Georgia World Congress Center – Historical Attractions

When asked what cities you consider to be historic, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston probably all come to mind. But what about Atlanta? Maybe not, but it should.

As the capital of Georgia, Atlanta has had a rich and storied history. It played a significant part in both the Civil War and the civil rights movement; two pretty big deals, to say the least.

History buffs en route to Atlanta are in for a real treat. That goes double for those going to visit the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta’s premier convention center. That’s because the Georgia World Congress Center is centrally located in downtown Atlanta, making it only a short drive from some of the city’s most fascinating historical sites. There’s no shortage of great museums nearby either.

If you find history simply fascinating and want to learn a bit more about the past during your upcoming trip to Atlanta, take a look at the list below. It features a variety of historical attractions located near the Georgia World Congress Center, from Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home to a museum where Muppets go when they retire.

Oakland Cemetery

A cemetery might not seem like the most interesting place to visit, but Oakland Cemetery certainly is. In addition to being the oldest burial ground in all of Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery is also one of the city’s largest green spaces. Its 48-acre span is the final resting place of some 70,000 people, including such notable figures as Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, and golf great Bobby Jones.

Of course, there’s more to Oakland Cemetery than just gravesites and headstones. The cemetery is also dotted with lovely gardens and sculptures. There’s a Visitors Center and Museum Shop located in the cemetery’s historic Bell Tower too. Head there first to pick up a self-guided tour map.

Guided tours are offered as well. These tours take place on weekends all year round, don’t require reservations, and cost a nominal fee.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

It’s certainly safe to say that Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential figures in modern history, and you can learn more about his life and legacy during your visit to Atlanta at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.

This park, which is made up of several buildings associated with King, encompasses nearly 35 acres and is just under two miles from the Georgia World Congress Center.

Some of the buildings that are part of the park include the Birth Home, where King spent the first decade of his life, and the church where King was baptized and served as a co-pastor alongside his father.

Like Oakland Cemetery, the park’s Visitor Center is where you should head to first when you arrive. The friendly staff at the information desk will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. They can also sign you up for a Birth Home tour.

The Visitor Center features two exhibits as well: the kid-oriented Children of Courage exhibit and Courage to Lead, an exhibit that follows the parallel paths of King and the civil rights movement.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Jimmy Carter might not be one of the most noteworthy presidents in our nation’s history, but the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is a fascinating historical attraction nonetheless. It’s located on 35 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, putting it at about a 15-minute drive from the Georgia World Congress Center.

There’s a lot to see and do at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to be president, step inside the full-scale replica of the Oval Office. It’s furnished exactly as it was during the Carter administration, from the rug and drapes to the iconic Resolute desk.

Other highlights include a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, a captivating “Day in the Life of the President” presentation, and tranquil gardens with water features, sculptures, and views of the Atlanta skyline.

Center for Puppetry Arts

History doesn’t always have to be so serious. For a trip through time that’s on the lighter side of things, check out the Center for Puppetry Arts while you’re in Atlanta.

There are only a few museums in the entire world focused on the art of puppetry, and the Center for Puppetry Arts is one of the best. Lucky for you, it’s only a little over three miles from the Georgia World Congress Center.

If you love puppets, and more specifically, Muppets, a visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts is bound to put a smile on your face. The center’s Jim Henson Collection features hundreds of retired Muppets, including ones from Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and, of course, The Muppet Show.

Fun fact! Kermit the Frog, along with Jim Henson, cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of the center back in 1978. How cool is that?

The center is also home to The Global Collection, an exhibit that delves into the history and traditions of puppetry from cultures all around the world. The displays are organized by continent, and the continents featured in the exhibit include Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. As you explore the collection, you’ll come across hands-on, interactive features designed to make the experience even more engaging.

The fun doesn’t have to end once you’ve perused both collections either. Stick around and watch as master puppeteers bring their characters to life at one of the ever-changing live performances hosted by the center. They show movies there too; specifically ones that bring puppets to the big screen, such as Tim Burton’s classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, you can even create a puppet of your very own at the Create-A-Puppet Workshop.

Atlanta History Center

The 33 acres that make up the grounds of the Atlanta History Center are home to a wealth of one-of-a-kind experiences. There you’ll find award-winning exhibitions, historic houses, enchanting gardens, and more.

The center also hosts a variety of special events, so check their website ahead of time to see if anything will be going on while you’re in town visiting the Georgia World Congress Center. And speaking of the GWCC, it’s about a 20-minute drive from the Atlanta History Center.

With so much to offer, you could easily spend almost an entire day exploring the Atlanta History Center. A good place to start your journey through Atlanta’s vibrant past is at the center’s expansive museum.

The museum features permanent exhibits on topics ranging from the Civil War to the Centennial Olympic Games. They host temporary exhibits too, so there’s always something new to see.