Reviews of Atlanta Cyclorama at Atlanta History Center (Museum)

Mary Chamberlin

Battle of Atlanta restored.

John Lewis

The painting is great and a must see. The narrative was not about the war scene but about the painting which was not helpful.

Erik Baumann

Great piece of history!

Jessica Weichman

Wonderful experience. You will learn a lot about civil war taht you didn't before.

Suvendu Das

The Atlanta History Center was founded on the big ideas and relentless fascination of 14 Atlantans who were emphatic about our city’s historical relevance in society. In a sense, our organization was created by Atlanta’s biggest fans, and we love that detail. In 1926, these founding members introduced the Atlanta Historical Society into the world with one mission: to help preserve Atlanta’s history. In 1990, after decades of collecting, researching, publishing and celebrating the early stories of our great Southern community, the Atlanta Historical Society and all of its holdings officially became the Atlanta History Center. From baby shoes to death masks, museum collections preserve and tell the stories of all of Atlanta and the region … and often beyond! With over 40,000 artifacts as small as a needle & thread, but as large as the Texas locomotive, visitors see – and often touch – the past. With that much stuff, we need organize it! Our collections are divided into four key subject areas to help us keep track of it and allow you to see it: Urban History & Culture; Folklife, Decorative Arts & Material Culture; Fashion, Textiles & Social History; and Civil War & Military History.

Lakecha Strickland

Went to Atlanta History Museum with my daughter fourth grade class. The Museum was amazing. Fun and very educational, American History and Black History under one roof. The cyclorama is a very unique piece of art, I loved the real life experience. I will definitely take my other family members soon.

Sam Robertson

Nice place free parking

Winston Murray

Beautifully redone!

Charles Hammerstein

Gone.

Dave Larson

Very interesting history of Battle of Atlanta

Bt Coulter

Went to both Margaret Mitchell House and Cyclorama. Awesome day. Educational and exciting!

Ben Slivka

Art and History fight over the Battle of Atlanta (1864)

Lindsay Wyatt

Very, nice new location. Enjoyed the visit!

Mark Locklear

The Cyclorama is definitely worth seeing, it is an important part of our national history, however the lack of funding of for the site was readily apparent. The museum seemed to be ran by 21 year old kids either in or just out of college. The young man who narrated our tour was certainly entertaining, but not as knowledgeable as I would have liked.

Rupert Tullos

A must see!!!

bls txi

It's a fascinating exhibit of art. It's well done and most informative and shows how the locals tried to change it to appeal to southerners and even falsified history

Harrison Hopkins

The Cyclorama is an extremely interesting piece of history! I recently went on a day out with my Grandmother, who grew up in the Atlanta area near its current position. Back when you walked across Peachtree to get to school! The museum is great. There is a lot of Atlanta history displayed there, and the "Battle of Atlanta" (main attraction) is such a breathtaking piece of art. It displayed the history of Atlanta's struggle during the Civil War - and the painting itself has a lot of history about it. To be clear, a lot of the history was about the painting itself, and not as much about the Civil War - but it was a worthwhile experience, especially if you grew up in Georgia like I have. Check it out if you are in the mood to learn!

Willie Smith, Iii

Great place to take the kids

Naires Reis

Momento histórico pouco conhecido por muitos, registros raros!

jene robinson

Closed, moved. But the signs are still up at the zoo. Atlanta and Google need to get caught up.

Byron Attridge

One of the best done museums I have ever been to! Great for kids too!

Glenna Lawrimore

Really take days to see everything! Love it!

Maggie Blaha

When I first read and watched "Gone with the Wind" at 14, I fell in love with Ashley Wilkes--the sensitive, cultured, and honorable man Scarlett O'Hara was in love with. To me it was obvious why she preferred Ashley to Rhett Butler--Ashley was clearly a romantic figure who always did the honorable thing. I revisited the book after I moved to Atlanta from New Jersey a few months ago, having purchased a copy with an erotic romance novel cover from the Margaret Mitchell House. Only now am I able to understand the appeal of Rhett Butler and the outdated sentimentality of Ashley Wilkes. These two men in Scarlett O'Hara's life represent two worlds at odds with each other: the Old South with the New South. Both men recognized that the Confederacy was going to lose the war and that Southerners would have to brace themselves for a very different world as a result. But while Ashley chose to fight a losing battle valiantly, Rhett Butler looked at things practically and sought to profit from the war through blockade running and food speculation. Rhett mocked the traditions of the Old South Ashley belonged to and possessed the spirit necessary to survive after the war. More importantly, he fell in love with Scarlett O'Hara, and together they came to define the New South. When I first got to Atlanta, I noticed that the Civil War is memorialized here in a way that you really don't see in the Northeast. Sure I learned about the Civil War in school and I'm sure we have some museums, but for me the war has always been history, here it has a constant presence. The Cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta is a reminder of this. Touted as the world's largest oil painting, the panorama circles the room at 358 feet and weighs over 10,000 pounds. The room resembles a planetarium and is meant to make visitors feel immersed in the battle. The painting, itself, is impressive as details such as the top of Stone Mountain in the distance and a soldier leaning over his dying brother to give him the drop of water he so desperately needs create a vivid image of what the battle and life was like. But the three-dimensional foreground is really what makes this panorama breathe. There are figures of soldiers fighting and dying on red Georgia clay in the panorama, and some are placed in such a way that they appear to be half in the painting and half in the foreground. It's a pretty cool effect not being able to tell where the painting actually ends and the 3D foreground begins. As we made our first rotation around the painting, I had my eye out for one soldier in particular. While he never did fight in the war, I had heard that one of the figures was made in the likeness of Rhett Butler aka Clark Gable, because Gable thought that he could make the Cyclorama better. Laying in the grass with a bloody bullet wound in his abdomen is the dying Clark Gable, hamming it up for his audience with his trademark smile. Does the corpse of a smiling Mr. Gable actually make the Cyclorama better? Perhaps. But, frankly, who gives a damn?

Sandra& Brianna Harris/Hadley

That is very good

Susan Lawson

Awesome experience! There’s an upper and lower viewing area - visitors start on the upper level to watch a powerful audio-visual presentation. Note - there were not quite enough seats up there so the people left standing blocked the view for some people. More seating up there would be good. Also, the audio quality was a bit hard to understand and after a few minutes, I discovered that there were small subtitles at the far upper left side of the screen. It would be good to announce that about subtitles before the presentation. Other than those two issues, the Cyclorama is well worth experiencing. Like the Atlanta History Center, it’s filled with so much interesting history. Back in the 1880’s when the Cyclorama painting was created, people must have been astounded to see such a thing.

karen Stargell

Love this place great food

Joe Huff

Love the Texas and Cyclorama move from Grant Park, that's what Drew us to go. Had no idea the gem we'd find for the rest of the visit. A must see and our new favorite attraction in the ATL.

Mike Albright

They have definitely fixed this up nicely since it was at Grant Park. Colors are much more vivid and they fill you in about much of its history.

jeffrey brown

This experience was AMAZING. Restoration of the painting was outstanding. Painting can be viewed 360 degrees on a platform similar to original. I did like the modern escalator to reach the platform. A brief introduction is projected onto the painting & then you have a little more than 15 minutes to view on your own. Staff was very knowledgeable & promptly answered questions. Painting restored to how it was presented in 1896. The diaroma that was added to area around painting in the late 1930's was restored as well. Diaroma is like a continuation of painting and provides a 3D perspective. This is an attraction that should not be missed. Admission includes museum admission; enjoyed this as well.

Armando Fernandez

Look how nutty this place has gotten that they put as a myth that Lincoln freed the slaves. Afterwards they explain a few nice historical tidbits. None of which contradicts the fact that Lincoln indeed freed thousands of slaves through his Emancipation Proclamation and the war effort.

Eugene Cline

Great place to learn the history of Atlanta's part during the civil war and up to the present day. The staff is very knowledgeable an do a wonderful job making your visit something to remember.

Xarisse Rosebush

I still remember this wonderful place after 52 yes.

Linda Mcmurray

The Atlanta History Center and Cyclorama are definitely worth the visit.

richard mann

Haven't been to AHS since remodel. It's nice and haven't seen cyclorama since school.

Fred Oettinger

I've never seen anything like this before. The presentation of the cyclorama is very well done and it's one of the most vivid historical experiences I've had. There are only a handful of these in the world and to see one this impressive is a very rare experience.

Sergio Silva

Interesting

Mark Campbell

I didn't even know what a cyclorama was before going. Truly and incredible structure and piece of artwork. Interesting to learn how history can easily be skewed.

blackHERstory X

So cool! Me and my son were absolutely amazed!!!

Damola Beckley

Moving history

Bob Bernhart

Enjoyed the Cyclorama but there was not enough history. Will be sending a separate note to the AHC about my experience. Fabulous facility.

Carol Ford

Wonderful.place to walk thru history

Rajeev Saxena

The refurbished cyclorama diorama is a must see for history buffs.

Helga Zamor

The new Cyclorama is stationary you do the circling around it on an elevated platform. I preferred the old Cyclorama.

Alex Bondar

The cyclorama was done really well.

Keary Williams

Awesome painting and informative. Really unique treasure

William Nathan

The cyclorama is interesting and the museum does a good presentation explaining its history. Well worth the price to see it. However, the rest of the Atlanta History Museum doesn't have much to offer. It's new and without a lot of exhibits I found worthwhile.

Jonathan Whichard

Saw on the third day of its reopening. Excellent exhibition and learning experience. Fully restored to its original content. A must see if your in Atlanta along with the Atlanta history museum.

Matthew Baker

A must see for residents and tourists alike. It's not just a big painting, but also a diorama in the foreground, which really immerses you in the scene. Plus many interpretive exhibits on your way in and out.

Carole Mitchell

Well done

Carl stobaeus

I like this place

Dennis Massey

Brings history alive!

Its all lies, hello

The incredible thing about this masterpiece is the age in which it was painted. Its just a wonderful piece of art that should be preserved ''as all art should '' for the love of creativity and freedom of expression.

mike brader

Full of history

Hector Perez

Recommend to history lovers.

Idalia Lumbreros

It's an amazing place. There is quite a bit to see. Unfortunately we didn't get to see everything. If this is your first time there, you need to go into the Atlanta history center and buy your ticket.

Mark Sjurseth

This turned out to be a great experience. Not what I expected and very affordable at about 8 bucks. The medium used to portray the history was a great alternative to the iMax style shows we get at other museums. You will not get this experience elsewhere. And right next to another great venue (zoo). Well worth it.

Emily Treadwell

You've never seen the Cyclorama like this before! Get there early (very early, the line for each showing starts queuing 15 minutes before it starts) and explore the exhibit hall outside of the Cyclorama before you go in. Find a good vantage point for the movie as quickly as you can and when it's over go straight to the closest railing to take in as much as you can. You are allowed to stay in the lower platform after your viewing is over, and I highly recommend doing so! In the lower area you are close enough to touch the exhibit (please don't!) and appreciate all of the incredible detail of the restoration. Plan a full day, if you can, as the Cyclorama is more engaging than ever, but it should only be one stop of many during your visit to the Atlanta History Center!

Julie Dossett

Very interesting and informative. Allow about an hour.

clifton kramer

(Translated by Google) A great place to see the history of the civilian gendarme in the USA. (Original) Um otimo lugarcpra ver um pouco a historia da gierra civil nos EUA.

Sandy Bell

I had the opportunity of viewing the new home of Atlanta Cyclorama before it open and I was in awe over the new look and feel of this exhibit. This was definitely another amazing exhibit that has been added to the history and one everyone should take time out to see and tour.

Josiah Kinney

A fresh piece of art history

jack corb

Beautifully restored. The staff are polite and friendly

k m

This museum has quite a bit of Civil War history as well as local history and a quirky BBQ display. Entrance to the museum also gets you access to the grounds and the 'historic' homes as well as the Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone With the Wind) home (not on the property). This facility is also home to the Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama, a massive cylindrical painting of the battle which is quite impressive.

Sandra Smith

Loved it!!

Lester Rosebrock

Closed til 2017. Bummer.

Amber Oglesby

Wonderful art and history exhibits! Well worth the time it takes to enjoy all they have to offer.

Ashley Brooks

I remember going as a child and loved it. I loved that they had the story of the battle as the platform rotated. Now you stand on a still platform and walk around. They show you a video but it's of the history of the painting/cyclorama not of the battle. I was ki d of disappointed . I didn't care how the painting was done or the history behind it. I came for the history of the battle. Still a great place to visit.

Tracy Lovell

Better than I expected. Great day.

Bobbi Shuman

This is Awesome! Not many places like this in the world.

Jessica Coale

Preview focus group tour. Go visit!

Ethan Gillespie

This was wildly anticlimactic

Ramona Quinn

The Cyclorama was excellent. Our tour guide was engaging and knowledgeable. He answered our questions and we came away knowing so much more. Combined with the rest of the Atlanta History Center and lunch at the Swan Coach House, it was a perfect day.

Amy Kincaid

Historical work of art

Johanna Carson

Absolutely Amazing! Strongly suggest a two day visit!

Barbara Sawyer

Wonderful

Carol Michaels

The show was excellent the entire center worth the money

Jef Femal

Very historically relevant, intricate detailed

Diana Love

Amazing

Ken Griffin

Awesome museum.... the Cyclorama is spectacular now....

Cristiano de Paula

Beautiful, it's a "must go" place in Atlanta. Just go.

Jack Byrd

Totally different from the one in Grant Park.I remember the old one I had the privilege to visit in the 40's. You didn't have to fight to see the painting. Seeing it from the rotating platform was a lot better. I will not be seeing what was once the best attraction in Atlanta again. I am a native Atlantan.

Ian Palmer

Surprisingly interesting---well worth a trip.

Scott Gibbs

Love history

Heather Lott

Great to see this amazing painting restored and placed in a historical context! The new facility is amazing and makes for great viewing. Be sure to see the short film downstairs that shows the moving and restoration steps.

David Bongo

One of the very few historical sites depicting old Atlanta left in the city. This city was barely touched by Sherman compared to the greedy corrupt politicians and developers who ravaged this once beautiful city.

Grace Radin

The Atlanta Cyclorama closed at the Cherokee Ave location and has moved to the Atlanta History Center. Please see their website for updates on the new opening date.

Larry Rush

Outstanding

Claus W. Geraets

.. .nothing special

Gayle Burks

Would be a great place to visit if it told the rreal story of the Civil War. The south did not fight to keep slaves. Most soldiers didn't own slaves.

Kevin Nichols

Incredible restoration and well informed interpretation of it's place in history. It is a must see for any visit.

Infoexpert X

One of about twenty surviving cyclorama around the world. The IMAX of their day. Moved from xx park restored and now part of the Atlanta History museum. One of the neat things is Clarke Gable when down the Cyclorama. when filming Gone with the Wind joked to that the exhibit would be much improved if he were added. He is now shown as a dying Union soldier.

Thomas C Brancheau

Great way to see an Atlanta fixture with lots of information about it.

linda carter

Very well done exhibit and interactive experience. The docent was excellent and provided s lot of back story for the Battles for Atlanta.

Andrew English

The recent renovation is very well done. They added a 12 minute movie that is projected onto the painting. It attempts to explain the history of the painting as well as the shifting perception of it.

Nancy A

Love love visiting!! It is in a new home and it is twice as amazing as it already was!!

Katie Parker

The renovated Cyclorama looks amazing! The restoration is very thorough and the painting is back to it's former glory. You can now view the piece as the original artists intended.

Duncan Carel

Much better than when it was at grant park!

William Lukens

Definitely different from the Gettysburg Cyclorama I remember from about 55 years ago. They did a good job restoring and displaying the canvas. The history of Cycloramas in the late 1800s was very interesting. The editorial content that was repainted in different years was educational.

Stephen Diggs

New display is excellent and quite breathtaking

Bogdan T

It's too hyped. Don't get me wrong, it's interesting and I recommend visiting it, but in the end it's just a big static painting depicting a Civil war battle. It doesn't move or DO anything. So as long as you know what to expect, it's ok.

Steven Johnston

Distorted view of the Civil War

MaryAnn Forman

So interesting learning about the Civil war in Atlanta. Great staff to tell us about what we were seeing and answer our questions

Eric Thompson

The Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama painting itself has been restored to its original 1886 form, with both changes in its image and damage to tbe canvas that occurred over time reverted back to the form its artists originally intended. Different, too, from its time in Grant Park is an attempt to also restore the original viewing experience that would have accompanied a cyclorama in the 19th century. This means a stationary, elevated platform from which the viewers look at the canvas. The height that the platform places the viewers works with the shape of the canvas, as well as several other design features, to try and restore the immersive viewing experience that these were known for in their time. So if you saw the painting at Grant Park, it will be a different experience. There is a presentation that occurs on the viewing platform, which includes a discussion of the physical moves and changes this painting has undertaken over time, and usually a guided walking tour around the platform pointing out major elements in the composition. Much of the presentation around the Cyclorama centers on its changes over time, and encourages guests to think about what each of these changes in presentation and interpretation say about their respective times. Immediately outside the cyclorama is an exhibit space with artifacts and images related to the Cyclorama itself and its history. In a gallery above, an exhibit space with more stories and artifacts detail the idea how how collective memory of events is shaped and evolves over time.

Michael Hill

A great restoration and addition.

morgan stringer

The cyclorama is beautifully redone however I would want to hear more about the battle not the painting. Get rid of the cheesy short film played over the painting!!! I prefered the old way.

D. E. M.

A historical treasure has been meticulously restored and redisplayed in a truely thoughtful and creative way. The Atlanta Cyclorama at the Atlanta History Center is a must see when you come to town.

George Walker

I grew up with the "old Cyclorama" setup. The old one was about the historical battle of Atlanta. The new "version" is about the history of the painting. I do not recommend attending and wasting your money. If this is the best the city of Atlanta can do they should have given the painting to Kennasaw.

Suzanne Ware

The Cyclorama was great. Everyone should go.

Devon Greene Sr.

The cyclorama is lame and boring and wiggidy Waikiki!!!!!?????!

Jan Corbeille

Wonderful experience. I saw it years ago in poor condition and needing repairs. Incredible restoration and program.

darryl clark

The Atlanta History Center is Awesome! All of the exhibits are interesting and the Cyclorama is a great. They have done a great job with its new home!

Becky Kilgore

Great historical picture and very informative. Everyone should visit.

Larry Dettner

An excellent display of the Battle of Atlanta in 1864. Beautiful and an exceptional history lesson for all ages.

Brian Parker

This is the newly reopened cyclorama at the Atlanta History Center. We really enjoyed the visit. I had been to the Cyclorama when I was a kid and this was very different. The biggest difference was that when I was younger we sat in the middle of the painting and the painting rotated around us. Now, you stand on a platform in the middle and walk around and look. It seemed like we were much closer to the painting with the new set up. Also, you could take your time if something interested you, versus having it just rotate past. Overall it was a good experience.

Lonnie Harris

It set towards slavory in the civil war but the war wasn't over slavory

Shawn Whitman

The Cyclorama and Civil War Museum have permanently closed. The painting and artifacts have moved to the Atlanta History Center, and the exhibit will reopen in 2018.

Steve Fix

Very cool look at Atlanta's history. First Saturday free for Bank of America customers.

Kkpoling Poling

Very disappointed in the new set up for the cyclorama. The painting is still amazing, however the presentation is terrible! You completely take away from the painting by playing the cheesy pointless film over it. I came to see the cyclorama not waste my time with a film played over it. I dint want to know the history of the painting I want to know about the battle. I was so disappointed to see that the format had been changed. We brought out of town guest to see and will definitely not make that mistake again. You’ve taken something that was one of my favorite attractions in Atlanta and ruined it.

Mark Bibbins

Very nice

David Tyrer

Very unique, nice exhibits!

Randy Brittain

A great place for those who love history, AHC has great permanent exhibits on the city, Native Americans of Georgia, folk arts of the south, and the Civil War (now including a refurbished cyclorama). In addition, a model southern farm from the 1800's, a 1930's mansion and beautiful gardens are on the campus. The Swan House Coach House Restaurant offers delicious lunch soups, salads and sandwiches. The museum also has a coffee shop and snack bar located next to the gift shop. Plan for a minimum stay of 2 hours. For a complete experience, plan a 6 hour visit.

Joey Hinton

The new museum is wonderful. Lots of space with interesting displays explaining the history of cycloramas in general, and this one (the Battle of Atlanta) in particular. A short video answers all the major questions and there's enough time between showings to look around a bit and talk to the knowledgeable guides.

Donald Cote

Exhibit is great but video is more about history of exhibit and not much about Battle of Atlanta. At Atlanta History Center you expect more history than art history.

Cathy Barrie

Very friendly employees. Interesting

Jacob Josephson

Best experience of my entire life!

Tim Massey

Outstanding!!!

Robert Ulrich

Great looking restoration

Tom Murray

Fantastic what they have done to restore that piece of art.

David M. Tyler

The newly redone Cyclorama was really amazing. The amount of care and attention that has been put into resorting this unique work or art is impressive. the movie that shows beforehand is informative and the docents are extremely well informed. A great experience and one that everyone who lives in Atlanta should have.