Bringing the Garden
to the Beltline
Inspired by the citywide vision of a more walkable, bikeable, connected Atlanta, the Garden is moving forward with the transformation of nearly 8 acres along Piedmont Avenue and the Beltline’s northeast corridor.
Fueled by a visionary $150 million campaign, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is creating a stunning new sweep of horticultural beauty directly on the popular 22-mile Beltline loop.
As Atlanta’s population and density steadily increase with each passing decade, the Garden is committed to connecting people with nature in even more meaningful ways. The Garden will soon be the first major arts and cultural institution directly accessible from the Beltline, with so much to see and do on our expanded footprint.
In the Beltline Plaza, outside the Garden gates, a dynamic programming space will allow us to offer a variety of free, mission-oriented programs and community engagement opportunities for people of all ages. The new Beltline-facing Visitor Center will feature an indoor/outdoor cafe, gift shop, bicycle parking, and amenities for guests to enjoy.
Inside the Garden gates, a series of immersive experiences will be organized along a central Grand Axis, providing a strong linear sightline through the center of the expansion site, with dramatic views between garden rooms. From the majestic Water Terraces near the Arrival Court, through the enchanting Walled Garden, and up to the dramatic Fountain Garden on the property’s highest point, visitors will delight in exploring this best-in-class greenspace.
The landmark Atlanta’s Garden Gateway campaign represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our beloved botanical garden to grow, thrive, and serve increasingly diverse audiences in the heart of our bustling metropolitan region. Campaign fundraising recently surpassed the $100 million mark, and we are thrilled that momentum continues to build.
It’s our time to bloom, Atlanta. Join us!
FAQs
Why expand the Garden to the Beltline?
The movement to create more greenspace and shed our reliance on vehicles is gaining momentum as the Atlanta Beltline connects more of our neighborhoods, people and communities. Dining, shopping and workplaces are now a stroll or scooter ride away in many parts of the city, but Atlanta’s remarkable cultural institutions have remained separate from the Beltline’s accessible path—until now.
How does the Garden expansion connect to Piedmont Park?
Piedmont Park Conservancy plans to expand Piedmont Park, which, along with the Beltline, would create a convergence of the city’s most popular greenspaces, offering both the Garden and the park as easily accessible amenities for those who work, live and play along the 22-mile Beltline.
When will the project be completed?
The Garden aims to complete the expansion by 2027.
Has the Garden already acquired all the property it needs for expansion?
Yes, which will expand the 30-acre Garden by about 25 percent.
When will the project break ground?
Development of the site, which includes the current Public Storage location on Piedmont Avenue, will begin upon completion of its new building on Monroe Drive.
How much will it cost and how will the Garden fund the project?
Funding for the project includes a transformational lead gift of $25 million from the James M. Cox Foundation, a $10 million gift from Garden Trustee Carol Tomé and her husband Ramon Tomé, and a $5 million gift from The UPS Foundation, all for acquiring the property. This tremendous leadership support has launched the $150 million campaign Atlanta’s Garden Gateway: A Bold Entrance to our Sustainable Future, which funds property acquisition, capital development, and endowment.
What does this project mean for Atlanta?
The Garden expansion will be a giant leap forward toward the walkable, bikeable Atlanta that major employers want and that our residents deserve. And through expanded connectivity and access, it will add almost endless possibilities for our community. This forward-thinking vision would create a new botanical greenway where the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park and the Beltline all converge.