Atlanta landmarks celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2026

This has been a landmark year for Atlanta. Alongside major events like the World Cup, some of the city’s most beloved cultural institutions, theaters and attractions are celebrating milestone anniversaries. These nine places continue to define Atlanta’s identity and enrich lives, whether you’re a townie or a tourist.

Credit: Atlanta History Center

Credit: Atlanta History Center

100 years: Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center has preserved the stories that shaped the city and the South for a century. The institution has grown into one of the region’s premier history museums, featuring historic homes, gardens, archives and exhibitions. For the occasion, the center unveiled six new exhibitions, including “Atlanta in 100 Objects,” where guests across the museum can see 100 objects representing Atlanta’s history.

ExploreAtlanta History Center celebrates 100 with ambitious slate of new exhibitions

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

100 years: High Museum of Art

The High has spent the last 100 years becoming the Southeast’s leading art museum and is home to more than 20,000 works spanning centuries and cultures. It has played a central role in Atlanta’s creative community, while bringing world-class exhibitions and educational programming to the city. Exhibits currently on display at the museum include Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer” and Amy Sherald: “American Sublime.”

Credit: Steve Schaefer

50 years: Chattahoochee Nature Center

The Chattahoochee Nature Center has connected generations of Atlantans with the outdoors since opening in 1976 in Roswell. It has evolved into a leader in environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, offering hands-on experiences that serve 150,000 children and adults each year.

ExploreChattahoochee Nature Center celebrates a half-century

Credit: Joey Ivansco

50 years: Atlanta Botanical Garden

What began as a community vision in 1976 has blossomed into one of Atlanta’s most treasured attractions. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrated for its seasonal displays, nationally recognized plant collections and conservation efforts, making it both a beautiful urban oasis and an important center for botanical research and education.

Credit: Chad Radford

50 years: Wax ‘N’ Facts

Wax ‘N’ Facts has been spinning records and building community since 1976. The independent record store has remained a cornerstone of Atlanta’s music scene, serving generations of collectors while championing vinyl culture and local artists through decades of industry change.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

30 years: Rialto Center for the Arts

The Rialto Center for the Arts has brought music, dance, theater and cultural performances to downtown Atlanta for three decades. Operated by Georgia State University, the historic venue has become a place for international performers and local audiences to come together to celebrate the arts. The center is working on its first major upgrades since opening, including a $150,000 renovation to its mezzanine and lobby.

ExploreAtlanta’s Rialto Center plans first major upgrade in 30 years

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

30 years: The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum

The Breman Museum has spent the past 30 years preserving and sharing the history of Jewish life in Atlanta and the Southeast. Through exhibitions, archives and educational programs, the museum fosters dialogue and ensures these stories remain a part of the city’s cultural fabric.

Credit: Robb Cohen for the Atlanta Journ

30 years: The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle was originally built as a church before finding new life as a concert venue. It has spent 30 years hosting live performances in downtown Atlanta. Its intimate atmosphere and history have made it one of the city’s most iconic music venues, welcoming everyone from emerging artists to global superstars.

Credit: Photo by Sydney Lee

10 years: Out Front Theatre Company

Out Front Theatre Company is celebrating its first decade and has become an important voice for Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community. Since opening in 2016, the company has produced inclusive performances while creating space for queer artists and stories to thrive on the city’s theater stage.

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