The Best Architectural Buildings in Atlanta
As can be seen today, Atlanta has been through a variety of developments over the last few decades, with architecture ranging from grandiose towering skyscrapers to old-fashioned mansions to contemporary stadiums and museums.
Classical to brutalism, post-modernist to contemporary architectural styles, Atlanta has balanced preserving its history and embracing new building designs.
Dubbed the Hollywood of the South, the city is composed of vibrant neighborhoods, and mixed-use developments lined with a series of coffee shops and restaurants.
So the next time you find yourself visiting Atlanta, try checking out some of the city’s most notable architectural landmarks.
Flatiron Building
84 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303
Yes, you read that right, Atlanta has its own Flatiron Building. This iconic structure, designed by Bradford Gilbert was built five years before New York’s building with the same name.
Being Atlanta’s oldest standing skyscraper, this 11-story wedge-shaped structure has undergone numerous renovations over the years.
Bank of America Plaza
600 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30308
Standing at 1,023 feet, this 55-story building designed by Pritzker Prize architects Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo is of post-modern Art Deco architectural style, definitely hard to miss.
Being Atlanta’s tallest skyscraper, it kind of reminds us of the Empire State Building with its 90-foot gold obelisk-shaped spire.
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St., NE Atlanta, GA 30308
One of Atlanta’s iconic venues for performing arts, this Moorish-inspired theater had been standing proud since 1929 until a campaign to save this architectural gem was called for when a spark for demolition in the mid-1970s started.
Now, it is listed as a National Historic Landmark and transformed into a performance theater.
Swan House at Atlanta History Center
130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30305
Originally constructed for Edward and his wife, Emily Inman, this historic mansion was designed by Phillip T. Shutze.
For decades, locals have been in awe of this architectural wonder wherein a combination of Renaissance and classical architecture is evident in its main façade, its double descending stairs, and its interior decorated with sculpted swans.
Today, the residence is now converted into a museum after it was acquired by the Atlanta Historical Society.
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Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel
210 Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30303
This 73-story skyscraper, designed by developer & architect John Portman, is recognizable for its 5,600 reflective glass windows.
Moreover, this cylindrical-shaped hotel even held the title of tallest hotel structure in the world when it opened in 1976 and was the city’s tallest building for over a decade. Residents and visitors alike can check out the hotel’s panoramic view of the city as it completes a full revolution every 30 minutes.
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30309
Located in northern Midtown, this 135,000-square-foot white-enameled building has kept Georgia’s best art collection.
Designed by Pritzker Prize architects Renzo Piano and Richard Meier, the museum’s central atrium is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum in New York. In 2005, the space was expanded as three new aluminum-cladded buildings were added by Renzo Piano to house over 15,000 collections.
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Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30303
Not necessarily a tourist destination, unless you’re staying there, this 52-story hotel is best known as the “pregnant Marriott” because of its distinctive shape.
Only a few hotels across the world can boast of a scenic ride-up elevator that guarantees a treat to anyone’s eyes.
1180 Peachtree
1180 Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30309
The Symphony Building, known to locals as the “Batman Building”, is a 41-story skyscraper with wing-like glass rising above the building’s roof.
Designed by Pickard-Chilton, it is the world’s first high-rise office building to achieve LEED-CS Pre-Certification Silver Level.
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1414 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW Atlanta, GA 30313
One of the latest additions to Atlanta’s architectural scene, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to the Atlanta United FC and Atlanta Falcons. A replacement to the Georgia Dome, the stadium was completed in 2017.
Despite being criticized early on for its operational glitches and construction cost, the new stadium made its mark as it features an eight-panel retractable roof resembling that of a bird’s wings when extended fully.
Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW Atlanta, GA 30313
One of Atlanta’s top tourist attractions, this 42,000-square-foot museum designed by Philip Freelon is an icon of its own as it features three levels of galleries, exhibits, and a studio dedicated to exploring the achievements of the civil rights movement.
Its curved exterior facades are believed to resemble cupped hands or interlocking arms and the concept of unity was the inspiration for the design.
King & Queen Buildings
5 Concourse Pkwy Atlanta, GA 30328
Officially called “Concourse Corporate Center V and VI”, the two 34-story towers are distinctly known for their white crowns as they resemble chess headpieces that light up during various occasions such as St. Patrick’s Day, yearly.
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Sovereign
3344 Peachtree Rd. Suite 2910 Atlanta, GA 30326
Known as Buckhead’s tallest skyscraper, Sovereign is a mixed-use development that features office spaces, condominiums, and upscale restaurants.
Its distinctive exterior glass façade makes it recognizable along the neighborhood skyline.
Final Thoughts
In an attempt to get a hold of the city’s diverse architectural scenery, the structures listed represent only some of Atlanta’s best and most notable places the city has to offer.
To fully get a sense and glimpse of Atlanta’s architectural landscape, one has to go and tour around the city, take guided walks throughout the neighborhood, indulge in their world-class cuisine, and visit contemporary art museums and stadiums.
