The New Attraction in Atlanta, Georgia We Can’t Wait to Experience

Art museums are places of emotional expression, community, and enjoyment. Whether you're deeply connected to art or just like seeing and trying new things, art museums are fantastic places to visit. When I visit a new city, I seek out its unique art museums; they're beautiful, and I never fail to learn something unexpected. Atlanta is home to a new art museum, The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA), and we can't wait to check it out.

ADAMA opened a gallery in the Pittsburgh Yards complex at 352 University Avenue SW in Atlanta. The Pittsburgh neighborhood was intentionally chosen as the museum's home. Formerly enslaved people founded Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh plays a critical role in the Black community's history as one of Atlanta's first free settlements. Dr. Fahamu Pecou, an artist and scholar, founded ADAMA in 2018 without a dedicated physical space. The organization initially held many events online.

ADAMA operates on a foundation of four pillars: experiences, connection, learning, and amplification. It facilitates multi-sensorial experiences, which may incorporate movement and music. The museum strives to use art to connect the Black community to themselves and the African diaspora. It welcomes anyone interested in highlighting the African diaspora to participate in its exhibits and events.

In August 2024, the museum announced that it received an incredible $100,000 grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The foundation supports projects aimed at underserved communities, and this funding will help ADAMA further its work.

A recent exhibit titled If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future, showcased about 30 art pieces. The works were carefully selected from Nando's Art Collection, an enormous assemblage of Southern African art displayed around the world. Laurie Ann Falwell curated the exhibit, where viewers can explore Southern African culture and history.

The museum regularly hosts ADAMA Arts Salons, which are free events where art community members discuss various topics. Halima Taha, a prominent advocate and authority in African American art, and Jamele Wright, Sr., an accomplished artist in Atlanta, participated in a September 2024 ADAMA Arts Salon.

For more information about current and future ADAMA events, visit the museum's website and Facebook page.

Atlanta is a vibrant city known for its fantastic museums. The Atlanta History Museum is a great place to learn about the city's past, including its agriculture and role in the Civil Rights Movement. The World of Coca-Cola is a two-story museum dedicated to the famous beverage brand.

If you're interested in staying overnight in Atlanta, consider this three-bedroom Airbnb within a short drive of many of the city's top attractions.