The Georgia Museum of Art is both an academic institution and the official public art museum of Georgia state. Browse the museum’s excellent permanent collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints, which includes a notable number of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings.
Look for Ascension, a large work in steel by Beverly Pepper, located by the Performing and Visual Arts Complex quad in front of the museum’s entrance. Sign up for one of the docent-led group tours, or explore the collection at your own pace. If you’re visiting with children, request a backpack from the front desk. Backpacks are filled with supplies and activities to help keep younger visitors engaged during their visit.
Try to spot pieces by famed artists like Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andrew Wyeth and Elaine de Kooning. Admire the museum’s works on paper collection, which spans from the 16th century through to the 20th century. Among the highlights are Japanese prints by accomplished artists like Hiroshige and Hokusai.
Don’t miss the stunning variety of paper sketches and prints exhibited in the Ceseri Collection and check out portraits by famed artist Gerald Brockhurst in the Burns Foundation Collection. Head to the Kress Collection to see the museum’s exhibit of exquisite Italian Renaissance paintings.
Save time to stroll along the manicured pathways of the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden. This space features modern traveling exhibits, with a focus on the works of women sculptors. Look for a permanent collection of bronzes by Jane Manus, which depict animals as well as human figures like Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse.
The museum hosts between 20 and 25 temporary exhibitions each year, so find out what special collections are on display during your visit. End your visit with a stop in the museum shop, where you’ll find souvenirs ranging from jewelry and stationery to children’s books and pottery.
The museum is open year-round with closures on Mondays. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Walk, drive or bike here from downtown Athens, which is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) away.
Experience a cultural side of Athens at this outstanding art museum.
