In 1889 the Georgia General Assembly revived the office of state geologist and directed him “to collect, analyze and classify specimens of minerals, plants and soils.” The collections were to illustrate Georgia’s scientific and economic resources. A year later the governor designated the corridors of the fourth floor of the Capitol as temporary quarters to house the museum. In 1955 the General Assembly created the Georgia State Museum of Science and Industry, a new division in the Office of Secretary of State. Following the transfer from the Department of Mines and Mining, the state museum’s collections increased and broadened in scope. Funding for the Capitol’s restoration provided for improvement in the museum’s exhibitions. The Commission on the Preservation of the Georgia State Capitol was charged in 1994 to provide advice and guidance for the care, conservation, and exhibition of the collection in the Georgia Capitol Museum, officially renamed in 1997. The new design allowed the interpretation of the Atlanta Capitol—its history, construction, and uses—to be exhibited with a fresh, modern approach. The Hall of Valor was added to the first floor, displaying historic battle flags within a museum environment. The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Directions From the South: Take I-75/85 North to Exit 245 (Capitol Avenue). At the bottom of the exit ramp, continue straight through the stop sign. At the first traffic light, turn left onto Hank Aaron Drive. The Capitol will be approximately one mile down on the left. From the North: Take I-75/85 South to Exit 248A (Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive). Bear right onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The Capitol will be on the left. From the East: Take I-20 West to Exit 58A (Capitol Avenue). Turn right on Capitol Avenue. The Capitol will be approximately one mile down on the left. From the West: Take I-20 East to Exit 56B (Windsor St./Spring St./Stadium). At the third light, turn left onto Central Avenue. Go to Mitchell Street and turn right. The Capitol will be two blocks down on the left.

Address

Martin Luther King Dr and Capitol Ave

206 Washington St

Atlanta, GA 30334

Phone

(404) 651-6996

(404) 656-2846

(404) 657-3801 (fax)

Website

sos.state.ga.us/museum/default.htm