Things to see in Atlanta

Surrounded by 13 hectares (33 acres) of signposted trails and gardens, this complex of Atlanta's past focuses on the human tragedy of the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. Exhibits include the artistry of Southern needlework and handicrafts plus Bobby Jones, the famous 1920s golfer, memorabilia. A 1996 Atlanta Olympics exhibition opened in July 2006. Swan House , the elegant 1928 classical-style mansion named for the swan motif recurring throughout the interior, and the Tullie Smith Farm , an entire farm complex built in the 1840s moved intact from rural Georgia, are also part of the centre.

This centre houses puppets from all over the world as well as puppet-making workshops. In the theatre are puppet performances for both children and adults.

Enter into the dramatic 26m- (86ft-) high Great Hall skylight and be surrounded by a spectacular wall of windows, a fossil-embedded limestone floor and a giant dinosaur. With fossils, plants, dinos and animals, the winding Walk through Time exhibit depicts the prehistory and history of Georgia up to 1838. The development of handicrafts is illustrated with ethnic weaving, pottery and jewellery from Asia. The facility also has an IMAX theatre.

Located in downtown Atlanta across from Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest indoor aquarium in the world. It boasts an impressive 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water, over 47,000 sq m (505,000 sq ft), and features more than 100,000 freshwater and saltwater fish and mammals representing 500 species from around the globe, divided into 60 different habitats. The largest one holds 6.2 million gallons of water and was specially designed to house whale sharks alongside tens of thousands of other coral reef and open-ocean creatures.

Another striking feature of the aquarium is its 30m- (100ft-) long tunnel, one of the largest aquarium windows in the world with views into whale shark habitat. The second largest habitat (800,000 gallons) was specially designed to simulate the natural habitat of beluga whales. Facilities include shops, a cafe, a learning zone, a 4D theatre, and meeting and conference facilities.

Located at the Woodruff Arts Center , this beautiful white, award-winning building, designed by Richard Meier, features modern, contemporary and decorative art mostly by American artists. A relatively new facility, designed by Renzo Piano, has doubled the size of the museum. Changing exhibits may showcase treasures from King Tut's tomb, China's Terracotta Army, collections from Paris' Louvre, or other wonders of the world.

This presidential library and museum examines the early life, political career and accomplishments of President Jimmy Carter. Presidents that preceded Carter are also honoured. In a replica of the Oval Office, a Carter recording reviews his White House years (1977 to 1981). Significant topics like the Middle East Peace (Camp David Accords), the Panama Canal, the nuclear threat and the Iran hostages are examined more closely in another section of the museum. On permanent display are Carter's Nobel Peace Prize, photographs, memorabilia and gifts of state. Lovely gardens and a great view of Atlanta's skyline surround the facility. President Carter himself occasionally visits the museum with visiting heads of state.

The 13-hectare (33-acre) Historic District in Sweet Auburn is a potent reminder of Atlanta's tumultuous past. Most moving is the recording of King's 'I have a Dream' speech which can be heard at the Visitor Center. The National Park Service maintains his birthplace home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he succeeded his father and grandfather as pastor in 1960, and Fire Station No. 6, the first fire station in Atlanta to be integrated. The nearby Martin Luther King Jr Center for Nonviolent Social Change pays tribute to King's Nobel Prize-winning work for equality via civil disobedience and non-violent marches.

This Southeast branch of the National Archives (the main branch is in Washington, DC) has original documents like family histories, penitentiary files and naturalisation papers that date back to 1716. There is an interesting exhibit of draft cards (selective service cards) of famous people such as Harry Houdini, Babe Ruth and James Cagney.

This venue dwells on aspects of American patriotism. Exhibits include American nationalistic symbols and a sweetheart jewellery collection of patriotic gifts. There is a section on tributes to the armed forces. Visitors are invited to send a free video to a serviceman.

Focusing on the Holocaust and Atlanta Jewish Heritage, exhibits include TV monitors with Holocaust survivor stories. Issues that have affected Atlanta Jews like Civil Rights and a temple bombing are also highlighted.