To spot the Arts Center station, look for a modest, low concrete building shielded by rows of leafy trees, a big MARTA sign by the sidewalk, and bus stops right out front along a bustling street.
Here you are, right on the doorstep of Atlanta’s gateway to the arts! Take a look around and you’ll see the subtle entrance to the Arts Center station, slightly hidden among the trees and concrete with MARTA signs standing guard. Don’t be fooled by its calm exterior-beneath your feet, the station bursts with activity. It’s not just any stop on the map; this is where two of MARTA’s major lifelines, the Red and Gold lines, cruise through the city side by side. They say around 6,600 people buzz in and out of here every weekday-so if you see a crowd, you’re in good company!
Now, picture the year 1982, when hair was big and music was bigger. That’s when the Arts Center station opened its doors. Back then, it was the end of the line, the Northern King for both the Gold and Red tracks. Riders would ride all the way north until the tunnel ended here and, let’s be honest, probably do jazz hands in front of the Woodruff Arts Center across the street. But, you know how Atlanta likes to grow-so by 1984, the train lines stretched even further north, taking over new neighborhoods and leaving this spot as a busy crossroads instead of a final stop.
And get this-there’s a ghost of a dream running just north of you: a track stub, waiting for a subway line to Cobb County that never arrived. The plan derailed when Cobb decided they didn’t want to pay an extra 1% in sales tax. The branch got as far as a two-station spur and then was pulled up in favor of stretching the Red Line way beyond Buckhead. Sometimes even train tracks get rerouted in life!
Here at Arts Center, you’re at the heart of Midtown, shoulders brushing with the city’s best: the High Museum, the Museum of Design Atlanta, the Woodruff Arts Center, and Piedmont Park are all steps away. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on one of the many buses, or even a Zipcar for those on-the-fly adventures. Oh, and don’t forget-the famous Amtrak Peachtree station is just a mile north, with MARTA’s Route 110 sweeping you straight there.
So whether you’re off to see a Tchaikovsky concert, hunting for design inspiration, or just want to people-watch in style, the Arts Center station is your springboard. Just keep an eye out for that Zipcar-rumor has it, it’s the most well-traveled car in Atlanta!
