When Was the High Museum of Art Built?

Art|Art Museum

The High Museum of Art is one of the premier art museums in the southeastern United States. Founded in 1905, the museum has grown to become a major center for the visual arts, with works on display from around the world. From its beginnings as an exclusive art club to its current status as an internationally recognized institution, the High Museum of Art has seen many changes over its more than a century of existence.

The High Museum was founded in 1905 by Atlanta’s leading citizens. At that time, Atlanta had a growing population but limited exposure to high-quality art.

A group of prominent individuals, including Fanny Hill Richardson and Alice Hirsch, came together to form an exclusive art club that would bring works of art from around the world to the city. Originally named the Atlanta Art Association, members would pay annual dues to view exhibits and support local artists.

The success of the Atlanta Art Association allowed it to expand and in 1926 it opened its first permanent home – a two-story building located at Peachtree Street and West Peachtree Street. This building was designed by noted architect Philip Shutze and provided members with more gallery space and additional educational programs.

In 1930, Alice Hirsch donated funds for a new building – what would eventually become today’s High Museum of Art. This new structure was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and opened on January 15th, 1983 with much fanfare.

The new museum featured galleries for modern art as well as classical works from Europe and America. It also contained educational spaces such as classrooms, libraries and lecture halls where visitors could learn more about the artwork they were viewing.

Today, the High Museum is a major cultural destination in Atlanta attracting visitors from all over the world each year who come to experience its vast collection of artwork spanning centuries and continents. The museum continues to be dedicated to providing educational programming for both adults and children alike while also expanding its collection through acquisitions and exhibitions from around the world.

Conclusion: The High Museum of Art was built in 1930 after years of growth from its inception as an exclusive art club in 1905. Designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, it opened on January 15th 1983 with much fanfare providing visitors with galleries for modern art as well as classical works from Europe and America along with educational spaces such as classrooms, libraries and lecture halls where they could learn more about what they were viewing.