Atlanta's Lesser-Known Museums

MODA
Museum · Atlanta
"House of Furniture and Design Located near the Woodruff Arts complex, the Museum of Design Atlanta is a 5,000-square-foot space devoted to unique design. The building itself is a contemporary marvel, and the pieces inside constantly change. A recent exhibit showcased furniture and design pieces made with European wine barrels."
Tellus Science Museum
Science museum · Cartersville
"Discovering Fossils and Minerals at Tellus Science Museum The drive to Cartersville is well worth it for a visit to the Tellus Science Museum, which covers nearly every end of the field. Start in the Mineral Gallery, which includes some of Georgia's most prized minerals in 50 cases. The fossils of the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Megaladon are must-sees, as is the gem and fossil panning area where you can dig like a real archaeologist. Science in Motion discusses physics and engineering that led to the invention of cars, planes and spaceships."
Apex Museum
History museum · Atlanta
"Enjoy Sweet Auburn's African American History Museum The African American Panoramic Experience, known as the APEX Museum, is Sweet Auburn's best museum on African American history. It starts with the culture and heritage of Africa without focusing on the topic of slavery, which many other museums discuss. There is also an exhibit on the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood and its relationship to the African American experience in Atlanta ."
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Art museum · Clifton Community
"Atlanta's Impressive Collection of Egyptian Artifacts In 1876, a small museum collection was started in Oxford, Ga., at the original Emory University campus. Over the years—through acquisitions, archaeological digs, and donations—the collection has grown to include pieces from ancient Greece , Meso-America, Rome , and Africa. But what makes the Carlos so impressive is the collection of Egyptian mummies and sarcophagi. The Carlos, now located in Decatur, also hosts traveling exhibitions of art and artifacts."
Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
Museum · Georgia Tech
"Unusual Museum Devoted to Paper As far as offbeat museum experiences go, the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum at the Georgia Institute of Technology is certainly one of them, but is far from boring. The museum takes a product that the average American uses 675 pounds of every year and describes its history. The exhibits discuss the origin of paper, from being made of various plant products in China, the Pacific and Europe to the beginnings of printing to modern day. The museum has a collection of important and historic texts, including a Koran from the 1100s and second century papyrus. The Dard Hunter Collection includes artifacts from one of the most influential papermakers of modernity. The Williams Paper Museum also shows how paper is made and emphasizes the importance of recycling. The museum is free."
Georgia Capitol Museum
Museum · Atlanta
"Touring the Georgia Capitol and Museum A visit to the Georgia Capitol allows guests to see the role of the government firsthand. It's free to go on a self-guided tour of the grounds and capitol and if the House and Senate are in session, you can watch from the gallery, too. The museum on the fourth floor features exhibits on Georgia wildlife and natural resources as well as artifacts from the history of the capitol itself. When you get outside, admire the Dahlonega gilded dome."
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Central bank · Atlanta
"See Where Money Is Made The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is one of 12 Fed branches in the country, and has a free fascinating museum inside. Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum covers the development of American banks, the transition from bartering to standard currency, and counterfeit bills. You can even see money being printed and sorted. You have to go through a metal detector and lock your things in luggage storage, but photos aren't allowed anyways. Grab a free bag of shredded money before you go."
David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Science museum · Clifton Community
"Informative Public Health Museum This Smithsonian affiliate museum on the campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention teaches visitors about the importance of public health and the organization's purpose. The museum opened in 1996 in coordination with the Centennial Olympics hosted in Atlanta . It features exhibits on the health crises after Sept. 11, the AIDS epidemic, food safety, and other interesting topics."

Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia
Art museum · Brookwood Square
"Discover Something Thought Provoking at MOCA GA Explore the world of contemporary art from Georgia’s emerging and established artists alongside exhibits from artists from around the world at this fascinating museum. It may not be a vast space, but with a large permanent collection of some 800 works of art—along with at least 10 visiting exhibitions a year—you’ll always find something new and thought-provoking at MOCA GA. Make sure you take time to visit the artists in residence working at the studios."

The Breman Museum
Museum · Atlanta
"Atlanta's Jewish History and Heritage Museum The unassuming gated building is truly an undiscovered Atlanta museum that highlights the importance of the city's prominent Jewish citizens. The Breman Museum is a part of the Selig Center, which has its own library and archives and regularly holds events. The Breman has three exhibits: one on notable Jewish Atlantans, another on the Holocaust and a third that rotates regularly. The Eighteen Artifacts exhibit highlights different pieces from residents like the owner of Jacob's Pharmacy, the first to carry Coca Cola, and Arthur Blank, one of the founders of the Home Depot. The second exhibit is Absence of Humanity, a very in-depth exhibit on the Holocaust with artifacts from the concentration camps and the people who lived there. The newest exhibit focused on Jewish writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak with child-friendly displays. Parking is free and admission is $12 for adults. It's easy to miss the turn, but it's right next to the Center for Puppetry Arts and within walking distance of the Arts Center MARTA Station."
