A Must-See Guide :Discovering the Rich Black Art, Museums, and Culture Scene in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA is a city steeped in history and culture, and it offers countless opportunities to experience and appreciate the contributions of black artists and creators. From museums and galleries to street art and festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are planning a trip or a local interested in discovering treasure in your own backyard, this list will help you explore Atlanta's black creative art scene.
African Diaspora Art Museum Atlanta (ADAMA)
An innovative museum showcasing contemporary art and culture of the African Diaspora. We amplify the diverse voices of our global family through experiences where you discover yourself through art and culture. We are a museum without walls, (for now) so visit us online to check our previous programs and join our mailing list to be the first to hear about upcoming events.
Apex Museum
A museum of history presented from the black perspective where you come to explore, discover, and learn. Nestled on a street once known as The Richest Negro Street in the World, the Auburn Avenue gem is housed within a 100 year building that is filled with as much history as the contents within.
Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
The Library houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts, which document the history and culture of black Americans. Visitors can also take a stroll through the Atlanta University Center's campus, which features sculptures and other works of art by prominent black artists.
Atlanta Contemporary
For those interested in contemporary art, the Atlanta Contemporary is an excellent place to visit. The gallery features a rotating selection of exhibitions by emerging and established black artists, as well as a variety of educational programs and events.
Auburn Avenue Research Library
The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History is another great place to visit. The library has a wide variety of collections, including books, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials that document the history and culture of black Americans.
Black Boy Art Show
A national traveling art exhibition that celebrates black men artists using various forms of media. Moving through 10 cities, 400+ artists, and 10k+ attendees the show is aimed toward celebrating the strength in their diversity, and the power in our unity.
Clark Atlanta Museum of Art
Another gathering of fine art that celebrates the role of African Americans in American history and culture. Due in part to Hale Woodruff's work, which initiated the submission process that led to the museum's permanent collection, the University's esteemed collection is motivated by providing an opportunity for African American artists who had been excluded from mainstream art spaces and circuits.
A selection of works in the collection include works by some of the earliest formally trained African American artists, contemporary works inspired by Atlanta, and works representing the African diaspora. The space now houses over 1200 pieces of Black art.
Hammond's House Museum
A cultural landmark in Atlanta and a must-visit destination for art lovers and history buffs, the museum was established in the late 20th century by collector Robert W. Hammonds, with the aim of promoting the work of African American artists. The museum's collection includes works by prominent artists such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Jacob Lawrence. In addition to its collection, the museum also hosts exhibitions and events that highlight the contributions of African American artists to the world of art.
Herndon Home
The Herndon Home is a historic mansion located in Atlanta, Georgia. Built in 1910, the home was owned by Alonzo Franklin Herndon, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who was one of the first African American millionaires in the United States. The home is a masterpiece of Georgian Revival architecture and is considered one of the finest examples of this style in the city. Today, the Herndon Home serves as a museum that celebrates the life and legacy of Alonzo Franklin Herndon and the African American experience in Atlanta. Visitors to the museum can explore the elegant interiors and learn about the history of this important cultural institution through guided tours and educational programs.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Another must-see destination is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which is dedicated to exploring the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights worldwide. The Center features a variety of interactive exhibits, including one that highlights the role of black Americans in the Civil Rights Movement.
Peter’s Street Station
An art and design community center in the Castleberry Hill arts District Peter’s Street Station has become the epicenter for Black creativity in Atlanta.the creative behemoth Peters Street Station My whole goal is to create new styles of art and to let these younger artists shine,” Bailey states. “I want our culture to be expressed in as many different ways as possible, and I feel that the next generation is fully capable of continuing that.
Street Arts & Mural Spaces
In addition to these more traditional institutions, Atlanta also boasts a thriving street art scene. The Atlanta Street Art Map is a great resource for finding murals and other works of art by black artists throughout the city. Some popular spots include the Krog Street Tunnel and the West End neighborhood. It pops up everywhere, from gallery walls to street tunnels, from museums and warehouses to sidewalks and fences. In the hands of some of the city’s most talented artists, old buildings and new storefronts here become large-scale canvases for breathtaking murals, for paintings that celebrate the legacies of homegrown icons like John Lewis, Stacey Abrams, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
September Gray Fine Art Gallery
The September Gray Fine Art Gallery (SGAG) exhibits contemporary works by African American and African diasporic artists. In addition to celebrating African and African American culture, SGAG is stewarding the historic cultural legacy of those works. A variety of genres, styles, and subjects are represented in both solo and group exhibitions, such as mixed-media, landscape, and portraiture. SGAG offers virtual exhibition tours on its website.
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
The illustrious Spelman College is a staple of Atlanta’s community, and since 1996 the college’s museum reflects the changing art scene in the city. Often featuring works by black women artists, Spelman Museum's collection dates back to the 1930s and features pieces that tell the story of black experience.
The Musa Lair Grooming and Art & Art Gallery
Musa Lair Grooming & Art Gallery combines creativity and style into a unique experience that harnesses the trailblazing energy Atlanta is renowned for as both a barber shop and art gallery. Located in the historic King Plow Art Center, the experience sits in the center of creativity in Atlanta.
Likely the only place in the city where you can get a haircut and a fine art experience in the same building, Musa Lair is the brainchild of celebrity barber Marcus Harvey, who wanted to create a place where Black culture was amplified throughout. Traditionally one of the cornerstones of the Black community, Musa Lair’s contemporary collection of artwork reflect topics of conversations such politics, sports, and music
Trap Music Museum
This interactive experience uses art to showcase the rich culture of trap music and captures both Atlanta's stronghold on the hip-hop scene as well as the burgeoning voices of artists influenced by the music. They pay homage to the biggest trap music stars, such as Atlanta natives T.I., 2 Chainz, and Migos while the museum's exhibitions provide a platform for emerging graphic and visual artists.
Avoid long wait times for this extremely popular attraction and book your tickets in advance online. If you can, visit the museum on a Thursday so you can experience the museum’s champagne assisted “Trappy Hour.
ZuCot Gallery
ZuCot Gallery is the largest African American fine arts gallery in the southeastern United States and speaks strongly to the black experience. Over 95% of the art on display at the gallery has been crafted by the hands of Black artists. They host a rotating collection of modern & contemporary pieces from seasoned creatives and artists on the rise, that speak to the nuances within every corner of the Black experience.
In conclusion, Atlanta offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to experience and appreciate black art and culture. From museums, galleries, and street art to festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So take a step out and explore the city, and experience the beauty, power, and diversity of black art and culture.