The World of Coca-Cola is a family-friendly museum showcasing the history of the world-renowned Coca-Cola Company. It’s part of Pemberton Place, a 20-acre modern complex in Downtown Atlanta, northwest of the city’s Hotel District.
This is a great place to learn about the soft drink brand, thanks to interactive galleries and memorabilia that hark back through its history, with iterations of its bottle forms and iconic red-and-white logos. There’s even a 4D theatre, a scent exhibit, and a tasting room for a truly immersive experience.
World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta - one of the highlights of 10 Best Family Things to Do in Atlanta and 10 Best Things to Do in Atlanta (Read all about Atlanta here)
photo by Allenman12 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
What are the highlights of the World of Coca-Cola?
All highlights of the World of Coca-Cola are suitable for just about everyone. Start your visit at The Loft, where over 200 artefacts representing the brand’s heritage are on display. Notable items include a pair of Coca‑Cola beach pants dating back to 1970, a 19th-century Coca‑Cola syrup urn, and vintage advertisements from more than 30 countries. A well-informed guide is available to share interesting stories and give more insight into this exhibit.
One of the museum’s most impressive features is its Coca-Cola Portrait Wall. It’s an interactive map of the world that highlights the brand’s social initiatives in the US and countries like Kenya.
The Vault of the Secret Formula is an immersive multimedia exhibit about the soft drink’s secret recipe. You’ll also be led through 3 virtual environments – Triangle Room, Secure Train Car and Bank Vault – while protecting the secret to the best of your abilities. It’s a fun experience for groups, thanks to fun animations and activities throughout the journey.
photo by Marco Correa (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
A must-visit is the Coca‑Cola Taste It! exhibit, where you can enjoy unlimited sampling of more than 100 flavours of the famous soft drink. Some varieties are only available regionally or in countries like South Korea and France, so this experience is arguably the main highlight of World of Coca-Cola. We advise taking only small sips to taste these unique flavours and avoid a sugar rush.
You can watch 2 short films celebrating the brand’s milestones at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Moments of Happiness is a 6-minute-long film about memorable moments by people from around the world, from different ages and cultures. The museum’s 3D theatre screens In Search of the Secret Formula, a multisensory movie experience about a scientist and his assistant on a journey to discover Coca-Cola’s secret formula.
After exploring the World of Coca-Cola, head over to the onsite souvenir store to purchase official merchandise and memorabilia. Selected clothes, accessories and artwork are only available in this location.
Good to know about the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta
Besides the World of Coca-Cola, Pemberton Place also houses several notable Atlanta landmarks. You can see various aquatic wildlife like whale sharks, manta rays, sea otters and African penguins at Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest marine centres.
The National Center for Civil & Human Rights is a great place to learn about fundamental human rights, thanks to exhibits on the American civil rights movement, global civil rights struggles, homelessness, and the life of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
The complex is right across the street from Centennial Olympic Park, where the 1996 Olympic Games took place. This 22-acre park has many photo-worthy spots, including a medal podium and Olympic rings.
If you’re getting around Atlanta by car, the World of Coca-Cola has its own paid parking garage – the entrance is between Luckie Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive.
World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta
Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 404-676-5151