>> BACK TO PLACES

Midtown

Midtown is the second-largest business district in Atlanta and features the largest concentration of arts facilities and organizations in the South. Midtown Atlanta originated in the late 19th century as an affluent residential district called “North Atlanta.” Its development accelerated after the 1895 Cotton States Exposition was held in nearby Piedmont Park, showcasing the area’s potential. The neighborhood became known for its grand mansions along Peachtree Street, including the former home of Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler. In the early 20th century, Midtown emerged as Atlanta’s cultural heart with the establishment of institutions like the Fox Theatre (1929) and the High Museum of Art. The area declined in the mid-20th century as suburbanization took hold, with many historic homes being replaced by commercial development. Midtown’s resurgence began in the 1980s with new high-rise construction and preservation efforts that transformed it into Atlanta’s central business and arts district while retaining elements of its original residential character. Midtown Atlanta is often referred to as the gay epicenter of the South.
Featured Project | Digital Projects | Articles | Further Reading
“Piedmont Park’s Lake Clara Meer with Midtown Atlanta skyline (2024)-104A8428” by Frank Schulenburg, used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Featured Project

The Story of Midtown

Discover how Midtown has evolved over six decades—and counting—into the vibrant, high-quality urban district it is today. With Midtown ATL’s timeline, you can navigate the story of its growth, progress, and vision for the future.

Visit the site for more information
Photo by Optic Media, used under the Unsplash license.
"2006 Dogwood Festival from Meadow in Piedmont Park looking toward Midtown Atlanta skyline-zoom" by Daniel Mayer, used under CC BY-SA 3.0.
"Atlanta midtown birdseye 1892", public domain.
"Atlanta Skyline - Piedmont Park" by Sean Pinto, used under CC BY 2.0.
"Yin/Yang: nature/buildings" by amytrippmyers, used under CC BY 2.0.
"Midtown Atlanta 1895", public domain.

Featured Digital Projects

Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour

GPSMYCITY

Each year, Midtown attracts more than 6 million visitors. If you’re one of them and wish to explore some of the district’s key places of interest, from historic houses to fine restaurants, museums and churches, take this self-guided walk.

Party with the Past Midtown

Lucy Abell,
Atlanta History Center
TBD

Once Upon a Time in Atlanta: Staging Revolution from the Gay Bar

Eric Solomon

TBD

Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour

“Each year, Midtown attracts more than 6 million visitors. If you’re one of them and wish to explore some of the district’s key places of interest, from historic houses to fine restaurants, museums and churches, take this self-guided walk.”
Click on the image for more information.

Featured Articles

Power and Place-Naming: The Struggle for a New Urban Order in Midtown, 1870–1970

Jessica Keys

Parks Are for the People: The Piedmont Park Riot and the Politics of Late 1960s Atlanta

Christopher Huff

Vale of Amusements: Modernity, Technology, and Atlanta’s Ponce de Leon Park, 1870–1920

Sarah Toton

Further Reading

  • Doris. 2025. “Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour.” GPSmyCity. 2025. https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/atlanta-midtown-walking-tour-2270.html.
    “Each year, Midtown attracts more than 6 million visitors. If you’re one of them and wish to explore some of the district’s key places of interest, from historic houses to fine restaurants, museums and churches, take this self-guided walk.”