hands-on activities await you and your families. The best part about these museums is that admission is free. Do check out their website if you want to catch an exclusive event or have a conversation with one of their artists.
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