Have you ever thought about how some places just seem to stand tall, a bit above the everyday, truly reaching out to you? Well, that's rather the feeling you get when you consider the High Museum of Art. It's a spot that, in a way, rises above the ordinary, a place where art truly extends upward, inviting you to look a great distance into creativity. This renowned institution, often simply called "the High," is very much a landmark, a significant elevation in the cultural landscape of the Southeast. You see, it's not just a building; it's a destination that feels quite elevated, much like the very definition of "high" suggests – a place with considerable reach, both physically and in its impact on the arts.

For anyone looking for a rich artistic experience, the High Museum of Art offers something quite special. It's located in Atlanta, Georgia, right there on Peachtree Street, which is in Midtown, the city's lively arts district. This prominent location, just a little north of the main Midtown area, makes it incredibly accessible, too. In fact, it's very close to the Arts Center MARTA station, so getting there is pretty straightforward for most people. It's a place that truly stands out, both for its physical presence and for the amazing collections it holds, inviting visitors from all walks of life to explore.

This remarkable museum is, as a matter of fact, the largest museum for visual art across the entire Southeastern United States. With a grand size of 312,000 square feet, or about 28,985 square meters, there's quite a lot to see and experience within its walls. From classic pieces to very modern works, the High boasts a celebrated collection that genuinely offers a wide range of artistic expressions. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, look closely, and perhaps see things in a new light, offering a truly extensive collection for everyone to enjoy.

• Gato Tierno
• Ryan Wesker

Table of Contents

• What Makes the High Museum So Special?
• A Look at the High's History
• Exploring the Collections
  • African Art at the High
  • American Art and Beyond
• Planning Your Visit
• Programs and Events for Everyone
• Current Exhibitions and Community Focus
• Frequently Asked Questions About the High

What Makes the High Museum So Special?

The High Museum of Art, quite simply, holds a very important spot as the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States. It's a place that genuinely offers a celebrated collection of art, stretching from the very classic pieces all the way to contemporary works, so there's always something to catch your eye. With over 19,000 works of art in its permanent collection, the High has a truly extensive array of pieces that tell many stories, and you can spend hours just wandering through the galleries. It’s a spot where, you know, every visit feels like a new discovery, offering a chance to connect with art in a really personal way.

You might wonder what gives this place its distinct character, and it’s arguably the way it connects with people. The museum has ongoing programs for all ages throughout the year, which means there’s always something happening, whether you're a seasoned art lover or just starting to explore. These programs are often quite interactive, letting you delve deeply into the artistic process, and that's something many people really appreciate. It’s a place that, in a way, fosters a sense of community around art, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone who steps inside.

A Look at the High's History

The story of the High Museum of Art is quite a fascinating one, actually, and it begins with a truly generous act. The museum got its very first permanent home back in 1926, thanks to Harriet “Hattie” High. She made a wonderful donation of her family’s residence, which was also on Peachtree Street, and that’s how the High Museum of Art, as we know it, was born. This foundational gift truly set the stage for what would become a major cultural institution, a place that would grow and thrive over the decades, very much like a seed that blossoms into something grand.

• Squeeze Lambo
• How To Draw Pleated Skirt

The significance of this event was, in fact, recognized right away. On October 16, 1926, the Atlanta Constitution newspaper even wrote about it, highlighting Atlanta’s new museum. This early recognition really shows how important this gift was for the city and its cultural aspirations. It's a wonderful reminder that sometimes, a single act of generosity can lay the groundwork for something truly magnificent, creating a legacy that benefits countless people for generations, and that's pretty inspiring, if you ask me.

Exploring the Collections

When you visit the High, you're stepping into a world with a truly diverse and impressive collection of art. The museum is home to more than 19,000 works, which means there's a huge variety of pieces to experience, from ancient to modern. It’s a place where you can wander through different eras and styles, and perhaps find something that really speaks to you, because the range is quite broad. You'll discover, for example, that the High has an extensive and very thoughtfully curated selection of art that reflects different cultures and artistic movements, offering a rich visual journey.

The museum is particularly known for its three main permanent collections, which really form the core of its artistic offerings. These include significant collections of African art and American art, which are quite compelling to explore. While the third main collection isn't explicitly detailed in every public description, the depth of the African and American holdings certainly provides a wonderful foundation for any art lover, and you can really spend a lot of time just appreciating these specific areas. It’s a place that, you know, gives you a chance to see some truly important works up close.

African Art at the High

The High Museum of Art’s African art collection is, without a doubt, a very prominent part of its offerings. It features the art and material culture created by West and Central African makers, which is quite a significant focus. This collection genuinely reflects the cultural, social, and visual histories of these regions, giving you a real sense of the rich heritage present in these works. It's a section where you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship and the stories embedded within each piece, and it's something that really makes the museum stand out, too.

One fascinating aspect of the museum's collection, for instance, is its exploration of black quilts. Our latest link project, as a matter of fact, explores black quilts specifically from the High Museum’s collection, which shows a commitment to diverse narratives. These pieces offer a unique perspective on art and history, showcasing the incredible talent and cultural significance of these textile works. It's a wonderful example of how the museum brings different forms of art to light, allowing visitors to discover something perhaps unexpected, and that's pretty cool.

American Art and Beyond

Beyond the African art, the High also boasts a substantial collection of American art, which tells a very different, yet equally compelling, story. This part of the museum allows you to trace the evolution of art within the United States, from historical periods right up to more contemporary expressions. It’s a chance to see how American artists have interpreted their world, their experiences, and their society over time, and that's quite a journey to take. You’ll find pieces that resonate with different aspects of American life and culture, offering a broad view of the nation’s artistic output, too.

While the text highlights African and American art as two of the three main permanent collections, the High Museum of Art generally holds a vast array of works that span many genres and periods. This means that whether your preference leans towards classical paintings, modern sculptures, or perhaps even something a bit more avant-garde, there's a good chance you'll find something to capture your imagination. It’s a place that, in a way, truly celebrates the breadth of human creativity, making it a destination for anyone curious about visual expression, and that's really what it's all about.

Planning Your Visit

If you're thinking about stopping by the High Museum of Art, it's pretty easy to plan your trip. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, which gives you most of the week to choose from. Just remember that it's closed on Mondays, so you'll want to pick another day for your visit. Knowing the operating hours helps you make the most of your time there, ensuring you have plenty of opportunity to explore everything the museum has to offer, and that's quite helpful, you know.

One thing to keep in mind for your visit is that the last ticket each day is issued one hour prior to closing. This means you’ll want to arrive with enough time to purchase your ticket and still have a good amount of time inside the galleries before they start to close up. It’s always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours and any special announcements before you head out, just to be sure everything is as expected. You can learn more about visiting museums on our site, which might help with your planning, too.

Programs and Events for Everyone

The High Museum of Art isn't just a place to quietly look at art; it's also a very active center for learning and engagement. They have ongoing programs for all ages throughout the year, which means there's always something new and exciting happening, no matter when you decide to visit. For example, over multiple weeks, you can learn alongside other creative adults and really delve deeply into the artistic process, which sounds like a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to grow their creative skills, and that's pretty neat.

A particularly popular event, for instance, is Friday Jazz. You really don’t want to miss an evening of live jazz at the High, which happens every third Friday. It’s a wonderful way to experience the museum in a different light, with music filling the spaces, and it creates a very lively atmosphere. For members, there are also exclusive thematic tours, which let you experience the High through a new lens, perhaps inspired by all things summer, taking a deep dive into the galleries and exploring specific themes. These programs genuinely add another layer to the museum experience, making it much more than just a static display.

Current Exhibitions and Community Focus

The High Museum of Art is always bringing in exciting new exhibitions, keeping its offerings fresh and engaging for visitors. For example, Atlanta News First recently highlighted a “museum spotlight” on the Kim Chong Hak exhibition. This was, in fact, the first American exhibition of South Korean artist Kim Chong Hak’s work, and it was organized right there by the High Museum. It’s pretty amazing how they bring such significant global art to Atlanta, offering unique cultural experiences, and that’s something to really appreciate.

Another notable exhibition mentioned was Ryoji Ikeda’s work, which Axios Atlanta described as “Ryoji Ikeda goes big at the High Museum of Art.” The Art Section also noted it as “Ryoji Ikeda, From micro to macro and back again.” This exhibition, too, was organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, showcasing their commitment to presenting diverse and thought-provoking contemporary art. Randall Suffolk, who has been the director of the High Museum of Art since his arrival in 2015, has really championed a renewed commitment to community engagement, placing emphasis on making the museum a welcoming and relevant space for everyone, which is truly important. This focus means the museum aims to be your destination for lifelong learning, whether you deeply love art or are simply curious about creativity, so it really serves a broad audience. For more insights on art and culture, you can check out this resource: Art News.

Frequently Asked Questions About the High

Many people have questions when they're thinking about visiting the High Museum of Art. Here are a few common ones that might help you plan your trip, too.

Is the High Museum of Art open every day?

No, the High Museum of Art is not open every single day. It welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday, so you have most of the week to choose from. However, it is closed on Mondays, so you'll want to keep that in mind when you're planning your visit, just to make sure you pick an open day. It's always a good idea to double-check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before you head out, and that's something we always recommend, you know.

What kind of art can I see at the High Museum?

The High Museum of Art has a very broad and celebrated collection, ranging from classic pieces all the way to contemporary works, so there's a lot to explore. It includes more than 19,000 works of art in its permanent collection, with three main permanent collections focused on African art and American art. You'll find a wide variety of visual expressions, including, for example, pieces that explore the art and material culture of West and Central African makers, and also black quilts from the museum’s collection. It’s a place that, in a way, offers a rich visual journey through different periods and cultures, and that's pretty cool.

Where is the High Museum of Art located?

The High Museum of Art is located in Atlanta, Georgia, right on Peachtree Street in Midtown, which is known as the city's arts district. It’s situated just a little north of the main Midtown area, making it quite accessible for visitors. A very convenient aspect is its close proximity to the Arts Center MARTA station, which makes public transportation a great option for getting there. You can learn more about Atlanta attractions on our site, which might give you more ideas for your trip to the city, too.