Atlanta Cultural Sites
Through His Eyes Monument honoring John Wesley Dobbs on Auburn Avenue; (c) Soul Of America
John Wesley Dobbs Monument
DESCRIPTION: Through His Eyes, the sculpture is a huge mask likeness of the Godfather of Black Business in Atlanta next to a fountain built during the 1996 Olympics; John Wesley Dobbs was a Mason.
ADDRESS: Auburn Avenue at I-85 Freeway exit, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on-street
TRANSIT: King Memorial MARTA Station
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture & History
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1991, this 50,000-square-foot library with study rooms, an auditorium, more than 1,700 subject heading files, 6,500 microfilms, 23,000 books, distinguished movies, and a sound collection. It also features an Ethnic NewsWatch index for full article retrieval for selected Black newspapers since 1992.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 12a-8p, Sat-Sun 2-6p
ADDRESS: 101 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on-premises
TRANSIT: Georgia State MARTA Station
PHONE: 404-730-4001
WEBSITE: http://www.afplweb.com/aarl
Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors Center
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National Center for Civil & Human Rights
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Spelman College
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Morehouse College
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Morehouse School of Medicine
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The sisters of Spelman College greet you; (c) Soul Of America
Clark Atlanta University
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Interdenominational Theological Center
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Morris Brown College
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APEX Museum
DESCRIPTION: African-American Panoramic Experience is an entertaining and educational museum; multimedia exhibit of Sweet Auburn’s history.
ADMISSION: a small fee
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 1p-5p
ADDRESS: 135 Auburn Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on-premises
TRANSIT: Georgia State MARTA Station
PHONE: 404-521-2739
WEBSITE: https://www.apexmuseum.org
True Colors Theatre Company
DESCRIPTION: In 2003, Kenny Leon, Co-founder and Artistic Director, and Jane Bishop, Co-founder and Managing Director launched a new theatre company that has Atlanta’s performing arts community abuzz. The name “True Colors” reflects a promise to search for truth and clarity from who we are as a country and as individuals. See a diverse range of works that span from an August Wilson play to Steel Magnolias. The company performs at many venues in the region, so check their website.
DAYS & HOURS: event and venue dependent
ADDRESS: 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on a nearby lot
PHONE: 888-479-6300
WEBSITE: https://truecolorstheatre.org/
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
DESCRIPTION: Established in 1996 with the financial support of Bill and Camille Cosby, the museum features contemporary works from a wide range of national and regional African-American artists.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 350 Spelman Lane, SW, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on-premises
TRANSIT: Ashby MARTA Station
PHONE: 404-681-3643
WEBSITE: https://museum.spelman.edu
MLK Monument and Howard Thurman Obelisk at Morehouse College Chapel; (c) Soul Of America
Martin Luther King Monument & Howard Thurman Obelisk
DESCRIPTION: A magnificent obelisk is dedicated to Morehouse alum and teacher Howard Thurman. It is located next to Atlanta’s largest monument to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Both are in front of the Morehouse College Chapel.
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: 830 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on-premises
TRANSIT: Ashby MARTA Station
Tyler Perry Studios at Fort McPherson
DESCRIPTION: Established in 2006 and moved into its current facilities in 2012. Fort McPherson was an active Army Base from 1885 until 2011. At the time of its closure, the base was one of the largest command centers in the U.S. military. Remained as Tyler Perry Studios, it consists of 12 sound stages that range from 10,000 to 38,500 square feet with 2000 to 4000 Amps to power-demanding sets. Existing sets include a Bank, Baseball Field, Chapel, County Jail, Courtroom, Classic Diner, Farmhouse, Historic District, Lakeside Cabin, Motel, Oval Office, Rustic Cabin, and Theatre. TPS is also a post-production facility with a 400-seat screening theater, a private screening room, a very large greenspace adaptable to more sets, and designated areas for entertaining and hosting events. Yes, Tyler Perry can be seen hanging out, but for obvious security reasons, you need an appointment to enter the premises.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 8a-until
ADDRESS: Fort McPherson, One Tyler Perry Studios Way, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 800-498-9537
WEBSITE: https://tylerperrystudios.com
Ballethnic Dance Company
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1990 by Nina Gilreath and Waverly T. Lucas II, former members of Dance Theatre of Harlem and Atlanta Ballet, Ballethnic informs, educates, and entertains through dance. Comprised of Ballethnic Dance Company and Ballethnic Academy of Dance, the company is classically trained and culturally diverse. The Academy also provides professional training for children and adults. Dancers often perform stirring choreography of Classical, African, and Modern Jazz shows around Atlanta.
DAYS & HOURS: call for registration and class hours, which vary
ADDRESS: 2587 Cheney Street, East Point, GA
PARKING: on-premises
TRANSIT: East Point MARTA Station
PHONE: 404-762-1416
WEBSITE: https://ballethnic.org
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Headquarters
DESCRIPTION: In 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students assisted by their faculty adviser, gave birth to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. They were Professor Ernest E. Just and students were Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, and Frank Coleman. The initials of the Greek phrase meaning “Friendship is essential to the soul”, is how the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. In 1964, before the fraternity moved here, a National Headquarters Building was dedicated in Washington, DC, the first of its type by a Black Greek fraternity.
DAYS & HOURS: appt only
ADDRESS: 3951 Snapfinger Parkway, South DeKalb County, GA
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 404-284-5533
WEBSITE: https://oppf.org/
Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta; source TPS
UniverSoul Circus
DESCRIPTION: With nicknames like Cirque du Soul and The Most Soulful Show on Earth, you expect the best in showmanship on its tours around America. Cedric Walker’s UniverSoul Circus brings a family values message hosted by Ringmaster Cal, incredible performers with lions, tigers, elephants, chimpanzees, and dogs. The presentation is rounded out with R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Jazz ‘flava, and a spectacular light show under the 2,100-seat tent.
ADMISSION: appt only
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri
ADDRESS: 510 Whitehall Street, Suite A, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: street
TRANSIT: Garnett MARTA station, walk 4 blocks
WEBSITE: https://www.universoulcircus.com
Hammonds House Galleries
DESCRIPTION: Dr. Otis T. Hammonds restored this 14-room Victorian house in 1986 to preserve and present African American and Haitian visual arts, antiques, and artworks. Some artworks are by Romare Beardon, Elizabeth Catlett, James Van Der Zee, and James Alexander. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
ADMISSION: small fee
DAYS & HOURS: Normally Tue-Fri 10a-6p, Sat-Sun 1p-5p, currently on COVID reductions
ADDRESS: 503 Peeples Street, SW, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: street
TRANSIT: West End MARTA station
PHONE: 404-612-0481
WEBSITE: https://www.hammondshouse.org
Chastain Arts Center
DESCRIPTION: A teaching and exhibition Neoclassical style facility occupies what was originally designed as an almshouse, operating from 1911-1968, custodial care for indigent African Americans. The center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Thu 9:30a-9:30p, Fri-Sat 9:30a-5p
ADDRESS: 135 Chastain Park Avenue, NW, Atlanta, GA
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 404-252-2927
WEBSITE: https://ocaatlanta.com/chastain-arts-center
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