20 Best Architectural Buildings in Georgia: Iconic Structures and Modern Marvels

Georgia boasts some of the most stunning architectural buildings in the United States. From historic landmarks to modern masterpieces, there is no shortage of incredible structures to admire.

This article will guide you through 20 of the best architectural buildings in Georgia, showcasing the state’s rich history and innovative designs.

Visitors and residents alike will find these buildings scattered throughout various cities, each with its unique charm and significance.

Prepare to be amazed by the architectural diversity that Georgia has to offer, reflecting the cultural and historical tapestry of the region.

1. Bank of America Plaza

The Bank of America Plaza is a towering landmark in Atlanta. At 1,023 feet tall, it is the tallest building in Georgia.

Its spire, covered in 23K gold leaf, makes it a recognizable part of the city skyline.

Located between Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, the building was completed in 1992. It was designed by Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates.

The structure features an open office concept, enhancing its modern appeal. The Plaza is not just an office building; it’s a symbol of Atlanta’s growth and ambition.

For more details, you can visit Bank of America Plaza.

2. The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle is a striking skyscraper located in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia. With its sleek design and modern structure, it stands out among the city’s architecture.

Completed in 1998, this building reaches a height of 353 feet and has 22 floors.

The tower’s facade is notable for its reflective glass and steel framework, which catches the light and offers a contemporary feel.

It serves as office space for various businesses, making it a hub of commercial activity in the area.

Designed by the architectural firm Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, The Pinnacle showcases innovative design and engineering.

It has become a landmark in the Buckhead skyline, admired by both residents and visitors. The Pinnacle’s unique architecture and prime location contribute to its reputation as one of Georgia’s premier buildings.

3. Swan House

The Swan House, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a stunning mansion built in 1928 for Edward and Emily Inman.

Designed by architect Philip T. Shutze, the house showcases a blend of Renaissance Revival and Classical styles.

The Atlanta Historical Society purchased the Swan House in 1966, along with its original furnishings. It opened to the public in 1967 as a house museum and the headquarters of the society.

The mansion features a grand staircase and cascading fountain, which have been featured in movies like The Hunger Games series.

In 2004, a significant restoration project ensured the house remains a cherished landmark in Atlanta’s history.

Besides its architectural beauty, the Swan House includes a formal boxwood garden restored between 1996 and 1998 by landscape architect Spencer Tunnell.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours and explore the rich history and design of this architectural gem.

4. Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol is a key architectural landmark in Atlanta.

Built between 1884 and 1889, this Classical Revival building stands out with its 75-foot gilded dome. Topped with a 15-foot statue of Miss Freedom, it is a striking feature of the city’s skyline.

Named a National Historic Landmark, the capitol houses essential government offices, including those of the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state.

This structure symbolizes Georgia’s rich history and its development over the years.

The capitol building sits on a site that once held the Atlanta City Hall and Fulton County Courthouse. The five-acre property was donated by the city of Atlanta, specifically for the new government building. This donation highlights the city’s dedication to maintaining the state’s political center.

5. Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center spans 33 acres and is home to award-winning exhibitions, historic houses, and beautiful gardens. Located in the heart of Atlanta, it is a must-visit for anyone interested in the area’s rich past.

One highlight is the Smith Farm, which tells the story of Georgia’s early settlers.

The historic houses provide a glimpse into different periods of Atlanta’s history.

The grounds also feature lovely gardens where visitors can stroll and enjoy nature. The center is a non-smoking facility, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.

6. Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Street NE in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. It was originally designed in the late 1920s to be part of a Shrine Temple, reflecting its Moorish architectural inspiration.

Built in 1929, the theater was initially a movie palace but has since become a key venue for performing arts.

Its intricate brickwork and lavish interior make it an iconic piece of Atlanta’s architectural history.

The theater features a 4,665-seat auditorium, famous for its grandeur. Its detailed facade, including corbels and arches, is a striking feature.

The Fox Theatre remains a major attraction and is a favorite for both locals and tourists.

Known as the Fabulous Fox Theatre, this building is a historic and cultural landmark that continues to host various events, from concerts to Broadway shows.

7. Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre public park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It was built as part of the infrastructure improvements for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The park serves as a central gathering place and hosts millions of visitors each year.

Significant attractions surround the park, including the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.

Visitors can also enjoy the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Walking tours are available, allowing visitors to explore the history and impact of the park.

This space continues to host events and provides a pleasant outdoor area for relaxation and recreation.

8. World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola is a museum in Atlanta, Georgia. It showcases the history of The Coca-Cola Company. The museum spans 20 acres and first opened its doors to the public on May 24, 2007.

Designed by JERDE, the World of Coca-Cola features various attractions.

Visitors can explore three theaters, an interactive 4-D theater, and a bottling line. The tasting room offers samples of 70 different Coca-Cola products.

The museum aims to reinforce Coca-Cola’s brand and benefit Atlanta, its home city.

It replaced the original exhibit, which was established in Underground Atlanta in 1990. For more details, visit the World of Coca-Cola’s website.

The museum also includes the Vault of the Secret Formula experience. It has welcomed millions of guests, emphasizing its popularity and significance.

9. High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is located in Atlanta, Georgia, on Peachtree Street in the city’s arts district. This museum is the largest for visual arts in the Southeastern United States.

Designed by architect Richard Meier, the building is known for its modern and sleek white facade.

The building includes dramatic geometric forms and makes extensive use of natural light.

The High Museum is part of the Woodruff Arts Center. It originally housed its collections in the Woodruff Arts Center, which was opened in 1968. The museum moved to its current building in 1983.

The museum has a significant collection of classic and contemporary art. It regularly organizes and presents exhibitions of both international and national significance.

10. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia, opened to the public on June 23, 2014.

Designed by architect Philip Freelon in partnership with HOK, the structure represents the center’s vision through its curved walls and interlocking forms.

This museum is dedicated to the achievements of the civil rights movement in the United States and global human rights efforts.

Its design symbolizes unity and solidarity with multi-colored panels representing diversity.

Freelon’s vision was selected after an international design competition, presenting a physical representation of interconnectedness.

The building, featuring curved walls, serves as a space to reflect and act, fitting seamlessly within the cultural landscape of Atlanta.

11. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s located in Atlanta, Georgia.

The park spans approximately 35 acres and comprises several significant sites, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s boyhood home and the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was both baptized and later preached.

Visitors can explore The King Center, which features exhibits on Dr. King’s civil rights work.

The park also includes the Civil Rights Walk of Fame and outdoor monuments that commemorate key moments in the civil rights movement.

Additionally, the park offers recreational areas like a playground.

Established to educate and inspire future generations, it preserves the locations where Dr. King lived, worked, and is buried.

12. The Peach Building

The Peach Building in Midtown Atlanta is known for its distinctive architecture and recent renovations. Its unique design makes it a standout in the city’s skyline.

Located at 1655 Peachtree Street, this building offers modern amenities.

Renters can choose from one-bedroom units starting at $2,350 up to $3,100 monthly for the largest one-bedroom plans. Two-bedroom units range from $3,250 to $3,500 monthly.

This building reflects Atlanta’s mix of historical and modern styles, blending seamlessly into the rich architectural tapestry of the city. For more information, visit The Peach.

13. Michael C. Carlos Museum

The Michael C. Carlos Museum is located on the historic quadrangle of Emory University in Atlanta. It is housed in a building designed by Michael Graves.

This museum has one of the largest ancient art collections in the Southeast.

It includes artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, and the ancient Americas.

Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that highlight important cultural artifacts. The museum also features a new conservation laboratory that supports its collection’s preservation.

For more information, visit the Michael C. Carlos Museum’s website.

14. Rhodes Hall

Rhodes Hall, built from 1902 to 1904 for Amos Rhodes, is a prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture in Georgia.

The mansion, designed by Willis F. Denny II, features Stone Mountain granite and was inspired by the Rhineland castles Rhodes admired during his Europe trip.

The hall is located on Peachtree Street and remains one of Atlanta’s few surviving historic mansions. Its Victorian interiors are some of the most original in the city.

Rhodes Hall includes ornate stained glass windows depicting the story of the U.S. Civil War, which embellish the grand stairwell.

Visitors can take guided tours to explore this historic site and admire the detailed craftsmanship.

The mansion’s unique blend of medieval Romanesque, Victorian, and Arts and Crafts designs make it a standout among Atlanta’s architectural landmarks. Rhodes Hall also serves as a popular venue for weddings and special events.

15. SkyView Atlanta

SkyView Atlanta is a giant Ferris wheel located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. It stands out because of its height and the incredible views it offers.

From this 20-story tall structure, visitors can see landmarks like Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center.

The wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each ride lasts about 15 minutes, making several rotations to ensure everyone gets ample time to enjoy the sights.

SkyView Atlanta is an excellent attraction for both tourists and locals. Its unique position in the city provides a panoramic view that is especially stunning at sunset or nighttime, when the city lights shine brightly.

16. College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame is an impressive building located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The facility covers 94,256 square feet and features interactive exhibits and attractions dedicated to college football.

Its architecture includes sections reminiscent of a football’s shape. This design choice symbolizes the sport’s significance and heritage.

The rotunda, perched on a custom-formed concrete “Y” column, offers views into and out of the Hall, adding to the building’s uniqueness.

Adjacent to Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, the Hall of Fame also features an insulated, tensioned membrane roofing system constructed by Birdair. This roofing system is adjacent to the well-known Georgia Dome’s Birdair tensile roof.

Visiting the College Football Hall of Fame provides a blend of sports history and modern architecture, making it a must-see for football fans and architecture enthusiasts alike. For more on its offerings, visit the College Football Hall of Fame exhibit.

17. Phipps Plaza

Phipps Plaza is a key landmark in Atlanta’s Buckhead district. Known for its luxurious shopping experience, the mall has evolved over time to include more than just retail spaces.

The architecture of Phipps Plaza reflects a blend of modern design and elegance.

The transformation of Phipps Plaza includes a 350,000 square-foot Class A office building, One Phipps Plaza, showcasing mid-century modernism.

Visitors to Phipps Plaza can appreciate its rich history and architectural elegance. The mall serves as a premiere destination for both shopping and enjoying contemporary design.

18. Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, is a multi-purpose venue that opened in 2017. It replaced the Georgia Dome and serves as the home for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United FC of MLS.

The stadium’s retractable roof is a standout feature. It opens and closes like a camera aperture, made possible by modern engineering.

The design was inspired by the oculus within Rome’s ancient Pantheon.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also notable for its LEED Platinum certification, making it the first professional sports stadium to achieve this status. This reflects its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

The stadium is owned by the state of Georgia through the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and operated by AMB Group. Its distinctive architecture and innovative features make it an iconic landmark in Atlanta.

19. Patten Seed Company Building

The Patten Seed Company Building is in Lakeland, Georgia. This historic building has served different roles over the decades.

The company began with Robert L. Patten, who opened a general store in 1892. The store stocked a variety of items, from seed and fertilizer to horse collars and caskets.

Over time, it became a hub for the local community.

Robert’s son, Lawson, later took over and expanded the store’s offerings. Today, the building stands as a testament to the family’s legacy and the evolution of the business.

The historical significance of the building adds to its architectural value.

The Patten Seed Company Building has witnessed over a century of change and growth, reflecting the area’s agricultural history. It remains an important part of Lakeland’s heritage. For more information, visit Patten Seed Company.

20. One Atlantic Center

One Atlantic Center stands as a significant landmark of postmodern architecture in Atlanta. Designed by Johnson Burgee Architects with Heery Architects and Engineers, it was completed between 1985 and 1987.

Reaching a height of 820 feet, One Atlantic Center is the third-tallest building in Atlanta. It boasts 50 stories of office space, making it a key part of the city’s skyline.

This building’s placement at a major intersection in upper Midtown emphasizes its prominence. It is highly visible from a nearby interstate, symbolizing the northward growth of Atlanta’s major developments.

Learn more about the design and history of One Atlantic Center.

Historical Context

Georgia’s architectural landscape has evolved over centuries, reflecting its rich history and cultural shifts.

Pre-Modern Influences

Georgia’s early architecture was influenced by European settlers. The Antebellum period, before the Civil War, featured Greek Revival and Gothic Revival styles.

These buildings often had grand columns and elaborate details.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Craftsman Bungalow style emerged. Popularized after the ornate Victorian era, it focused on simplicity and handcrafted details.

This style became widespread across the United States, including Georgia.

In many historic towns, buildings like the Savannah Cotton Exchange show the architectural transition during the 1800s.

This exchange, designed by Williams Gibbons Preston in 1886, represents the influence of industry on architecture.

Modern Georgian Architecture

In the mid-20th century, Georgia’s architecture reflected modernist trends. After World War II, new materials and technologies led to innovative designs.

Residential architecture often focused on functionality and simplicity. Many homes from this period feature clean lines and minimal ornamentation.

Public buildings and commercial structures also embraced modernist principles. For example, the CULC building at Georgia Tech reflects contemporary design, prioritizing form and function.

Historic resource surveys by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs document the state’s architectural evolution.

These surveys include exterior descriptions, photographs, and field notes, capturing the diversity of Georgia’s architectural styles.

Architectural Styles in Georgia

Georgia boasts a diverse architectural heritage, ranging from historic structures to modern designs. This section highlights the state’s traditional Georgian style and contemporary architectural trends.

Traditional Georgian Style

Traditional Georgian architecture in Georgia is characterized by its symmetry and classic proportions. Many historic buildings feature brick construction with white-painted wood trim.

The Savannah Cotton Exchange is a prime example, showcasing intricate ironwork and arched windows. Constructed in 1886, it reflects the economic prosperity of the period.

Another noteworthy site is Thomasville, known for its Victorian-era mansions.

These homes often exhibit Italianate and Queen Anne styles, marked by decorative brackets, bay windows, and elaborate porches. The Lapham-Patterson House, with its distinctive geometric patterns, stands out as a highlight.

Contemporary Designs

Contemporary architecture in Georgia emphasizes innovative materials and sustainable practices.

The Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta, for instance, is a postmodern skyscraper.

Standing at 311.8 meters, it is the tallest building in the Southeastern U.S.

At the forefront of modern educational facilities, the new CULC building at Georgia Tech integrates sleek glass facades with functional design.

The Ford Complex at Berry College in Rome exemplifies Gothic Revival architecture, blending historical styles with contemporary needs.

Commissioned by Henry Ford in the 1920s, it remains publicly accessible, offering visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century design.

Architects and Their Contributions

Georgia boasts a rich architectural history, with many renowned architects contributing to the state’s landscape. This section highlights key figures and their influence on both local and global architecture.

Key Georgian Architects

One notable architect in Georgia is John Portman. He designed the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, known for its impressive atrium.

His innovative designs have shaped Atlanta’s skyline and inspired many modern skyscrapers worldwide.

Another influential figure is Robert M. Stern, who contributed to the design of multiple buildings at Emory University. His works often blend classic and modern elements, giving a unique character to educational spaces.

Several historical buildings also showcase the talent of early Georgian architects.

For instance, William Gibbons Preston designed the Savannah Cotton Exchange in 1886.

His work exemplifies the intricate details and grandeur of 19th-century architecture in Georgia.

Influences on Global Architecture

Georgian architects have made significant impacts on architecture beyond their state.

John Portman’s work on hotels and office buildings, such as the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, introduced the concept of the modern hotel atrium, now popular worldwide.

The blending of traditional and modern styles in architecture by figures like Stern has influenced the design of educational and cultural buildings globally.

His approach at Emory University sets a precedent for integrating historical context with contemporary design principles.

Additionally, Georgian firm MUA Architecture & Placemaking contributes to urban and spatial design internationally.

Their projects emphasize sustainability and community engagement, which have become crucial aspects of modern architecture.