The museum renovation of the Atlanta History Center and Cyclorama included the redesign of both the exterior and interior of the facility as well as an addition for a historic painting. The surrounding landscaped grounds have long served as a unique invitation to museumgoers to enjoy the history of Atlanta. As a means of celebrating the gardens through architecture, guests are greeted through a series of concentric spaces defined by transparent and solid garden walls leading into the museum. The net result was a new entrance that served to complement the existing, adjacent Swan House, one of Atlanta’s greatest architectural treasures.  

The exterior renovation created a new entrance, which reflects a stronger civic presence and provides a significant approach to the building. The new site design includes a formal arrival space and improvements to an existing motor court to ease pedestrian access to the existing parking deck. With two concepts at play, the front building façade is very open and welcoming, accentuating a two-story glass wall that creates a “lantern-like” presence along West Paces Ferry Road at night.  

The interior program included an expanded lobby, a new bookstore, and restaurant. There is a special events area for 500 people, as well as improvements to visitor circulation, ceilings, and wall finishes in the public areas connecting to the exhibit galleries. The Allen Atrium, a two-story rotunda, is one of the key enhancements, providing the museum flexibility and expanded capabilities for artifact displays and other special programming and events.