The redesign of the Atlanta History Center and Cyclorama included the renovation of both the exterior and interior of the facility as well as an addition to the historic painting. The surrounding landscaped grounds are truly unique and have long served as an invitation to museumgoers to enjoy both the history of Atlanta inside and out. As a means of celebrating the gardens through architecture, guests are greeted through a series of concentric spaces defined by transparent and solid garden walls leading you into the museum. The net result was a new entrance that served to complement the existing adjacent Swan House, one o0f Atlanta’s greatest architectural treasures.

 

The exterior renovation created a new entrance which reflects a stronger civic presence and significant approach to the building.  The new site design included improvements to an existing motor court to ease pedestrian access from the existing parking deck and a formal arrival.  With two concepts at play, the front building façade would be very open and welcoming accentuating a two-story glass wall that at night creates a “lantern-like” presence along West Paces Ferry Road.

 

The interior program included an expanded lobby and special events area for 500 people, as well as improvements to visitor user circulation, ceilings, and wall finishes in the public areas connecting exhibit galleries, and a new bookstore and restaurant. The Allen Atrium, a two-story rotunda, is one of the key enhancements to provide the museum flexibility and capabilities for artifact display and other special programming and events.