The High Museum of Art: Atlanta’s own hub of art and creativity

The High Museum of Fine Art is a cornerstone of Atlanta’s art scene and a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Located in Midtown, near the Savannah College of Art and Design, the museum houses approximately 20,000 works, including traditional folk art, modern and contemporary pieces, and classic European paintings. These artworks are primarily organized by collections named after donors or lenders.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibits spread throughout the galleries highlighting specific artists or styles. Notable recent exhibitions include “Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children,” “Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan,” “Photography’s New Vision: Experiments in Seeing,” “Ezrom Legae: Beasts,” and my personal favorite: “Ryoji Ikeda: data-verse.”

The Stent Wing encompasses the majority of the museum and is divided across multiple floors, opening around the Robinson Atrium. The second floor showcases European art and the collection titled “Thinking Eye, Seeing Mind: The Medford and Loraine Johnston Collection.” This section offers a traditional museum experience, appealing to those who appreciate portraits and landscapes.

Level three continues the Stent Wing, focusing on American and decorative arts, including traditional portraits and landscapes depicting American life, as well as furniture, sculptures, ceramics, silverware, and other American staples like the classic subway turnstile. 

The subsequent level, known as the Skyway, displays African art, along with folk and self-taught art. This section emphasizes art from African-born artists and highlights works from the African diaspora, including African-American artists. Additionally, the Stent wing features a special collection by Faith Ringgold, an exhibition designed to introduce children to the deeper meanings of art and encourage adults to reflect on childhood amid contemporary injustices.

From the Skyway, visitors can cross a bridge to access the Wieland Pavilion, which is also divided by levels. The top floor, accessible from the Stent wing, is dedicated to contemporary and modern art. This space features artworks that extend toward the ceiling along high walls, with skylights allowing indirect natural light.

One level below, the second floor of the Wieland Pavilion hosts the “Ryoji Ikeda: data-verse” exhibition, mixing light and sound to create an immersive environment exploring data, perception, and scientific concepts amidst our digital world.

Ryoji Ikeda, the creator of the exhibit and renowned media artist, states that the piece aims to help viewers understand the question of “what is data?” The displayed data, sourced from NASA, CERN, the Human Genome Project, and other scientific initiatives, reflects the intersection of science and art. For a preview, check out the exhibition videos and artist commentary on YouTube under “Ryoji Ikeda Presents: data-verse.” Although the exhibit closed on August 10, more of Ikeda’s work can be explored on his official website, which features current and upcoming exhibitions as well as digital archives of past projects.

Unfortunately, the lower level of the Wieland Pavilion is currently closed for construction but typically hosts photography exhibits. The final wing, the Anne Cox Chambers Wing, currently presents “Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan,” showcasing the works of this Korean artist known for blending nature and art.

This fall, the museum will continue to enrich its collection and exhibitions, offering visitors an engaging and inspiring cultural experience. Tickets to the museum are available on the website for $23.50, and it is open until 5 pm every day except Mondays. Schedule a time to immerse yourself in art and culture at the High Museum in Midtown!