The High Museum of Art, often referred to simply as the High, is a prominent art museum located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It is one of the leading art institutions in the southeastern United States and is known for its diverse and extensive collection of art spanning various time periods and styles. High Museum of Art connects with audiences from across the Southeast and around the world through its distinguished collection, dynamic schedule of special exhibitions, and engaging community-focused programs.
The High features a collection of more than 19,000 works of art, including an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th century American fine and decorative arts; major holdings of photography and folk and self-taught work, especially that of artists from the American South; burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture, new media and design; a growing collection of African art, with work dating from pre-history through the present; and significant holdings of European paintings and works on paper.
History of the High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art was founded in 1905 as the Atlanta Art Association. The Museum’s first permanent home came in 1926, with the donation by Mrs. Joseph M. High of her family’s residence on Peachtree Street. In 1955, the Museum moved to a new brick structure adjacent to the old High house. After 122 Georgia art patrons died in a plane crash on a Museum-sponsored European tour in 1962, the Atlanta Arts Alliance was founded in their memory, and the Atlanta Memorial Arts Center opened in 1968—constructed around the existing Museum.
Over the years, it went through several transformations and relocations before settling in its current location in the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown Atlanta in 1983. The museum has since undergone significant expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collection and visitor needs. Fun fact: In 1979, Coca-Cola magnate Robert W. Woodruff offered a $7.5 million challenge grant to build a new facility; Museum officials matched and exceeded the grant, generating a total of $20 million.
Architecture of the High Museum of Art
The museum building itself is a work of art, designed by architect Richard Meier. The High Museum’s main building is a prime example of modern and contemporary architecture. It is known for its clean lines, geometric forms, and use of white as the dominant color. Richard Meier’s design is often described as minimalist and functional. The exterior of the building is primarily clad in white enameled steel panels and glass. This choice of materials gives the museum a sleek and timeless appearance while allowing for ample natural light to enter the interior spaces.
The building’s design is characterized by its sharp angles and geometric shapes. The architectural elements include cubes, rectangles, and triangular forms, creating a visually striking composition. Richard Meier’s design places a strong emphasis on the use of natural light to illuminate the interior spaces. Large windows, skylights, and glass walls are strategically incorporated to create well-lit galleries and public areas.
The interior of the museum is organized around a central atrium that spans multiple levels. This atrium serves as a dramatic focal point and allows visitors to navigate the museum efficiently. The openness of the space also contributes to a sense of transparency and accessibility. The museum’s grounds feature beautifully landscaped gardens designed by landscape architect Joe Karr. These gardens complement the modern architecture with lush greenery, water features, and outdoor sculptures. The Anne Cox Chambers Wing, an addition to the museum, also includes a rooftop garden.
Over the years, the museum has undergone expansions to accommodate its growing collection and programming needs. One of the most significant expansions was the addition of the Anne Cox Chambers Wing, which expanded the museum’s gallery space and added a rooftop garden. The Anne Cox Chambers Wing was designed by Renzo Piano, another renowned architect.
The museum has incorporated sustainability features into its architecture, including energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and environmentally friendly materials. These efforts align with modern architectural principles of sustainability. The architecture complements the museum’s mission to provide a welcoming and engaging space for art enthusiasts.
Art Collections of the High Museum of Art
Collections: The museum’s collection encompasses a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photography, and more. It features artworks from different time periods, including European art from the Renaissance to the modern era, American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, African art, and a substantial collection of works from the American South.
Featuring more than 19,000 works that span seven curatorial departments, the High’s collection reflects a broad spectrum of media and cultures and boasts particular strengths. Among these are superior holdings of American, African, and European art, an important historic decorative arts and international contemporary design department, prominent holdings of modern and contemporary art, and a renowned photography department. In addition to stewarding one of the largest concentrations of vintage civil rights-era prints in the United States, in 1996, the High launched its “Picturing the South” program to commission emerging and established photographers to create new work inspired by the Southern landscape. The folk and self-taught department is recognized as one of the most significant of its type at a public institution, with extensive representation of art of the American South.
African Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has a notable collection of African art that spans a wide range of cultures, regions, and artistic traditions across the African continent. The museum’s African art collection is known for its quality and diversity, reflecting the rich and varied cultural heritage of Africa.
The High Museum’s African art collection includes objects from various African cultures, including sculptures, masks, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and more. These objects come from regions such as West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa.
Begun in 1953, the High’s African art department includes a diversity of art forms dating from prehistory to the present. The holdings of nearly 1,200 works, including more than 500 donated by Fred and Rita Richman, feature extraordinary examples of mask and figurative sculptures, enriched by textiles, beadwork, metalwork and ceramics. Antiquities include works from the region of ancient Djenne, one of Africa’s oldest cities, and examples from the Mali Empire, one of the largest and most important kingdoms the world has ever known.
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American Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, has a significant and diverse collection of American art spanning various time periods and artistic movements.
- American Paintings: The museum’s American art collection includes paintings from the 18th century to the 20th century. It features works by prominent American artists, including pieces from the Hudson River School, American Impressionism, and the Ashcan School. These paintings often depict scenes of American landscapes, daily life, and cultural themes.
- American Decorative Arts: The High Museum also houses an impressive collection of American decorative arts, which includes furniture, ceramics, silverware, and textiles. These objects showcase the craftsmanship and design of American artisans from different periods in history.
- Modern and Contemporary American Art: The museum’s collection extends to modern and contemporary American art, encompassing a wide range of artistic styles and media. Visitors can find works by renowned American artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe, among others. These pieces reflect the evolving artistic expressions of the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Southern American Art: As part of its commitment to showcasing the cultural heritage of the American South, the High Museum also features a collection of Southern American art. This collection includes works by artists with Southern roots, highlighting regional influences and themes.
With acquisitions beginning in the early 20th century, the Museum’s American art department features more than 1,200 paintings, sculpture, drawings and prints dating from the 18th through the 20th centuries. Building upon the foundational collection given by J.J. Haverty in the mid-20th century, the holdings range from early portraiture to the splendor of the Gilded Age and include examples by John Singleton Copley, John Henry Twachtman, Harriet Hosmer, Edmonia Lewis, Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. The department also features key works by progressive artists of the early modern age through abstract painters of the mid-20th century. Recent major gifts have added strength in 19th century paintings and drawings and neoclassical marble sculpture.
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Decorative Arts and Design
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, has a notable collection of decorative arts and design, encompassing a wide range of objects and artifacts that reflect the evolution of design and craftsmanship over various time periods.
- Furniture: The museum’s collection includes a diverse array of furniture pieces representing different styles and historical periods. This may include American, European, and Asian furniture, showcasing the craftsmanship and design aesthetics of each region and era.
- Ceramics and Porcelain: The decorative arts collection often features ceramics and porcelain from various cultures and time periods. These pieces may include fine china, pottery, vases, and decorative porcelain objects, highlighting the artistry and technical skills of ceramic artists.
- Glass Art: The museum’s collection may include glass art, ranging from historical glassware to contemporary glass sculptures. Glass artists often experiment with color, form, and technique, resulting in visually stunning and innovative pieces.
- Silverware and Metalwork: Visitors can explore a variety of silverware and metalwork objects, including intricately designed silver serving pieces, decorative metalwork, and items made from precious metals. These objects often showcase the craftsmanship and ornamental qualities of metalwork.
- Textiles and Textile Art: The collection may encompass textiles and textile art, including textiles from different cultures, tapestries, quilts, and contemporary textile artworks. Textile art often explores themes of pattern, color, and texture.
- Decorative Objects: Decorative objects in the collection can vary widely and may include items such as decorative boxes, clocks, candelabras, and figurines. These objects often exhibit the attention to detail and artistic flair of their creators.
- Design Objects: The museum’s decorative arts and design collection may also feature design objects that represent significant innovations in industrial and product design. These objects can range from mid-century modern furniture to contemporary design pieces.
The decorative arts and design department explores the intersections between art, craft and design; handcraft and technology; and innovation and making. The holdings include the most comprehensive survey of American decorative arts in the southeastern United States, comprising nearly 2,500 pieces dating from 1640 to the present, with major examples of 19th and 20th century work. The international contemporary holdings continues to expand with the addition of significant works by Joris Laarman Lab, Jaime Hayon, Ron Arad and nendo.
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European Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, has a notable collection of European art that spans several centuries and includes works from various European countries and artistic movements. Begun in the early 20th century, this department features more than 1,000 paintings, sculptures and works on paper that span from the 1300s through the mid-20th century and includes gifts of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. The museum’s European art collection includes paintings from the Renaissance to the modern era. Visitors can explore works by renowned European artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, and many others. These paintings cover a wide range of styles and themes, from religious and mythological subjects to landscapes and portraiture.
French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
he museum’s European art collection includes a notable selection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Visitors can view works by artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Vincent van Gogh, among others. These paintings are celebrated for their innovative use of color and light.
Folk and Self-Taught Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, has a noteworthy collection of Folk and Self-Taught Art, often referred to as Outsider Art. This collection celebrates the creativity of artists who are often considered outside the mainstream art world, and it includes works by self-taught, untrained, and visionary artists.
Established in 1994, the High’s folk and self-taught art department holds one of the most significant public collections of American self-taught art in the world. Now comprising more than 1,200 works, the department includes the largest museum collections of work by Thornton Dial, Bill Traylor, Howard Finster and Nellie Mae Rowe and reflects a rich diversity emphasizing the inclusivity of art.
The term “Outsider Art” typically refers to art created by individuals who have had little or no formal art education and who often work outside established art institutions. These artists may have unique perspectives and create their works with unconventional materials and techniques.
The collection features works by self-taught artists who have developed their artistic skills independently, often without any formal training. These artists may draw inspiration from personal experiences, religious or spiritual beliefs, or their immediate surroundings.
Folk Art is a genre of art that is characterized by its connection to local or regional traditions, cultures, and communities. The High Museum’s collection may include folk art objects such as paintings, sculptures, textiles, and functional items that reflect the folk traditions of different American regions.
Visionary artists often create works that are deeply rooted in personal visions, dreams, and mystical experiences. The museum’s collection may include works by visionary artists who explore themes of spirituality, inner worlds, and the supernatural.
Modern and Contemporary Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, has a robust collection of modern and contemporary art that reflects the evolving artistic trends and innovations of the 20th and 21st centuries. This collection encompasses a wide range of artistic styles, mediums, and movements. The museum’s collection of modern art includes works from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. This period witnessed significant shifts in artistic styles and movements, including Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, and other artworks by notable modern artists.The High Museum is actively engaged with contemporary art, featuring works by living artists and those created in recent decades. The contemporary art collection spans a diverse range of styles, themes, and mediums, reflecting the plurality of voices and expressions in the contemporary art world.
With foundational acquisitions beginning in the mid-20th century, this rapidly growing department encompasses the history of art since 1945, comprising nearly 3,000 works in all media and from multiple geographic locations and cultures. Significant acquisitions of work by Rashid Johnson, Anish Kapoor, Ellsworth Kelly, Julie Mehretu and Kara Walker have elevated the High to one of the Southeast’s preeminent destinations for modern and contemporary art.
Photography
Begun in 1974, the photography department is one of the nation’s leading programs with a collection of more than 8,000 works. Holdings include 19th- and 20th-century images with special strengths in photographs of the South, American and European modernist traditions, as well as documentary and contemporary photography.
Special Exhibitions
The High Museum hosts a dynamic program of rotating special exhibitions, which often include works by contemporary artists, international art, and thematic displays. These exhibitions allow the museum to showcase diverse artistic expressions and engage with current artistic trends.
Notable Works on Display at the High Museum of Art
Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil
Claude Monet
French, 1840–1926
Claude Monet painted this view of the Seine near the town of Argenteuil, northwest of Paris, shortly after his arrival there in 1871—likely from the small boat he had converted into a floating studio. He included the Château Michelet and other recognizable architectural landmarks. The small, delicate brushstrokes identify this work as belonging to the “high” phase of Impressionism. The brilliant colors of Monet’s landscape are mirrored in the water below, resulting in a remarkable symmetry that makes it difficult to distinguish between the reflections and their sources.
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The Beach at Sainte-Adresse
Frédéric Bazille
French, 1841–1870
On a windy, overcast day on the northern coast of France, fishing boats ply the choppy waters. In this unsentimental portrait of a beach near the city of Le Havre, whose skyline is visible in the distance, Bazille recorded the daily activities of people who worked hard to make their living from nature. The Beach at Sainte-Adresse was one of a pair of paintings the artist’s uncle commissioned from him, and the unusual horizontal format resulted from its intended placement over a door.
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Woman Seated at the Piano (Femme assise devant son piano)
Henri Matisse
French, 1869–1954
Henri Matisse painted this small canvas as a preparatory sketch for a larger composition. It shows his process of making changes to the figure’s pose and position in the picture by scraping away and repainting the head and torso. Women playing the piano are a recurrent theme in Matisse’s work. This painting, in fact, is one in a series of similar compositions that Matisse painted around 1924. They were staged in Matisse’s apartment in Nice, recognizable by the distinctively patterned wallpaper. The young piano player is Henriette Darricarrère, one of Matisse’s primary models.
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Woman Arranging Her Hat
Pierre Auguste Renoir
French, 1841–1919
Renoir painted Woman Arranging Her Hat during the second half of his career, when he began to model his subjects with broader brushstrokes and louder colors than he had used in the calmer Impressionist style of his early years. During this later period, Renoir developed an interest in the subject of women and children relaxing and playing in the countryside. Here, a young woman in a summer dress is shown from behind, readjusting her hat, which has perhaps been displaced by a strong summer breeze or a lovers’ tryst.
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Red Canna
Georgia O’Keeffe
American, 1887–1986
Soon after Georgia O’Keeffe’s romantic relationship with the photographer and art dealer Alfred Stieglitz blossomed in 1918, she began to accompany him on visits to his parents’ summer home at Lake George, New York. On her first visit, she was drawn to the canna lilies that bloomed profusely there in late summer. The flowers’ billowy petals and intense colors inspired O’Keeffe to create a series of paintings that included this one. Her early florals inspired O’Keeffe to further exploration, and flowers become a mainstay of her mature works.
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Educational Programs at the High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta offers a wide range of educational programs and resources designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds with art, foster learning, and provide meaningful experiences. These programs help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the museum’s collections and exhibitions, as well as the broader world of art and culture.
Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable docents and educators. These tours provide insights into specific artworks, exhibitions, or themes within the museum’s collection. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including general tours, themed tours, and tours tailored for different age groups.
Lectures and Gallery Talks: The museum organizes lectures, talks, and panel discussions featuring artists, curators, scholars, and experts. These events offer in-depth exploration of art and related topics, fostering critical thinking and dialogue.
Workshops and Art-Making Activities: The High Museum offers hands-on workshops and art-making activities for visitors of all ages. Participants can explore their creativity and learn about different art techniques and materials through these interactive sessions.
Family Programs: The museum provides family-friendly programs and activities that encourage families to explore art together. These programs often include storytelling, art-making workshops, and interactive gallery experiences designed for children and their caregivers.
School and Youth Programs: The High Museum offers educational programs for schools and youth groups. These programs may include guided tours, art-making activities, and curriculum-aligned resources that enhance students’ understanding of art and its connections to other subjects.
Teacher Resources: The museum offers resources and professional development opportunities for educators. These resources help teachers incorporate art into their classrooms and align their lessons with museum exhibitions and collections.
Community Outreach: The High Museum actively engages with the local community through outreach programs, partnerships with schools and organizations, and initiatives designed to make art accessible to diverse audiences.
Teen Programs: The museum offers programs and events specifically designed for teenagers, providing opportunities for creative expression, art exploration, and leadership development.
Accessibility Programs: The High Museum is committed to accessibility and provides resources and programs for visitors with disabilities. These programs include sensory-friendly experiences, assistive technology, and accessible tours.
Online Resources: In addition to on-site programs, the museum offers a variety of online resources, including virtual tours, digital exhibitions, educational videos, and downloadable materials for educators and students.
Special Exhibitions and Events: The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and events that may include related educational programs, such as curator-led tours, artist talks, and workshops tied to the exhibition themes.
The High Museum of Art’s educational programs aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for art and culture. Visitors can check the museum’s official website or contact the museum directly for information on current and upcoming educational programs and events.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement: The museum actively engages with the local community and hosts events, outreach programs, and collaborations with other cultural institutions to promote art appreciation and cultural enrichment in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.
Visitor Experience and Conclusion
The High Museum provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors, with amenities such as a museum shop, a café, and a variety of spaces for relaxation and reflection.
The High Museum of Art is a cultural landmark in Atlanta and plays a significant role in the city’s arts scene. Its diverse collection, commitment to education, and engaging exhibitions make it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
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