I’m a history buff so I was excited when I climbed off the bus onto the grounds of the Atlanta History Center. Hidden in the heart of Atlanta, this 33 acre property is filled with discoveries I didn’t expect. “You’re standing on the grounds of President Snow’s Mansion,” our guide informed us, “feel free to enter into his office.” That’s right, The Swan House, the beautiful centerpiece of the gardens, was the filming location for President Snow’s residence in the Hunger Games. The house was originally the home of the Inman family, heirs to to a cotton brokerage fortune.
Costumed interpreters greeted us as we entered the door, ready to explain the historical significance of the home or answer any questions we had about the display of movie set memorabilia from The Hunger Games films. We were given a chance to tour the downstairs, with its lovely antique furniture before heading upstairs to check out President Snow’s office and props from the movie set.
One of the fascinating stories of this home was of the stove in the kitchen. When the History Center took over the property they knew the kitchen stove needed to be replaced. In the basement they found a brand new antique stove, still in the box. The deluxe model stove would work today if hooked up.
After a short stroll around the grounds, we walked to the Dubose Gallery to view some of the exhibits. We started with “Atlanta in 50 Objects,” a temporary exhibit on display until December 31st. The purpose behind this exhibit was to explain “what makes Atlanta who it is.” The researchers turned to Atlanta residents and asked for their input and the results were narrowed down to these fifty objects.
The purpose was to cover the history of Atlanta while embracing the changing cultural scene. The exhibits include such classics as the Chik-Fil-A cow (their first restaurant opened in Atlanta,) the Varsity, another classic Atlanta eatery, and more serious items, like Martin Luther King’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech Manuscript. It’s a funky mix of old and new, fun and serious, that represents the true vibe of Atlanta.
An extension of the “Atlanta in 50 Objects” is the “Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta” exhibit. This permanent exhibit invites everyone to record their own story of Atlanta while showcasing past and present objects. It might be the only place you’ll find go-go boots, the history of Coca-Cola, and stories of the Civil Rights Movement in one place!
If you are a history buff, you will not want to miss “Turning Point: The American Civil War.” This exhibit is one of the largest and most complete Civil War exhibits in the country, featuring 1500 artifacts from both the Union and Confederates. There’s cannons, photographs and dioramas that show the devastation brought to both sides by the war. Other permanent and temporary exhibits include Fashion, Native Americans in Georgia, Folkart and more.
The Atlanta History Center is open daily and offers a variety of adult and children’s programs year round. What exhibit would you like to see?
Wow! That looks absolutely beautiful. I would love to visit there someday.
Omg what a neat place!!!! I majored in History in college so I’m always facinated with places like this!
My nieces would love all the exhibits. We haven’t been to Atlanta with them yet, so this would be great.
Atlanta is definitely packed with everything you need for a historic trip. They have so much amazing places to go to with the kids, and it’s going to be a great learning experience as well.
I need to put this on my things to do list the next time I visit Atlanta. I had no idea that Chik-Fil-A cow opened up their first location in Georgia.
I love that they’re in costume when they come to greet you. That sounds like a good way to spend some time and learn some things too!
Looks like a great place to visit. I love stuff like this
That 50 objects exhibit sounds really neat. I’m sure you can get a lot of history from those few dozen items. Hope to make it soon.
That is just too amazing that the stove would still work if hooked up. Talk about craftsmanship!
I love reading about other cities and their history! I need to check out this museum next time I’m in ATL.
What a nice building, I would love to go in atlanta someday.
This looks like it was a fun journey for you. I would like to see some Civil War artifacts
It has been ages since I have been to Atlanta. I just remember some serious traffic LOL
What a gorgeous old building! I would love to visit one day, I love Atlanta!
I have never been to the Atlanta History Center. My girls would get such a kick out of seeing “President Snow’s House”
I have not been to the Atlanta History Center in years! Did you know the Swan House was the background for Tatum O’Neals house from the movie Little Darlings? It is a super old movie..back from my days lol
I remember way back – its always been my hobby visiting places and seeing historical things and such – it feels so surreal and wonderful. I am weird like that I guess. This is definitely something I wish I could go and visit next time.
I would love to see all the exhibits I love stuff like this, and history is something I want to learn more about all over! Looks great!
You were able to see some great places. I would visit both of these locations. How cool to visit part of the home that was used in the movie. We love History in my house too
It sounds like you had an amazing time checking out the Atlanta History Center. We are all history lovers here and enjoy visiting places like this to learn all we can about history. This sounds like a great place to visit for us indeed. Thanks for sharing your experience and the history.
Never been to Atlanta – but at least now I know 1 thing to do there! I kinda didn’t like the chic-fil-ley cow there amongst all the history – really stood out.
I usually just drive through Georgia. I have to find time to stop there.
OMG that Eat more Chikin thing brought back so much memories! When I first saw it on our way down to Alabama I had a laughing fit in the car (yeah, I’m so mature lol). The place looks amazing. I wish I got to stop by there while I was visiting Atlanta 🙂
Wow the Atlanta History Center seems like a great place to visit in Georgia. I will have to mark it as a must stop during the road trip I hope to have next Summer with the kiddos
I have been through Atlanta many times but never got to stay there and explore. It’s on my list of places to visit and we’d love the History Center!
This would be a neat place to visit. My son is a huge fan of The Hunger Games movies and books and he would enjoy seeing The Swan House.
I would love to visit the Atlanta History Center! That mansion is gorgeous and so cool that they let you tour! The antique stove new in box would be such an exciting find!
I used to live in Atlanta so you think I would know about this place. There’s so many things I missed out when I was living there, I cannot wait to go back for a visit.
I have always wanted to go to Georgia. What an awesome place to visit. Lots of great history too.
Wow, a brand new antique stove still in the box was an awesome basement find. Now I’d like to visit the Atlanta History Center and I’m putting on my list for our next trip to Atlanta. Pinning. I recently had the pleasure of doing the Chik-fil-a Backstage Tour which is also in the Atlanta area. I’d like to go before the ’50’ exhibit ends.
I visited the Atlanta Cyclorama many times when I was growing up in GA. I have not visited since it was moved to the Atlanta History Center and I know my grandkids would love this. I would love touring that beautiful historic mansion and I enjoyed the story about the stove.
Great post! I love reading about different regions of the country. Thanks for sharing!
How fun! I love all the history there. I love the grounds. I pretty much love everything about it. I’d love to go there with the family.
We love the History Center! We live in Atlanta, and we go there all the time. It’s great.