Atlanta Contemporary

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-atlanta

@cntraveler

12 Best Museums in Atlanta

"Though by no means a secret, Atlanta Contemporary is considered a bit alternative, and therefore more lightly trafficked than the High Museum. Admission is also free, which may make it an attractive alternative spot to take in some culture. It's a nonprofit, non-collecting institution, so it may rotate through several contemporary shows by local, national, and international artists at any one time. Shows are smartly curated and may include one large-scale piece by a particular artist or a survey of their work from a specific period." - Jennifer Bradley Franklin

A non-collecting art center with free admission and rotating exhibitions that champion emerging voices. Frequently cited by design and travel editors as essential to understanding Atlanta’s current art scene. ([atlantacontemporary.org](https://atlantacontemporary.org/visit/?utm_source=openai), [architecturaldigest.com](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/atlanta-georgia-design-guide?utm_source=openai))

Best Attractions in Atlanta (2025)

https://atlantacontemporary.org/

One of the city’s most vital independent art centers with always-free admission. Covered by ArtsATL and a hub for local artists, it offers rotating exhibitions and community programs rooted in Westside creative culture.

Free Attractions in Atlanta (2025)

A nonprofit art center with free admission and a strong local artist program. Covered by local culture press, it rotates exhibitions frequently and feels plugged into the city’s creative energy on the Westside.

Things to Do in Atlanta (2025)

https://onthegrid.city/atlanta/south-downtown/c4-atlanta

Bridgette Zavala

Google

I was impressed at the entrance. The receptionist was very knowledgeable and friendly. There are several great artists work on display. We had a great time. We even enjoyed the spooky lower level.

Rabia Abdullah

Google

I absolutely love this little treasure. Small but impactful. Always great artists with great stories and vision. The staff is always so friendly. Free coffee is a definite bonus. Make sure to donate before leaving. Let's all support.

lance d

Google

Great place to see art. An it's free.

Kelly Cannon

Google

Very good experience, we got to meet an artist and hear him talk about his pieces. He was also very nice to us and made the group laugh from time to time. We also got to visit one of the artist studios at Atlanta Contemporary right behind it and heard him speak about his pieces. We also got to ask a lot of questions.

Jason Lin

Google

Little hidden gem in the Atlanta! It's a free museum with some unique and interesting exhibits. They have some free parking spaces next to and behind the museum. Very friendly employee. They have some local and unique gifts in their gift shop. Nice place to spend half to an hour of time browsing the museum. Come check it out and donate or shop to support the museum!

Jalease Turner

Google

Free entry, almost no one there when we went, great art. And the gift shop area had some really cool stuff. Also, there were these 2 extra spaces to view art outside of the main gallery so make sure you check the map so you don’t miss anything. My friend told me too that they change the art on display from time to time so I definitely plan to go back again.

Miss Guided

Google

The front desk is really awesome. I went on a cold rainy day to kill some time. I was kindly greeted and given a very in-depth overview of the museum. We talked about art for a good 20 minutes. The space is small but the art is very thought provoking. I put together an entire art collection that I want to create based of the art in the museum. It was definitely influential to me. The museum is also free. And it’s a very spacial place. I love spacial artistry. I was also given some nice places to check out near by although the diner closes at 3 pm and therefore I couldn’t go. I found a nice bookstore that had a great vibe to just chill!! Oh and the museum is free!!

Rêver Weddings

Google

Our photo team enjoyed working and capturing this beautiful wedding on NYE. This venue is unique to the Atlanta area for its creativity and art that fills the space. Rêver Weddings

Simone S.

Yelp

ARTiculate was a wonderful experience! Several artists displaying their work (all for sale) with cool music and drinks. Bombay Gin was a sponsor and they were making drinks as part of your ticket entry you were able to get cocktails. There were also two food trucks onsite for quick bites. Music was provided by the Salah Ananse the awesome DJ. Overall, a fantastic evening and an experience to be repeated!

Alaina M.

Yelp

Just visited the Atlanta Contemporary Art Museum and had an incredible time immersing myself in the diverse artworks on display. The exhibits were not only visually stunning but also deeply resonated with me on a personal level. The museum itself is a beautiful space, providing the perfect backdrop for thought-provoking art. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a unique cultural experience, this museum is definitely worth a visit. Can't wait to return and delve deeper into the inspiring world of contemporary art!

Seema Z.

Yelp

This spot is cool visit if you into abstract and contemporary art. It's also got a couple of outdoor exhibits in addition to rotating exhibits from Local and national artists. I happened upon this place as part of a bimonthly bike ride group and we Were welcomed in their space wit a free tour. They also have a gift shop with souvenirs, stickers and pins from Artist. Definitely check it out if you want to go off the beaten part. Free entry.

Yolanda R.

Yelp

Free museum in Atlanta a little hidden jam! Parking is free entry is free and it's a smaller space so it's a lot more intimate. The employees were very friendly and nice and explained the layout of the museum. They have a shop that you can purchase items to help support the museum! Below are a few pictures from the Winter 2024 Exhibition Opening.

Mark S.

Yelp

There are several museum buildings. Some topics were not so interesting to me but some others were pretty cool to see. The lights at the entrance are beautiful when it's getting dark. Me and my friend took several nice shots there after we finished our visit to the museums.

Steve V.

Yelp

We came here on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed it very much. It is a free space, but donations are accepted. The exhibit at the time was about the segregated prom in Georgia and how recent it was. It profiled pictures and audio and was spread out through most of the gallery, which was a decent size. There were detailed descriptions for each item and it told a story. We then wandered to the back where the gift shop was and then outside. There is a nice courtyard that leads to individual studios where resident artists work their craft. None of them were open when we were there, but they do have open nights. The artists housed use all different mediums and are expected to move on after some time. The staff was super friendly and knowledgable and I would recommend this place for an afternoon visit.

Bruce K.

Yelp

Contemporary art usually goes over my head and I don't always agree with the overt political messages in the art, but I enjoyed my visit to the museum this morning. It's a beautiful and engaging space in what looks like it was an industrial neighborhood that is quickly gentrifying with expensive condos. Free parking was a plus. A number of exhibits in the different spaces, these seem to be temporary exhibits rather than permanent ones. Different and odd and unique and in some instances, thought provoking. I enjoyed my visit The museum is also free admission though they're happy to take your donations. [Review 10560 overall, 327 of 2019.]

Cameron C.

Yelp

FREE art museum, but they do take donations but it's a great place to goof off and take nice pictures!!!

Tev D.

Yelp

I went to the gallery opening on January 23rd and was very impressed. The gallery was very well curated, the atmosphere was great, and I got to meet a couple of the artists. The art here was very captivating and inspiring. I only wish there was more to see. I will definitely be back to see what else they add.

Michelle L.

Yelp

Definitely worth a visit if you are even remotely interested in art. While on the smaller side, this museum charges no entrance fee (though you are welcome to donate) and hosts some eclectic rotating exhibits. On our visit we got to experience some really cool experimental textile, sculptural (involving 3D printing), and audiovisual exhibits. The staff are all very warm and welcoming, and there's free (quite strong) coffee in the lobby area. The only downside is that the parking situation was pretty confusing when we went. There is supposed to be some designated lot but for the life of us we could not find it and ended opting for street. I'd say you could spend between half an hour and 2 hours here depending on your level of interest in the exhibits.

Sarah C.

Yelp

Nice place to go in, grab some coffee, and check out some interesting art. Not always necessarily with context tho, as the basement exhibit looked kind of like it came from somewhere between outer space and my worst nightmares. There is free coffee and (from what I hear, I didn't actually try it, but two of my friends did) it is really good. Real cream, chilled on ice Batdorf & Bronsen Coffee. I guess they're a local brand. Whatever, it's good and free. Another free thing you'll find here is the admission itself. But they do accept donations. I bought a button that says, "I like art." I would prefer it say, "I love art," but I'm trying to get over it. Cool place. Chill vibes. Except in that basement though. That still creeps me out.

Lawrence C.

Yelp

Small museum with big intentions, and a bent towards the extreme. Some exhibits are worthwhile, and others I do not see the point.....I guess that's what some would call art (modern/extreme). Good assortment of periodicals in a small reference section (library). This location is in an out of the way part of town, and requires a car for transportation. Allow an hour.

Jennifer L.

Yelp

What a great place to visit in Atlanta and it is free all of the time! I went to see the Lonnie Holley exhibit today and I was really impressed with the thought put into this exhibit and the breadth of the pieces. It was both inspiring and thought provokingn One of themes the artist explores is what we as the human race might be losing by being so lost in our technology and having so much at our finger tips. I highly recommend this exhibit and I will be back again to see what else this great museum has to offer.

Annie C.

Yelp

The ACAC is a lovely place to spend the afternoon with the family or the SO (only a $5 entry fee!). I was quite charmed - maybe it was the peach wallpaper (which seriously got that Presidents of the USA song in my head for a few hours there).... It's a smaller space, than you'd expect for a museum/gallery, but I like that it's a more intimate setting. The exhibit is made up of contributions from local artists as well as a few "donated" pieces from the Atlanta History Center. One of the reasons why I enjoyed the exhibit so much is that most of the pieces are relatable - not some weird, abstract piece that you have no comprehension of what the artist is trying to communicate; but just as beautiful and intriguing. The staff is very nice and incredibly knowledgeable, if they're free, make sure to get in a quick chat!

Robin S.

Yelp

I may have a bias concerning The Contemporary - my wife is (or was, I'm not sure anymore) on the board and was a past tenant in one of the studios here. What that means is I've had the opportunity to see a lot of Atlanta's contemporary art. While I don't like all of it - who does? - I do like most of what they show here. The annual Art Party: we haven't gone in a few years but when my wife had the studio, these events rocked the house. Part of the deal with having a studio was you had to open it up to people during Art Party to show what you were working on. Crazy times.

Amy R.

Yelp

My friends had their wedding here. It was a great venue! They have an outdoor space for the ceremony, and room inside for dinning and dancing. I would recommend this venue if you are looking for a unique space and want to support the arts! I haven't had a chance yet to visit during regular hours, but I really enjoy what I've seen so far.

Gabriela G.

Yelp

Where else in Atlanta can you experience FREE art, get FREE coffee (from Dancing Goats), FREE parking, and yes....FREE ping pong playing and art book browsing? The space is small but well utilized. The art is interesting enough (although a little vanilla), the FREE-ness of it all makes it worth the experience. The question is not "Why go?" It's rather "why NOT go?" Makes for a nice afternoon. One of the great things about Atlanta is these small hidden gems around town. It's no MOCA, MOMA or Broad, but it also doesn't have a hefty price tag or 2 hour wait to get inside. Easy to access, easy to get to. Definitely worth the visit. They have an outdoor space that is often used for weddings. I like the accessibility to all by making it free to the public. Friendly staff.

Mia S.

Yelp

Best place in Atlanta to see contemporary art, by local artists and artists from other states. The shows are only one part of the activities offered by the center. There is a small library, a shop and you can visit the artists' studios twice a year. I enjoy the talks very much and the activities for members. If you are looking for a place to see and experience good art, that is the place! Get your e-mail on their mailing list to see all that the center offers.

Laura L.

Yelp

The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is a great locale to check out local artists. And with a wallet-friendly entry fee of a mere $5, why not? Only downer was that it looked much bigger from the outside (to me anyways) so I was a little bit bummed to see how small the interior was. But don't get me wrong: the art installations were fantastic! They sometimes do artists talks here but since I was visiting, wasn't able to catch one. Grab a calendar of events on your way out so you can keep tabs on what's on the horizon at ACAC!

Lady R.

Yelp

This art center is tucked away on a side street close to Georgia Tech. They have a private parking lot with an attendant. Entry is free and the exhibit rotates with local and visiting artists. Before or after visiting the art center, consider Amelie's French Restaurant and Bakery about 2 blocks away.

Jessica M.

Yelp

Tucked away in an industrial neighborhood, the ACAC's aesthetic is modern and exclusive. With a low ticket price, $5 gets you an afternoon of exciting new work.

Elizabeth S.

Yelp

I love this little place to check out modern art. I've seen quite a few impressive little shows here, and they sponsor a number of worthwhile events, lectures, and workshops. They also support studios to provide space for local artists to make work at more affordable rates (I had a professor that was part of this fantastic program).

MzSalle D.

Yelp

This was the worse field trip experience I have ever had. They were mean and rude to the kids and both teachers. They yelled at the teachers for removing a possible dangerous item off of the floor. I have never been disrespected in such a manner as I did here. The only reason I gave it any stars is because I can't give -5. Please stay away from this place. The "Director" was a very rude person.

@onthegrid

On the Grid : C4 Atlanta

"C4 Atlanta connects arts entrepreneurs to the people, skills, and tools they need to build a successful artistic career in metro Atlanta." - The Goat Farm Arts Center

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-atlanta

@cntraveler

12 Best Museums in Atlanta

Best Attractions in Atlanta (2025)

https://atlantacontemporary.org/

Free Attractions in Atlanta (2025)

Things to Do in Atlanta (2025)