The Pink Palace Atlanta, also known as the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum, is a popular tourist attraction in Atlanta, Georgia. It is located in the Grant Park neighborhood and has been open to the public since 1921. The museum is home to a large cyclorama painting, which depicts the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. In addition to the painting, the museum also houses a collection of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia.
The Pink Palace Atlanta was originally built as a residence for Asa Candler, the founder of Coca-Cola. The pink-colored mansion was constructed in 1918 and was designed by architect Philip T. Shutze. Candler lived in the house until 1922, when he sold the property to the Atlanta Art Association. The association planned to use the mansion as an art museum, but those plans fell through and the property was eventually purchased by the city of Atlanta.
The centerpiece of the Pink Palace Atlanta is the Cyclorama, a large circular painting that measures 42 feet high and 358 feet long. The painting depicts the Battle of Atlanta, which took place on July 22, 1864. It was commissioned by the American Panorama Company and painted by a team of German artists. The painting was completed in 1886 and was originally housed in a specially-built rotunda in downtown Atlanta.
In 1892, the Cyclorama was sold to a group of investors who transported it to Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was displayed there for many years before it was eventually sold to a businessman who planned to use it as a promotional tool for his real estate ventures. The Cyclorama was moved to a location in Grant Park, Atlanta, in 1921, and the Pink Palace Atlanta was built around it.
In addition to the Cyclorama, the Pink Palace Atlanta houses a collection of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia. The museum's exhibits include uniforms, weapons, and personal items from both Union and Confederate soldiers. There are also exhibits that focus on the role of civilians during the war, as well as displays on the Reconstruction era and the impact of the war on Atlanta.
The Pink Palace Atlanta is open to the public seven days a week, except for major holidays. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children aged 4 to 12. Children under 4 are admitted free. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has parking available on site. Guided tours of the Cyclorama and museum exhibits are available for an additional fee.
Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours at the Pink Palace Atlanta in order to fully experience the Cyclorama and museum exhibits. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and living history demonstrations.
The Pink Palace Atlanta is a unique and fascinating museum that offers visitors a glimpse into both the history of Atlanta and the Civil War. The Cyclorama painting is a must-see for anyone interested in art or history, and the museum's exhibits are informative and engaging. Whether you're a lifelong resident of Atlanta or just passing through, a visit to the Pink Palace Atlanta is definitely worth your time.
