Atlanta boasts world-class museums like the High Museum of Art and Atlanta Fernbank’s the Museum of Natural History. But the city is also teeming with off-the-beaten-path museums that are fascinating, fun and totally free. Here are three to kick start your museum-hopping adventure.
David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Despite a relatively low profile, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum at Atlanta’s CDC Headquarters features an award-winning permanent exhibit highlighting public health topics. Past exhibits included “Ebola: People + Public Health + Political Will” and “GYRE: The Plastic Ocean.” The museum is a fascinating look at disease and health through art and interactive exhibits, and visitors can also learn more about the history of the CDC at this free museum. Travelers stopping through Atlanta for awhile can check out the week-long Disease Detective Camp for rising high school juniors and seniors.
Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Pay a stop to Georgia Tech to obsess over all things paper at the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking. Get a look at the history of paper and paper technology with a massive collection of more than 10,000 paper goods, watermarks, tools, machines and manscripts. It’s true the dry subject matter of paper would appear boring at first glance. However, the museum offers a fascinating look at the industrialization of papermaking, tools and exhibits like “Cut and Paste” embracing artwork through paper.
Atlanta Monetary Museum
Take a break from touring Midtown and stop in the Atlanta Fed’s Monetary Museum. From bartering to modern times, visitors get an education on the history of money and the turbulent history of banking. Visitors are captivated by the rare coins and currency on display, as well as the bank’s automated vault and cash processing area. It’s also one of the few museums that can explain why the Fed conducts monetary policy and how it trickles down into your life. Take a free, self-guided tour and leave with a shredded bag of cash deemed too damaged to release back out into our marketplace.
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