Georgia is steeped in culture, from the soulful rhythms of its music and the depth of its civil rights history to vibrant art scenes and diverse communities. Whether you’re looking to explore world-class museums, historic landmarks, or performing arts venues, the state offers an impressive range of cultural experiences. Here are some of the top cultural spots across Georgia that celebrate its rich and evolving identity.
1. High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
Located in Midtown Atlanta, the High Museum of Art is the leading art museum in the Southeast. With a sleek Richard Meier-designed building and a rotating collection of classic, modern, and contemporary art, it’s a cultural cornerstone. Special exhibits have featured artists from Monet to Basquiat, and the museum regularly hosts events, talks, and family programs.
Highlights: American art, African art, photography, modern design
Good for: Art lovers, families, architecture fans
2. Savannah Historic District
The entire Historic District of Savannah is like walking through an open-air museum. With over 20 leafy squares, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved antebellum architecture, it offers a deep dive into Georgia’s colonial and Civil War past. Walking tours, carriage rides, and historic homes like the Owens-Thomas House give context to the city’s layered history.
Highlights: 18th- and 19th-century homes, churches, city squares
Good for: History buffs, photographers, casual explorers
3. Center for Civil and Human Rights (Atlanta)
This powerful museum connects the American civil rights movement to global human rights struggles. Interactive exhibits detail the stories of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., while confronting visitors with the reality of segregation and discrimination, both past and present. It’s educational, moving, and essential for understanding Georgia’s role in shaping justice.
Highlights: Civil Rights Movement exhibit, global human rights gallery
Good for: Students, educators, all ages
4. Fox Theatre (Atlanta)
A masterpiece of 1920s architecture, the Fox Theatre is both a historic landmark and a premier entertainment venue. With its ornate Arabian-themed interiors, the Fox hosts Broadway shows, concerts, ballet, and film screenings. Even if you don’t catch a show, guided tours of the building are worth the time.
Highlights: Broadway productions, classic movies, historic décor
Good for: Theatergoers, music fans, architecture enthusiasts
5. Tubman Museum (Macon)
Named after Harriet Tubman, this museum is one of the largest in the nation dedicated to African American art, history, and culture. Its exhibits span from African roots and civil rights to contemporary Black artists and inventors. Located in Macon’s historic downtown, it’s a cultural anchor in middle Georgia.
Highlights: Black inventors, folk art, civil rights exhibits
Good for: Families, history lovers, school groups
6. Morris Museum of Art (Augusta)
The Morris Museum focuses exclusively on Southern artists and themes, making it a unique stop for anyone interested in regional identity through the arts. The collection includes painting, photography, and sculpture from the late 18th century to today. Overlooking the Savannah River, it’s a peaceful and enriching experience.
Highlights: Southern landscape paintings, regional exhibits
Good for: Art enthusiasts, casual visitors, quiet afternoons
7. Atlanta History Center
This sprawling complex includes the Atlanta History Museum, the Swan House, and the Smith Family Farm, all set within lush gardens and trails. Exhibits cover everything from the Civil War and Southern folk culture to the 1996 Olympics. The center also hosts seasonal events and author talks.
Highlights: Civil War artifacts, historic homes, gardens
Good for: Families, local history lovers, event seekers
8. The Albany Civil Rights Institute
This powerful museum and archive tells the story of the Albany Movement—one of the first mass civil rights campaigns of the 1960s. Located in southwest Georgia, the institute highlights local heroes and community organizing that laid the groundwork for larger national efforts.
Highlights: Oral histories, protest artifacts, church site tours
Good for: History students, road-trippers, civil rights scholars
9. SCAD Museum of Art (Savannah)
Operated by the Savannah College of Art and Design, this contemporary art museum is housed in a renovated 1850s railway depot. It features cutting-edge exhibits from international artists and SCAD alumni alike. The museum’s bold programming and modern installations contrast beautifully with Savannah’s historic surroundings.
Highlights: Contemporary art, student showcases, fashion exhibits
Good for: Art trend followers, students, modern design lovers
10. Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia (Sautee Nacoochee)
This museum honors Georgia’s centuries-old tradition of folk pottery, especially from the Appalachian foothills. Through beautifully displayed collections, visitors learn about both functional and decorative pottery, as well as the families who carried on this rural craft. It’s part of the Sautee Nacoochee Center, which also includes galleries and a historic schoolhouse.
Highlights: Handmade pottery, artisan stories, Appalachian heritage
Good for: Craft lovers, cultural tourists, mountain travelers