WHAT’S NEW AT ATLANTA’S ATTRACTIONS

Whether you spend days in Atlanta visiting from a far-flung city or are popping in from the suburbs, there is much to do. New exhibits, events and performances make now the perfect time to visit (or re-visit) Atlanta’s top attractions.

BY MARIA SMITH

Georgia Aquarium

Visit more than 100,000 animals from 500 species at the aquarium, then stay for special activities such as Unwind by the Water (March 27), Yoga by the Water (April 11) and Breathe by the Water (May 16). The aquarium also hosts themed Sips Under The Sea after-hour cocktail events for guests 21+. www.georgiaaquarium.org

Michael C. Carlos Museum

“Life and the Afterlife: Ancient Egyptian Art from the Senusret Collection” will be on view at Emory University’s Carlos Museum Feb. 4-Aug. 6. This stunning exhibition promotes knowledge about the rich funerary rituals, customs and beliefs of the ancient world. www.carlos.emory.edu

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Explore“The Nature of Color” and learn how color helps us make sense of the world in human and natural environments, now through May 7. Enjoy interactive activities designed to analyze how colors make us feel and how plants and animals use color to help them survive. www.fernbankmuseum.org

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The center transports guests to the 1963 March on Washington through the newest exhibition, “Now Is the Time: Remembering the Legacy of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,” presented during the march’s 60th anniversary.

www.civilandhumanrights.org

High Museum of Art

From June 2 to Sept. 3, view more than 200 masterworks of ancient Nubian art in the most comprehensive collection outside of Africa. The works in the exhibit, “Ancient Nubia: Art of the 25th Dynasty from the Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston” reflects the wealth and power of the Nubian kings and queens. www.high.org

Illuminarium

This immersive attraction off the Atlanta BeltLine lets visitors step into soaring www.illuminarium.com/atlanta

360° video, heart-pounding sound and state-of-the-art technology. Be transported to space, the wilds of a safari or into other worlds. Illuminarium also offers unique sports and After Dark 21+ events this spring.

Center for Puppetry Arts

This iconic attraction hosts the fun-filled, “Penguin in my Pocket” (March 15April 2). Later, the classic children’s book, “Charlotte’s Web” will be presented April 4 - May 21. Don’t miss the pop-up exhibit in the atrium: “The Life & Art of Jimmy Rowland,” May 2 - July 30. www.puppet.org

Atlanta Botanical Garden

From Feb. 18-April 9, visitors can enjoy Orchid Daze, which presents thousands of beautiful orchids on display. Also starting on Feb. 18 is Thomas Dambo’s “Trolls: Save the Humans” exhibit, featuring enormous trolls and blending art, nature and sustainability messages in a unique outdoor installation. www.atlantabg.org

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

The museum offers much inside its doors, but don’t miss the surrounding 35-acre wooded park with two lakes and a Japanese Garden. Visit the newly installed Japanese bell tower, which houses the Peace Bell given to President Jimmy Carter in 1985 to commemorate Japanese-American friendship. www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov

World of Coca-Cola

Experience the world’s most famous beverage with an up-close look at the bottling process and Taste It!, where guests can taste Coca-Cola beverages from around the globe. This spring, the Scent Discovery exhibit will be refreshed and reopened in March, taking visitors

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William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum

The Breman offers understanding and appreciation of Jewish history, culture and arts. It hosts a permanent Holocaust exhibition and right now, the exhibition “History with Chutzpah,” a journey into Jewish culture. www.thebreman.org

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

For those who can’t wait until fall, this is the right place as visitors can throw spirals, kick a field goal and experience 94,000 square feet of the storied tradition of college football. VIP Guest Tours are now offered, allowing guests to go the distance with a customized tour. www.cfbhall.com

Alliance Theatre

The Alliance Theatre, on the campus of Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown, offers “The Hot Wing King,” the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner, through March 5. The Theatre for the Very Young Series is perfect for little ones and includes All Smiles (Jan. 26-March 5) and The Lizard and El Sol (March 16April 20).

www.alliancetheatre.org

Atlanta Opera at Morehouse College

See the Atlanta Opera’s “The Anonymous Lover,” written in 1780 by the groundbreaking Black composer Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges. This love story runs at Morehouse College’s Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on March 31 and April 1-2. www.atlantaopera.org

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Dive in and explore the museum’s newest exhibit, “Splash and Bubbles: Dive In, Lend a Fin!” on view through April 30. The exhibition is based on the popular PBS KIDS TV show that encourages children to explore ocean science and marine biology.

www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com

Get ready for Spring Break Fun at Stone Mountain Park (April 1 - 9) followed by Summer at the Rock (June 10 - July 21). Fun-filled attractions, unique entertainment and the nightly Lasershow Spectacular make it the perfect destination for families to unplug and reconnect.