Page 27 - 792 Argonne Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Atlanta Botanical Gardens Fox Theatre

CONSERVATION. ART. DINING. SHOPPING INSPIRING LIFE IN THE HEART OF ATLANTA

The Fox Theatre, world-renowned as a concert and event venue like no other, began its story in a most
unusual way.

ABOUT Since the Garden opened its doors in 1976,
it has become the emerald jewel in the crown of Insider Tips:
Atlanta culture. The Garden is an ever-evolving • Visit on a Thursday evening May
destination where the horticulturally-minded, nature- through October until 10 p.m.
inspired and fun-seeking families come together for cocktails in the garden and a
to feel human again. Renowned plant collections, beautiful view of the Atlanta, GA
beautiful displays and spectacular exhibitions make skyline. In 1928, the Fox was originally conceived as a home for Atlanta’s Shriners organization. To create a
the Atlanta Botanical Garden the loveliest place headquarters befitting the group’s prominent social status, the Shriners looked to the ancient temples of
in the city to visit. An urban oasis in the heart of • The Atlanta Botanical Garden the Far East to inspire a mosque-style structure befitting their stature. Storied architectural gems like the
Midtown, the Garden includes 30 acres of outdoor hosts concerts - check the Alhambra in Spain and Egypt’s Temple of Kharnak heavily influenced the building’s elaborate and intensely
gardens, an award-winning Children’s Garden, the website for the current schedule ornate design. Bursting with soaring domes, minarets and sweeping archways, the exterior of the building
serene Storza Woods highlighted by a unique Canopy of events to see if one of your gave way to stunning gold leaf details, sumptuous textiles and exquisite trompe l’oeil art (an art technique
Walk, and the picturesque Skyline Garden. Explore favorite artists is performing. that uses realistic imagery to create optical illusions) inside.
more than 30 acres of breathtaking botanical bliss at • The new parking deck also gives
the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, located adjacent to easy access to Piedmont Park. Ultimately, the design was so fantastical, it became more of a financial burden than the Shriners could bear.
Piedmont Park in Midtown. Since the Garden opened Shortly before its completion, the Shriners leased their beautiful auditorium to William Fox, a movie mogul
more than 35 years ago, there's been more than 50 who had launched his empire by building theatres across the country to meet America’s insatiable affection
different updates, new exhibits and upgrades applied for the new moving pictures that were sweeping the nation. By the end of the 1920s, these aptly-named
to the facility, making these gardens a must see for “movie palaces” were an integral part of nearly every community in the country, each one more gilded and
any family in Atlanta. exquisite than the next. Developers like Fox spared no expense, understanding all too well that these movie

palaces were the gateway to a brave new world, transporting eager audiences to exotic, elegant settings
they could only imagine.