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Today’s Around Atlanta guest on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio is Monica Prothro, facility administrator for the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum. This historic attraction has been located in Grant Park since 1921, where it houses the painting that depicts the Battle of Atlanta that took place during the Civil War. Created in 1885, visitors view this cylindrical painting from inside a rotating room that allows everyone to take in the entire scene.
Visitors can take a two-part guided tour through the museum that includes a background film on the Atlanta campaign, including a discussion on the battles that led up to the Battle of Atlanta – the battles of Kennesaw and Peachtree Creek. Then, visitors can see the painting, which tells the story of what took place throughout the city on July 22, 1864.
Also located in the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum is the Texas, the steam locomotive that took part in the Great Locomotive Chase. The General, which is now located in a museum in downtown Kennesaw, was captured by Union forces. The Texas was then used to chase down and capture the General.
A variety of other exhibits are artifacts are also housed inside the museum, including a progressive timeline of the painting’s creation and move into its current location.
As the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta and the Civil War draws to an end, the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum will be hosting two final events. One event will take place tonight, Sept. 18, 2104 at 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a free screening of “Race: The Power of an Illusion,” the first in a three-part series that examines race in society, science and history.
The Cyclorama is expected to move to its new location at the Atlanta History Center during 2015. Together, the center and the City of Atlanta have been working to carry on the museum’s heritage and ensure that the painting will live for at least another 100 years. When the painting is moved, it will undergo a full restoration that includes adding a missing panel back into the painting that doesn’t fit in the current location.
The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum is currently located at 800 Cherokee Ave. in Atlanta. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:15 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with tours beginning every hour on the half hour. To learn more about the Atlanta Cyclorama, listen to the full podcast above.
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The “Around Atlanta” segment is designed to showcase the best of metro Atlanta – the communities, attractions and special events that make this city great. To submit your event, community or attraction to the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, contact 770-383-3360.
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