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So much to explore while in Atlanta for the UCDA Design Conference 

Compiled by UCDA Members

The UCDA Design Conference: Confluence is scheduled for Atlanta October 14-17. While there, feel the creative heartbeat of Atlanta and the surrounding area, and explore the authenticity of the city’s arts and culture. This is just a short list of the many opportunities available. 

Discover more at: discoveratlanta.com

Learn about the conference at: ucda.atlanta.com

Museum of Design Atlanta 
Midtown
The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design. The museum examines how design affects our daily lives through engaging exhibitions, educational outreach, and special events designed to initiate conversation and community dialogue. MODA regularly features exhibitions highlighting architecture, industrial and product design, interiors and furniture, graphics, fashion and more. MODA is located in Midtown Atlanta, a part of the Midtown Arts Corridor.
www.museumofdesign.org

Center for Puppetry Arts
Midtown
Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry, and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops and the hands-on Worlds of Puppetry Museum which features the Jim Henson Collection Gallery—the definitive collection of more than 500 puppets, props, and costumes honoring his legacy with the largest collection of such items in the world! The Global Collection Gallery shares the history and traditions of puppetry from around the world, and the Dean DuBose Smith Special Exhibits Gallery features rotating exhibitions that delve more deeply into Henson and cultural puppetry-related themes.
puppet.org

Murals and Public Art
Downtown
Vibrant, diverse street art and murals tell stories of Atlanta’s creative communities. Whether you’re moving through Midtown or cruising through Cabbagetown, you’re bound to see these incredible works of art by local and international artists all over the city.
discoveratlanta.com/stories/arts-culture/best-atlanta-street-art-by-neighborhood

Computer Museum of Atlanta
Roswell
Developed from the passions of an avid lover of computers and technology over a period of 40 years, CMoA has evolved into one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of computing artifacts, preserving the history of computing for future generations. These artifacts of the digital revolution are beautiful and valuable in their own right, and even more valuable as a permanent record of the innovation process and market experiments that drove discovery forward. The museum has staged temporary pop-up exhibits, including the History of the PC, and The Apple Pop-Up, highlighting both artifacts and stories to bring history to life. Their core belief is that by preserving the past we can inspire the future.
www.computermuseumofamerica.org

National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Downtown
Journey back to 1960 and feel the intensity of a lunch counter sit-in. Learn about and walk through pivotal moments in history. The center is an evolving attraction that connects the American civil rights movement to today’s global human rights movement.
www.civilandhumanrights.org

Constitution Lakes Park (and Doll’s Head Trail)
Southeast
Scenic, artistic, and a bit unusual: it’s one of Atlanta’s most unique hiking adventures. This multi-trail adventure at Constitution Lakes Park crosses paved paths, unpaved trails, and boardwalks through scenic, wildlife-filled wetlands, catching views of several small, marshy lakes. The Doll’s Head Trail, a short loop in the middle of this adventure, is an ultra-unique experience, a short hike through displays of bricks, toys, and tiles found at the park. The trail winds through the forest and exploring collections of found objects, washed from the banks of the nearby South River, now artfully and whimsically arranged in displays of folk art and culture.
www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/dolls-head-trail-constitution-lakes-park

Atlanta History Center
Buckhead
Founded in 1926, the Atlanta History Center—located just a few minutes from the conference site—is an all-inclusive 33-acre destination featuring the Atlanta History Museum, one of the Southeast’s largest history museums; four historic houses; Cyclorama: The Big Picture, one of only two cycloramas in the United States; the Centennial Olympic Games Museum; the Kenan Research Center; the Grand Overlook event space; the Coca-Cola Cafe, Souper Jenny, BRASH Coffee, a museum gift shop, and acres of historic gardens, and woodland trails.
www.atlantahistorycenter.com

Tiny Doors
Eastside
Tiny Doors ATL is an Atlanta-based art project bringing big wonder to tiny spaces in Atlanta and beyond. The 7-inch doors are sculptures created by artist Karen Anderson Singer at the invitation of the neighborhood or institution. They are designed to reflect the spirit, architecture, and other unique elements of the surrounding neighborhood. The numbered doors around Atlanta are always free to visit and accessible to people of all ages.
discoveratlanta.com/partner/tiny-doors

High Museum of Art
Midtown
The High Museum of Art boasts a celebrated collection of art ranging from classic to contemporary, as well as architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. With special exhibitions, an extensive permanent collection, innovative programs, and several dining options, there is something for every art lover at the High in Atlanta.
www.high.org

Trap Music Museum
Westside
You can’t come to Atlanta without finding out why it’s the Hip Hop Capital. This culture-centric museum is loaded with memorabilia, art and rooms where guests can experience hip hop culture at its finest. If the museum isn’t enough, embark on the interactive escape room experience.
trapmusicmuseum.com

Little Five Points
Eastside
A hipster’s, shopper’s, and drinker’s paradise, the quirky Little Five Points neighborhood on the east side of the city is a regular draw for locals and tourists alike. Pick up a vintage sweater on Moreland Avenue, grab a drink at one of many dive bars as you people-watch, and let the sounds of talented street performers be music to your ears.
littlefivepoints.net

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Midtown
Bliss and serenity await at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a rare piece of thriving nature amid a bustling metropolis. Located within Piedmont Park, the 30-acre complex houses thousands of plant species—including roses, herbs, conifers, carnivorous plants, and more. After strolling around the grounds, unwind by wining and dining at the on-site licensed restaurant.
atlantabg.org

Oakland Cemetery
Downtown
The historic Oakland Cemetery is far more than just a famed burial ground for Civil War soldiers and pioneers—it’s Atlanta’s oldest public park, home to beautiful gardens, plenty of sculptures, giant oak trees, and even an art gallery. Thanks to its inner-city location, it’s central to a number of dining and shopping opportunities, making for an all-inclusive afternoon.
oaklandcemetery.com