High Museum of Art exterior, photo courtesy of the museum

Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, today one of the preeminent art museums in the Southeastern United States, evolved from humble beginnings. Founded in 1905 as the Atlanta Art Association, the museum was originally housed in a private residence on Peachtree Street that had been donated by Mrs. Joseph M. High. When the renowned collection of classic and contemporary art grew so large that more display space was needed, Coca-Cola magnate Robert W. Woodruff stepped up to the plate, offering a $7.5 million grant to build a new facility. The resultant stunning porcelain-enameled building, designed by Robert Meier, has been named one of the “ten best works of American architecture in the 1980’s” by the American Institute of Architects.

A towering atrium, soaring to four interior levels, is naturally lit by sunlight streaming through its glass roof. Spiral ramps surround the central core, leading up to galleries that display 18th and 19th-century collections near the ground floor and contemporary art on the upper levels. Still the museum’s collection continued to grow and more space was needed. The acclaimed Italian architect Renzo Piano was commissioned to design three new buildings, which were opened in 2005 and essentially tripled the available display space.

Spiral ramps circle the towering central atrium

Even so, at any given time the 312,000 square foot facility can only display a portion of the museum’s permanent collection, which consists of more than 11,000 pieces and includes 19th and 20th century American and decorative art, significant European pieces, modern and contemporary art, photography, African art, and folk art.

Sculpture gallery

In addition to its permanent collection the High Museum sponsors special exhibitions throughout the year, such as Monet Water Lilies, which is currently presenting four of Monet’s most spectacular works from the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Highlight of the exhibition is Monet’s mesmerizing 42-foot painting of the water lilies on the pond at his home in Giverney, France. Painted during the later years when his eyesight was failing, Monet readily admitted to being obsessed with the subject of reflections on water; this piece is amazing in its ability to draw the viewer into the visual and spiritual essence of the scene. The Monet exhibit will be at the High through August 23, 2009.

Monet's famous Water Lilies

Also currently on display, Louvre Atlanta: The Louvre and the Masterpiece explores how the definition of a “masterpiece” has changed over time. The special exhibition features 91 works of art drawn from all eight of the Musée du Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Beginning in early October, Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius will showcase da Vinci’s interest in and influence on sculpture. The special and traveling exhibits are far too many to enumerate; check the High Museum’s website for a complete listing of dates and descriptions.

When visiting Atlanta, the High Museum of Art is a must see, as much for the architecture as the exhibits. Plan a whole day around this marvelous facility, including having lunch in the outdoor courtyard, where you must also walk around Roy Lichtenstein’s “House III.” This simple one-walled structure appears to move as you walk by it, like the eyes of a painting that follow you around a room, but it is pure optical illusion.

Lichtenstein house sits in the central interior courtyard

Located at 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E., the High is closed on Mondays and major holidays, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on other days, and has extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays and every third Friday evening, when hours are extended until 10 p.m. for Jazz Friday. Museum tickets are timed; ticket times indicate the hour visitors will be allowed to enter the queue for special exhibitions, and advance reservations are recommended. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors (over 65), $11 for children (ages 6-17), and free for children 5 or under.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels