The gardens and grounds of Atlanta History Center have a long tradition of hosting parties and events of all sizes. Since 1926, Swan House’s façade and ornate gardens have served as picturesque backdrops for bridal portraits, wedding photos, stunning editorial shoots, and more. History has been made and celebrated here for almost a century. We invite you to be a part of that history.
We’re living through a moment in time when weddings, parties, and all types of events are having to adapt. At Atlanta History Center, we’re honored to be the keepers of a 33-acre campus, which encompasses the Swan House Gardens as well as the Museum Terraces and Olguita's Garden. Just as before, these two outdoor venues are available to you. As history makers and curators, we understand that being socially distant does not mean being socially isolated. We would like to help you celebrate the special markers and moments that have endured despite the uncertainty of these times.
Swan House Gardens
Philip Trammell Shutze was the residential architect in Jazz Age Atlanta. When he agreed to design the estate of the wealthy and prominent Inman family, he put the “swan” in swanky.
His design process took place from 1926 to 1928, the latter years of the Country Place Era—a period during which wealthy Americans commissioned extensive gardens at their country estates, emulating upper class European style. At Swan House, as with many of his grand Atlanta homes, Shutze imprinted his design vision on the entire property, including the surrounding gardens.
The house and gardens were intentionally designed for entertaining. Shutze was a master of integrating lush gardens into the vast layout of any estate. The Swan House is a supreme example of his craft, and the house and gardens must be understood and experienced as a whole, just as Shutze planned.
The historic Swan House, with its enchanting gardens, stately stairs, classic cars, and cascading fountain, is an idyllic setting. Here, weddings and events are inspired by the spirit of the Jazz Age. Shutze’s masterpiece is the perfect backdrop for larger than life bridal portraits and wedding photography.
Museum Terraces & Olguita's Garden
Honoring the life of Goizueta Gardens namesake Olga “Olguita” C. de Goizueta, this ornamental garden is designed for the enjoyment of flowering and fragrant plants—a place of beauty for quiet reflection.
The garden’s design reflects European influences on the Southeastern landscape and includes the cascading terraces along Atlanta History Museum’s rear elevation. Inspiration is from the great gardens of Europe, honoring Mrs. Goizueta’s love of English and French gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, the ornate garden is designed to flourish and bloom throughout the changing seasons. The foliage showcases hundreds of the best ornamental shrubs, perennials, and seasonal plantings against a fragrant and evergreen tea olive hedge. Beyond the columns, there is a small lawn. Within this quiet space, there is a set of antique French outdoor furniture pieces where visitors can sit quietly in a world apart
Our Museum Terraces & Olguita’s Garden are the perfect setting for bridal portraits, an outdoor cocktail hour, or intimate ceremony. Surrounded by the garden’s natural splendor, this unique and setting will make you question whether you’ve left Atlanta and stepped into an enchanted forest.
Ensuring Your Safety
To ensure your safety and mitigate the risks caused by COVID-19, we’ve implemented new policies and procedures based on CDC guidelines. For all photo shoots, we are limiting the maximum number of guests in each party to ten. Atlanta History Center will provide an event manager for your shoot, bringing the total to eleven persons. All staff and guests present during the shoot must wear masks, unless in the photograph.
All Atlanta History Center staff members will be provided with masks and sanitizer for use throughout your rental. They will also maintain a minimum distance of six feet from your party in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
For personal photo shoots, we require at least one week's notice for scheduling and are available to book up to one month in advance. Photography is permitted during our operating hours, 8am to 5pm, Monday through Sunday. Please note that on Monday and Thursday mornings there is lawn care around the Swan Garden until around 11am and that we are closed to the public on Mondays; photography is allowed during those times.
For commercial photography, we also require at least one week's notice for scheduling, and are available to book up to one month in advance. Only outdoor photography is allowed. Photography is not allowed inside our historic houses, including Swan House.
We can’t wait to make history with you! If you’re interested to learn more about photo shoots on our campus, or to schedule a private tour, email PrivateEvents@atlantahistorycenter.com or call 404-814-4090.
