For a century, the High Museum of Art has been the cultural heartbeat of Atlanta. What began in 1926 as a modest gallery in the donated Peachtree Street home of Harriet "Hattie" High has remarkably transformed into the premier art museum of the Southeast. This year, the High is officially celebrating its centennial, and the museum is marking its 100th birthday with an incredible lineup of community events, major new acquisitions, and blockbuster exhibitions that look both back at its storied past and forward to its next century.
From a Donated Home to an Architectural Marvel
The history of the High is deeply intertwined with the growth of Atlanta itself. From its early days operating out of Hattie High's renovated residence, the museum expanded to its first dedicated building in 1955. However, it was the 1983 opening of the iconic, gleaming white building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier that truly put the museum on the global map. Later expansions by Renzo Piano solidified its current sprawling Midtown campus. As part of the centennial celebrations, the museum is offering a special Walking Tour: 100 Years of High Museum History on October 29, 2026, allowing visitors to explore the architectural evolution of the campus.
The Centennial Block Party and October Celebrations
To celebrate this monumental milestone, the High is throwing a massive birthday bash and inviting the entire city. Here are some of the highlight events taking place this October:
- Centennial Block Party (October 18): The High is taking over Peachtree Street from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a massive, free public block party. Expect live music, DJs, local food vendors, art-making activities, and plenty of special surprises.
- 100 Years of Art in Atlanta (October 18): Taking place during the Block Party, this panel conversation will dive into three transformative moments in the museum's history and their lasting impact on the city.
- Access for All: Centennial Celebration (October 21): Enjoy a full day of free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., complete with drop-in programming and gallery conversations.
- A Haunting at 100 (October 30): The museum is combining its centennial with the Halloween season for an evening party celebrating "a century of secrets," featuring art-making, performances, and late-night gallery access.
Blockbuster Exhibitions and 200+ New Acquisitions
The High is not just celebrating with parties; they are drastically enriching their permanent collection. To mark the 100th anniversary, the museum is introducing more than 200 important new acquisitions across photography, contemporary design, African art, and American art.
The 2026-2027 centennial exhibition schedule is equally impressive. Visitors can explore Amy Sherald: American Sublime, a major retrospective of the contemporary painter, as well as Martin Puryear: Nexus, which brings over 70 works to Atlanta for the final stop of the sculptor's comprehensive career survey.
Taking Art Beyond the Walls
As the High looks to the future, it is pushing its boundaries beyond Midtown. The museum is launching public art installations and partnering with local icons like the Atlanta BeltLine, MARTA, Delta Air Lines, UPS, and the Atlanta Hawks to ensure the centennial is felt across the entire region. Furthermore, the museum is publishing a commemorative book featuring 100 large-scale reproductions of landmark artworks alongside a photo-rich timeline of its 100-year journey.
Whether you are a lifelong Atlantan or planning a trip to the city soon, there has never been a better time to experience the High Museum of Art. Happy 100th Birthday to a true Atlanta icon!
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