If you live in or have ever visited Atlanta, you probably already know about the High Museum of Art as one of the many things to do here. However, unless you’re really heavy in the art scene, you probably haven’t realized how many places there are to immerse yourself in the arts. Well I’ve made it easy for you with this list of 7 museums/art galleries that I have recently visited. You can add these to your list of places to check out during a solo day out or you can make them a family, friends, or boo day out in the city.
High Museum of Art
Chantrice Rachelle and KAWS' Down Time at The High
The High Museum of Art is a major attraction located in the heart of downtown Atlanta and features a collection of more than 18,000 works of art. From works of art by well known artists to works by Atlanta based artists, The High reflects diversity through its variety of exhibitions and programs that are sure to engage you in the world of art and the artists. What I love about The High is that you can literally spend hours immersed in Art or different styles from different periods and each time you go, you are bound to see new art that wasn’t there before as well as art that has been there for years. While The High is not free, they do have “Second Sunday” which general admission is free for Fulton County residents every second Sunday of the month. But be sure to check their website for more details, as that may change.
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-733-4400
Atlanta Contemporary
Chantrice Rachelle viewing art of Adrienne Elise Tarver's Underfoot exhibition
Located in West Midtown, Atlanta Contemporary is an art center that focuses on emerging and established artists who have not had a significant exhibition in the Southeast. They organize 125 programs annually, including a Studio Artist Program which provides 13 on-site subsidized studio spaces to working artists. As of writing this, 56% of their artists are BIPOC and 76% identify as female! Atlanta Contemporary is open every day except Mondays, and admission is always free, but donations are accepted.
535 Means Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-688-1970
Mason Fine Arts
Charly Palmer's In My Mind
Photographed by Chantrice Rachelle, Feb 2022
If you are in or visiting the Buckhead area, Mason Fine Arts is nearby, located in Atlanta’s Design District on Miami Circle. Mason Fine Arts focus is contemporary works by regional, national, and international artists along with showcasing emerging artists to assist with their artistic development. The great thing about visiting Mason Fine Arts is that you can also visit other galleries that are in a shared space as well as others that are within walking distance (all of which are listed next). This is a free gallery, with daily operating hours with the exception of Sunday and Monday.
764 Miami Circle, NE. Suite 150,
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-879-1500
September Gray Fine Art Gallery
Work of Kevin Cole at September Gray Fine Art Gallery
Photographed by Chantrice Rachelle, Feb 2022
Located in Atlanta’s Design District on Miami Circle, September Gray Fine Art Gallery specializes in contemporary works by established, mid-career and emerging African American and African diasporic artists. What I loved about this gallery is of course the championing of Blact Art, but the fact that the Founder and Gallery Director, September Gray, is so passionate about the art displayed in her gallery. She was very welcoming and eager to explain the art and the background of each of the artists. Admission here is free with operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.
764 Miami Circle, NE, Suite 150
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-907-1923
Bill Lowe Gallery
Margarita Checa's The Skin of Heaven at Bill Lowe Gallery
Photographed by Chantrice Rachelle, Feb. 2022
Like the two previously mentioned galleries, the Bill Lowe Gallery is also located in Atlanta’s Design District on Miami Circle. If I had to describe this gallery’s vibe with one word it would be “luxury.” Upon entering the gallery the ambiance and layout just feels like I’m surrounded by luxury art and much of the art that was on display when I went was breathtakingly beautiful. This is one of the larger galleries that I have been to in the area, and there is a variety of styles of art to see from diverse artists. Bill Lowe Gallery maintains an accelerated exhibition schedule with shows every 4-6 weeks. Typically, the gallery will host an internationally renowned artist in its grand salon with a mid-career and emerging artist in adjoining galleries. Admission is free with operating hours Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday, Monday, or evening hours by appointment only.
764 Miami Circle, NE. Suite 210
Atlanta, GA 30324
404-352-8114
Muane Contemporary
Stephanie Henderson's Element Opening Reception
Also located in the Atlanta Design District on Miami Circle, Muane Contemporary specializes in fine art by artists whose work has been exhibited and are in the collections of museums worldwide. Maune also provides art advisory and curatorial services to assist businesses and individuals with building their art collections.
747-A Miami Circle, NE.
Atlanta, GA 30324
678-705-4735
MINT ATL
Gallery space at MINT ATL
MINT ATL is a non-profit art space located in the MET Atlanta (home to the city's most innovative creative companies, production studios, galleries, maker spaces, and artisan retail). MINT was founded in 2006 by undergraduate students at Atlanta universities to create a space for emerging artists and patrons to find their voices. What I love about MINT is that it’s not just a gallery but also houses studios for artists. MINT has a variety of programs and exhibitions for emerging artists to gain exposure and evolve in their practice. Admission is free and their hours are Wednesday-Sunday:11am-6pm, 3rd Thursday:5pm-8pm.
680 Murphy Ave SW, Unit 2095
Atlanta, GA 30310
info@mintatl.org