Woodruff Arts Center / Alliance Theatre, Atlanta

If art is your passion, then the Woodruff Arts Center will surely ignite your senses! The largest arts center in the Southeast, it is said to be a must-visit destination at least once a year. Dating back to 1968, this magnificent venue showcases a combination of visual and performing arts all on one campus. The Alliance Theatre, the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, known for its phenomenal sound that fills the auditorium thanks to the outstanding acoustics (and no bad seats on the floor), and the renowned High Museum of Art, one of the world's top-notch art establishments, are all located here.

In 1962, a plane crash claimed the lives of Atlanta's arts and civic leaders while in Paris. A profound tragedy that served as a catalyst to erect a suitable memorial to honor the deceased led to the birth of the Atlanta Arts Alliance. This memorial arts center, originally known as the Memorial Arts Center, opened its doors in 1968. Later in 1982, it was renamed the Woodruff Arts Center, a fitting tribute to its greatest benefactor, Robert W. Woodruff.

In 1983, the Woodruff campus grew in size with the addition of the High Museum of Art building, designed by the youngest Pritzker Prize-winning architect at that time, Richard Meier. The Woodruff Arts Center received several new upgrades in 2005, such as a full-service restaurant, the Table 1280 at the Woodruff, and a public piazza. The fresh "village for the arts" that spans multiple city blocks was designed by another Pritzker Prize winner, the Italian architect Renzo Piano.

With endless new experiences to be had, the Woodruff Arts Center remains as captivating as ever. Thousands of people flock here every weekend, yet it doesn't disrupt the rhythm of life. When you visit, wear comfortable shoes and allow ample time to savor this multi-leveled performing arts venue.