Historic Marietta Square isn’t merely one of metro Atlanta’s most charming collections of antiques stores, boutiques and restaurants. It’s also something like a giant bouillon cube of culture.
“Four Museums, One Square,” teases a promotional billboard just north of the square. Here’s a look at this quartet of offerings, all located within very easy walking distance of one another. There’s a free parking deck at the northwest corner of the square, and free two-hour parking throughout Marietta Square and behind the Marietta Welcome Center at 4 Depot St.
Marietta Museum of History: 1 Depot St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and free for members, children under 5 and active military personnel with ID. 770-794-5710, mariettahistory.org.
Permanent exhibits include a collection of Victorian wedding dresses, a military gallery, a 1940s kitchen and artifacts from the glorious Old Marietta Courthouse that was torn down in the 1960s to make way for the modern, utilitarian structure that sits there today.
Upcoming fundraisers include Guns and Growlers from 5 to 8 p.m. March 21, a event for those who appreciate fine weapons craftsmanship and fine craft brews. Schoolhouse Beer and Brewing and Creations by Cookie Inc. will provide the refreshments and guest experts on both guns and beer will be on hand to answer all your questions. Tickets are $30 each and available at gunsandgrowlers.eventbrite.com.
Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square: 18 Whitlock Ave. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. $7 for adults, $6 for children 10 and older, $6 for seniors 60 and older and $5 for members of groups of 15 or more. 770-794-5576, gwtwmarietta.com.
This city-managed museum features hundreds of items from the privately owned collection of Dr. Christopher Sullivan, including items that belonged to author Margaret Mitchell and pieces owned or worn by movie stars Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland and Ann Rutherford. The collection also includes items saluting Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Academy Award.
Of special interest is the Bengaline Gown, worn by Leigh in the movie. Museum director Connie Sutherland noted that it is the only original dress worn by Leigh on permanent display.
Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art: 30 Atlanta St. S.E. 11 a.m.-5 p.m Tuesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays. (Closed Feb. 28 for a private function). $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors 65 and older, free for members and children under 6. 770-528-1444, mariettacobbartmuseum.org.
Exhibitions on display through March 29 are “Corey Barksdale and Felix Berroa: Afro Vision” and “James Partee, Jr.: My Brush with Wildlife.” Special events include the fun quarterly Martinis & Music Nights; the next one is May 1. The building, which opened in 1910 to house a U.S. post office, was used as a courthouse for scenes in the Oscar-nominated movie “Selma.”
Marietta Fire Museum: 112 Haynes St. (Fire Station No. 1). 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and by appointment Saturdays and Sundays. Free; donations accepted. 770-794-5491, mariettaga.gov/city/fire/museum.
This fascinating facility houses firefighting clothing, equipment and gear dating back to as early as the 1800s. Featured exhibits include a collection of vintage fire trucks ranging from an 1879 Silsby steam-powered pumper, in use through 1921, to a 1952 Chevrolet panel truck, donated and later refurbished by the Marietta Lions Club.
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