Goizueta Gardens: Swan House Gardens

Ask almost any Atlantan and they can tell you at least a little about the Swan House and the Swan House Gardens. Ask a Swan House enthusiast and you'll need to pull up a chair. In the same vein, ask about architect Philip Trammell Shutze and you're likely first to hear about Swan House. Its design inspired by classical Italian and English styles, Shutze created what was then, and even today, one of the most celebrated private homes in Atlanta.

The home was acquired by the Atlanta History Center in the mid 1960s and opened to the public in 1967, a delight to locals and visitors from around the world since.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

While the Inman family lost much of its wealth during the US Civil War, Edward Hamilton Inman (1881-1931) inherited a large cotton brokerage fortune. His interests included real estate, transportation, banking, and politics. He served on the City Council and at one point ran for mayor. He married Emily Caroline McDougal (1881- 1965) whose interests included philanthropy, politics, and society. The effects of their philanthropy continues to abound in Atlanta.

The Inman's built Swan House, completed in 1928, for more than $100,000 at a time when the average cost of a new home was $2,000, so you can imagine its splendor, which includes its acres of magnificent gardens.

The cascading fountain at the front of the house was designed after a similar one at Villa Corsini in Italy. Atop the attic cornice are two allegorical statues of "Spring" and "Autumn", the seasons during which Swan House Gardens are most spectacular. Their epic "front yard" is comprised of multiple tiers of gorgeous green grass, retaining walls, and fountains. Swan House is one of the most photographed structures in Atlanta.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The open arm stairway leading the the front door of Swan House is embellished with yellow Lady Banks Roses, a pop of complimentary color to the round-arched wall niches flanking the doorway, each inset with a shell motif and colored with sienna stucco. Lady Banks Roses are named for the wife of Sir Joseph Banks, renowned botanist and director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in southwest London along the River Thames.  

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Philip Trammell Shutze, still considered one of Atlanta's greatest architects, designed Swan House and Swan House Gardens. Sometimes, when Swan House is open for tours, you may have the opportunity to meet Shutze! The home will often host costumed, first-person interpreters who delightfully enhance visitors' experience of Swan House.

The exquisite Boxwood Garden is at the north side of the house. Immediately behind me (when taking this photo) is the Screened-In Porch, often open for visitors to enjoy. Some of you may recall this space as the Breakfast Room in President Snow's (Donald Sutherland) mansion in 2013's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. He enjoyed breakfast with is granddaughter who was wearing her hair in the style of heroine Katniss Everdeen.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

The paired columns atop a broken pediment framing a garden bench and a majestic eagle are located in the Boxwood Garden at the southern side of the house. This site is today used for many private events including fundraisers, corporate parties, and wedding receptions. 

This garden has also seen its day in the Hollywood spotlight. It was the site of the evening party at the Capitol in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire., starring Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) and Josh Hutcherson (Peter Mellark). Also in the film were the Swan House lawn and the front of Swan House.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

These beauties are planted near or in the Boxwood Garden at the north end of Swan House. While white flowers are beautiful in any garden, as are these, I personally couldn't help but be reminded of President Snow's signature white rose when I saw these, given their proximity to the numerous scenes from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire when Snow was seen with said white rose.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

From this vista, you can see the back of Swan House (where the public enters the house), through the Boxwood Garden, all the way to Ambrose the elephant in Swan Woods, which extend all the way to the front of the expansive Swan House lawn.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's ample statuary throughout Swan House Gardens, scattered thoughtfully and sparingly. To the left of the pair of duos here, at the south corner of Swan House, is a Victorian Playhouse! That playhouse, which grownups can fit inside, was built in downtown Atlanta in 1890. After several moves in Atlanta, it was donated to the Atlanta History Center by the William D. Ellis family in 1980.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Pink Dogwood Trees, filled with its namesake blossoms in spring, grow on the north side of the house, visible from the Dining Room and Breakfast Porch of Swan House, the latter not accessible to the public. If approaching Swan House from the bridge over the Quarry Garden, these beauties are one of the first things you'll see in Swan House Gardens in the spring. Many of the gardens here offer a delightful sense of tranquility.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Today's visitors, as did visitors in the late 1920s, entered through the back of the house, which a first-time visitor may mistake for the front of the house because of its grandeur. Even the garden on the opposite side of the driveway (pictured above) is splendid!

You may see a car or two in the driveway at the back entrance. Edward H. Inman was, among many other things, a car enthusiast. In fact, he held a number of racing records, when car racing was extremely dangerous! Not that it's not today, but there were considerably fewer safety features in race cars back then.

Swan House Gardens | Atlanta History Center | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

I don't know the provenance of this particular piece, perched in the garden overlooking the driveway at the back of Swan House, but I do know that it was relocated from the Sims Asian Garden. I think it's perfectly suited for this particular spot! I did not notice when I took the photo, but look closely...you'll see that the flower water spouts at the base are working!

Emily lived in Swan House until her passing 1965 at the age of 84. In 1966, the Atlanta History Center (then the Atlanta Historical Society) purchased the home and most of its original fabulous furnishings, ranging from 18th-century antiques to 20th-century objects. It opened to the public in 1967 as a house museum and the headquarters of the Center. Said HQ offices are today located in the museum building. 

I thought that it wasn't after Emily's death that the house was bestowed the name "Swan House", a nod to the numerous instances of swans in the house's interior decor, but a April 1936 article in The Atlanta Constitution that noted "...Inman's Swan House set in a 45-acre woodland". 

I've always loved visiting the Swan House and its gardens, not just because its name is so close to my middle name, Swann, but because of its magnificence, in design, architecture, and interiors.

In 2004, the Atlanta History Center completed a $5,400,000 restoration of Swan House and its furnishings. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Swan House Gardens are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, throughout the year!

The Other Gardens: This is the sixth post in a series sharing the beauty of the nine gardens on the Atlanta History Center's 33-acre campus. You can find them all here.

Focus on 5 from "Atlanta in 50 Objects"

"We want to be a community-driven organization that responds to our audience—indeed, we hope to appeal to a wider and more diverse audience by being inclusive of multiple viewpoints," said Atlanta History Center Executive Vice President Michael Rose. 

That's exactly how Atlanta in 50 Objects came to fruition. It represents the expertise of Atlanta historians at the Center and suggestions from Atlanta's citizens, at the request of the Center. Nominations were accepted via Facebook, other platforms and an onsite suggestion box. Hundreds of Atlantans responded!

The 50 objects selected to represent the history of Atlanta range in predating our founding in 1837 to showcasing objects that will take us far into an exciting future. However, Atlanta in 50 Objects features more than objects...this collection of treasures includes artifacts, people, events and even ideas. 

I've been a member of the Atlanta History Center for a number years and this exhibition is one that resonates with reasons I love this city. Our history is rich and our future bright, a story extremely well-told in Atlanta in 50 Objects.

I'm going to discuss only five objects in this writing and encourage you to visit the Atlanta History Center to discover the others...I believe you'll be as fascinated as I was, and that that you'll find some delightful surprises.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Portman Buildings

My first Atlanta experience was seeing her star-soaked glistening skyline. I was driving in from the north for an evening on the town. Mesmerized by her skyline, I knew then and there that I wanted to live in this vibrant city. Meeting her citizens soon thereafter cinched it. It would not be much longer after that first visit that I would make Atlanta home. That was in 1987. 

One of the first names I learned in Atlanta was that of architect-developer John Portman. Anyone who has visited downtown Atlanta has experienced the brilliance of John Portman, from the sparkling 72-story glass cylinder—the Westin Peachtree Plaza—the tallest hotel in the world at the time it was built, to the magnificent SunTrust Plaza at the northern tip of the downtown area. Atlanta's skyline will for countless generations carry Portman's artistic expression, as will the skylines in dozens of other cities throughout the world.

The above pictured object in the exhibition highlights Portman building in downtown Atlanta. I've not yet been, but hear good things about the latest Portman project, the downtown restaurant JP Atlanta.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Portman Buildings

As magnificent as Portman's other works are, I have over the years remained particularly fond of the Hyatt, and more specifically of Polaris, Atlanta's first revolving restaurant, now (after been closed for a few years) renovated and reopened as a bar and lounge, it's a popular destination for craft cocktails, delicious bites and stunning vistas of Atlanta's skyline.

The Hyatt was constructed 20 years before I moved here. When it opened in 1967, it was the tallest building in Atlanta! Today it's practically dwarfed by Atlanta's newest skyscrapers, but none possess the fascination of the "blue bubble", an experience that Jim Morrison likened to flying in "Victorian Rocket Ships".

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | 1985 Exposition

1895 was a busy year in history! In Atlanta it was especially so, particularly during the 1895 International and Cotton States Exposition, hosted for 100 days in Piedmont Park.

The vast majority of the buildings constructed for the Exposition were built as temporary structures, but some of the large stone planters and steps remain, although many who walk those steps wouldn't know that Buffalo Bill Cody also walked the same steps back in 1895! 

One of the then-modern features that fascinates me most is that the Exposition was opened remotely by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, when he flipped an electric switch in Massachusetts! I can just imagine the look of marvel on attendees' faces that day.

The Exposition featured then-modern technology, including an early version of the motion picture—which few actually experienced because the building wasn't air-conditioned. And there was a "Phoenix Wheel"—instead of a Ferris Wheel, either because there wasn't the money for royalties or they wanted to build their own...I've read and heard various versions of that story.

There was a building dedicated specifically to featuring the accomplishments of women and another featuring the accomplishments of African Americans. And the Liberty Bell itself was on display! To say there was a lot for the more than 800,000 visitors to experience would be an understatement.

One fun way to learn more about the Exposition—in addition to so much I've learned at the Atlanta History Center—is to go on a Piedmont Park Historic Tour, in Piedmont Park.

That Exposition, considered by some not wholly successful and by others a venture that breathed new life into Atlanta, is fascinating no matter how you look at it. I'm  continually learning more about it and its benefits to our city.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | MLK's Nobel Speech

Two Georgians have won the Nobel Peace Prize. One was a U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and one was modern Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The object representing MLK, Jr.'s prestigious prize is his hand-written acceptance speech. It's a magnificent  document, one that when you read it you hear his voice in your head. The speech is nearly a full 20 pages in length and I encourage you to read it when you visit. Recognized for his campaign for nonviolent social change, there's a lot in this document that I believe we can all learn from.

A sign of the times, the announcement of King's winning the Nobel Peace Prize was on October 14, 1964, but it wasn't until January 27, 1965 (which happens to be the day I was born) that a celebration was given in his honor of winning the Prize. 

There were some who were not wholly thrilled about his winning, but a small group of Atlantans, including Atlanta Constitution editor and publisher Ralph McGill, Rabbi Jacob Rothschild, Morehouse President Benjamin E. Mays, and Archbishop Paul Hallinan came together to organize the honorary dinner for Dr. King.

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Ramblin' Wreck

If you attended Georgia Institute of Technology or know someone who attended or is attending Georgia Tech, or if you've spent even a little time in Atlanta, you'd have known the answer on March 4, 2013, to the Jeopardy! clue—a Final Jeopardy round—"One of its mascots is a restored 1930 sport coupe that's been in use at the school since 1961." 

The question to that clue—which none of the contestants got right, evidently none of them from Georgia—was, "What is the Ramblin' Wreck." Georgia Tech is world renowned for the caliber of professional it produces, the scientific research it fosters and the fierceness of its college football fans...of course Ramblin' Wreck is one of the 50 objects that defines Atlanta's history!

Atlanta in 50 Objects | Atlanta History Center | Michonne's Katana

I'd heard of The Walking Dead and quickly became aware of its intense following. I love science-fiction and a good apocalypse flick, but I did not anticipate my own immediate addition to watching The Walking Dead...I turned as quickly as someone bitten by a Walker. 

And there was nothing subtle about my addiction to the show. I would binge, my appetite for more was relentless and I tirelessly sought out time to devour as many episodes as I could. 

Also, being the good tourist that I am, I went sought out real-life zombie experiences and went on Atlanta Movie Tours' Big Zombie Tour (twice!) and Big Zombie Tour 2 (when I got locked up with Daryl). They've recently announced their Big Zombie Tour 3, which  I hope to experience sometime soon.

In case you didn't know, The Walking Dead, filmed here in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia, is the #1 rated cable television drama...EVER! Georgia is now #3 in television and movie production in the United States and #5 in the world! 

On that note, when you're visiting the Atlanta History Center, check out their Swan House Capitol Tour...several films in The Hunger Games franchise include scenes shot in the 1928 Swan House!

See, I got carried away talking about zombie and almost forgot the object! The object pictured above is Michonne's Katana, one she wields with precision, intensity and a ruthless drive to survive the zombie apocalypse. Michonne is one of my favorite characters on the show. She's quiet, introspective and determined, and she's kicking zombie butt all over Atlanta! I love the Atlanta History Center's choice of object to represent The Walking Dead.

So, there you have it...five of the 50 objects that quite magnificently represent Atlanta history. Do make time to see Atlanta in 50 Objects at the Atlanta History Center, and don't wait until it closes at the end of December...you'll very likely want to see it more than once, just as I have.

Atlanta History Center: 14 Reasons I Renewed

One can learn more about the history of Atlanta—and the rich experiences it has offered, and currently offers the world—in a few hours at the Atlanta History Center, than most ever learn in a lifetime living here.

I don't say that lightly. I say it from experience. I moved to Atlanta in 1987, lived here for 15 years, moved to DC for nine, and I've now been back for more than five years. After starting wanderlust ATLANTA—a blog about being a tourist in Atlanta—an exercise to re-familiarize myself with the city, I learned more about Atlanta in one year than I had in the 15 years I lived here before. It was a shocking and amazing revelation!

Exploring the Atlanta History Center has played a significant role in my learning more about the city that I consider "home", more than any other place I've lived. In particular, I'm grateful to the staff who have made me feel so welcome as a person enthusiastic about sharing fascinating experiences throughout our wonderful city. I'm talking about you Hillary, Martha, Brandi and Sheffield! 

So, why exactly did I renew my membership? The following are 14 reasons, in no particular order, I recently and excitedly renewed my membership to the Atlanta History Center:

SWAN HOUSE

Swan House | Atlanta History Center

I adore the Swan House not only because my middle name is Swann (note the difference in spelling), but also because it's one of the most magnificent historic homes in the whole of Atlanta! It's also one of the most photographed attractions in the city. 

Swan House, designed by famed Philip Trammell Shutze, built in 1928 for the Edward H. Inman family, is magnificent! I highly recommend that you tour the home when you visit. Be sure to request a timed entry ticket when you arrive at admissions.

MANDARIN SHUTZE: A CHINESE EXPORT LIFE

Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life | Atlanta History Center

I love it when an exhibit sneaks up on me...that I don't miss, of course. Fortunately, I "discovered" Mandarin Shutze: A Chinese Export Life after overhearing another visitor mention it. I had in fact heard about it, but it fell off my radar for a few months. 

This exhibition is magnificent! And a lot larger than you might think when you first go in. I should say "go down"...it's in the basement of the Swan House. To see this exhibition, be sure you've secured your timed Swan House tour voucher at admissions or ask if the house is open—for certain programs the Swan House is open outside of timed tours.


CANDLELIGHT NIGHTS

Candlelight Nights | Atlanta History Center

This year's Cendlelight Nights has been on my calendar since it was first announced, which I was eagerly awaiting having had such an incredible time at last year's event! 

This year's events are on Friday, December 11 (I'll be at Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker), and Friday, December 18, for which I've already purchased my tickets! I'm excitedly looking forward to a repeat performance of all the magnificent holiday cheer this event brings. 

Get a program when you arrive to make sure you don't miss anything you want to see while you're there. And there's a LOT to choose from, and the programming is throughout their 33-acre campus!


THE 1996 ATLANTA SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES MUSEUM

Olympic Torches |  1996 Summer Olympic Games | Atlanta History Center

Having lived in Atlanta during the bidding process for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, including the heart-pounding morning of the winning bid announcement, through the Centennial Olympic Games themselves, this museum has a very special place in my heart. It is home to a world-class collection and a part of Atlanta history that stands unique.

I also lived in Greece for more than two years, where I toured the Olympic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held 100 years prior to their being conducted in Atlanta. That's another reason this museum means so much to me.

The museum is expansive, but my favorite collection in this particular museum is the torches (and medallions prior to torches) for each of the modern Olympic Games! It's impressive!


PARTY WITH THE PAST

Party With the Past | Atlanta History Center

From its inception, the Atlanta History Center's Party With the Past events have been incredibly successful. The program is designed specifically for local young professionals and that's the majority of the upwards of 300 attendees at the events. 

I've had the pleasure of attending many of these events (I may not be "young", but I am young at heart) and I've written about a few, too. Have a look:

Party With the Past at Zoo Atlanta
Party With the Past at Dekalb History Center
Party With the Past Gatsby Style at Swan House

The events are held approximately every two months and they're consistently as much fun as they are informative. Many may not think of history as "fun", but it totally can be! 


AUTHOR EVENTS

Travis with John Berendt | Margaret Mitchell House

I've attended a number of author events at the Atlanta History Center and the Margaret Mitchell House (part of the Atlanta History Center).

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone, heartthrob Aussie (now living in Los Angeles), was awesome. But, perhaps my favorite author event was getting to see, hear and meet John Berendt (pictured above), author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the evening he introduced his novel as a METABOOK.

You MUST check out METABOOK...it gives novels a life you never knew a book could offer...it's a wholly new way to experience the written word.


MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE

Margaret Mitchell House | Scarlett O'Hara | Gone With the Wind

I've seen the Margaret Mitchell House restored, burned, restored and grow since I first moved to Atlanta in 1987. I am incredibly impressed with what's been done with this historic home and grateful that it has been rebuilt and is used for public tours and events on a consistent basis. If you haven't been, go!

Their guided tours are timed, so plan ahead. And be sure to visit the ancillary buildings that house additional Margaret Mitchell and Gone With the Wind exhibits, displays and artifacts. 


GOIZUETA GARDENS

Cherry Sims Asian American Garden | Atlanta History Center

For your wanderlusting pleasure, you may "explore 22 acres of tranquil gardens and trails, featuring six distinct gardens that showcase the horticultural history of the Atlanta region." 

I knew there were multiple gardens, but I didn't know there were six! And I didn't know that they focus on the "horticultural history of the Atlanta region"! I have indeed explored and delighted in the over the years and highly recommend doing so when you visit. I'm quite fond of the Quarry Garden and I love the Cherry Sims Asian American Garden!


SMITH FAMILY FARM

Smith Family Farm | Atlanta History Center

Smith Family Farm is another of their historic homes, that was once located approximately four miles from where it now stands, in high contrast to Buckhead's modern skyscrapers.

Visiting this historic home when there are costumed docents is great fun. And there are animals living on the farm, including a goat named Little Richard.

A home that represents life around the time of the Civil War, "The house and separate open-hearth kitchen are now surrounded by a dairy, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, double corncrib, slave cabin, and barn, as well as traditional vegetable, herb, field, flower, and slave gardens."


BOBBY JONES MUSEUM

If you're a golfer, you're going to love the Bobby Jones museum at the Atlanta History Center! I wrote a story a couple of years ago that outlines a full day of Bobby Jones tours throughout Atlanta, including the museum at Atlanta History Center!

"Down the Fairway With Bobby Jones" is a fantastic museum dedicated to the local golf legend Bobby Jones. I have visited this particular museum countless times and I'm not even a golfer! I've been golfing twice and the second time I didn't lose a single ball to the woods!


SWAN HOUSE CAPITOL TOURS

Swan House Capitol Tour | President Snow's Desk | Atlanta History Center

The Swan House Capitol Tour is so incredibly awesome, for cinema enthusiasts and history buffs alike! If you're a fan of The Hunger Games movies, you'll want to go on this tour! If you've been before, I recommend going again...there have been a few changes since Mockingjay Part 2 was released.

If you're not familiar with The Hunger Games, the Atlanta History Center was a filming site for last three films in the series, in particular, the Swan House, the Swan House Gardens and the Swan House Lawn.


VETERANS PARK

Veterans Park | Atlanta History Center | U.S. Navy

As a former sailor in the United States Navy, although I never had shore-duty throughout my enlistment (I was a land-based Radioman), I'm ever grateful to the Atlanta History Center for its Veterans Park. 

I recently attended their third annual Veterans Day program, conducted in Veterans Park, and was incredibly touched by the entire program and those who were in attendance, including many war veterans.

Veterans Park is exactly that...a park. But it's a park with lots to offer. And you can visit it outside of regular museum hours. I recommend bringing your smart phone and downloading a QR Code reader, if you haven't already, prior to visiting.


GONE WITH THE WIND TRAIL

Atlanta History Center | Turning Point | US Civil War

The Gone With the Wind Trail includes two Atlanta History Center destinations. 

In the primary tours, they list the Margaret Mitchell House, the Atlanta history Center's historic home located in the Atlanta neighborhood of Midtown. The other listing—under "Rhett's Recommendations" is their main campus in Buckhead—specifically, "Turning Point: The American Civil War" museum, which houses one of the more comprehensive Civil War collections in the nation!

Before I moved back to Atlanta and started blogging about being a tourist here, I'd never considered myself a "Windie"—a super fan of Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Gone With the Wind. 

But as I explored more and more, it eventually dawned on me...I keep visiting Margaret Mitchell/Gone With the Wind/Civil War sites and going on tours relative to the book and subsequent movie, in addition to being a history buff, that perhaps, just maybe, I am a Windie. I've met some very nice Windies over the years, so I wouldn't be devastated with the attribution.


ATLANTA CYCLORAMA AND TEXAS

Texas | Cyclorama | Atlanta History Center

When rumors began to surface about the closing of the Cyclorama, I was devastated. It was a mostly-ignored, under-visited attraction—a most wonderful attraction, but in my opinion, it didn't have the marketing backing as many other equally magnificent exhibitions. 

I was overjoyed when I learned that the Atlanta Cyclorama and the Texas locomotive were going to the Atlanta History Center!

The Atlanta Cyclorama is also on Rhett's Recommedations on the Gone With the Wind Trail. 

The move was announced in 2014. The attraction closed in June of this year (2015) and it's slated to reopen at the Atlanta History Center in early 2017. Here's a wonderful fly-through rendition of what we all can expect: The Cyclorama's Future Home (VIDEO) 

There you go...14 amazing reasons to become a member of the Atlanta History Center! And please know that this is a short list...it's the tip of the tip of the iceberg. Go explore!

For the record, while the Atlanta History Center has been wonderful to me as a blogger, I also consider them friends. I purchased my own membership and all the opinions expressed in all my writings are my own opinions. 

If you're a local or visit Atlanta frequently, I encourage you to become a member of this magnificent Atlanta destination. I say "destination" because it's so much more than a museum or an attraction...the Atlanta History Center is Atlanta...past, present and future!

Pre-Mockingjay Part 2: Swan House Capitol Tour

Do you ever binge-watch movies just before a new sequel premiere?

I do, but here's one better...before Mockingjay: Part 2 hits theaters this November, go on the Atlanta History Center's behind-the-scenes Swan House Capitol Tour! You get to see filming sites, movie artifacts and learn bits about The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Mockingjay: Part 1 that most people never will!

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Travis S. Taylor

By the way, President Snow is not the only one who can wield a white rose with confidence!

There are an incredible many awesome aspects to this tour, yet I do think that sitting at President Snow's office desk is among the top! This room is not on the general Swan House tour (which is another one I highly recommend!) and many of the artifacts located here are from the movies. 

The desk here is a remarkably similar desk to the one in the movie, however, the real one was purchased by the president of a neighboring country! You're going to learn quite a lot of fun facts when you visit. 

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Swan House

I remember the very first trailer (here's a clip) I saw for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire that included the scene of President Snow's mansion, what we Atlantans know as the Swan House, and just how exciting it was. It was magnificent to know that such a beloved Atlanta icon was going to be on the big screen in such a fantastic way! 

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Dining Room

You'll see a lot on the tour, including the wallpaper in the Dining Room, which is gorgeous! It features 50 kinds of birds, and not a single one repeated—although I do not think there's a mockingjay, but feel free to explore. 

It's original and a bit faded, so you can just make out a hint of the original watermelon pink color...which is quite stunning, and in spectacular condition given the house was completed in 1928!

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Swan Table

If you've toured the Swan House before, you know that it gets its name from the swan motif throughout the house. Many of the house's swans appear in the The Hunger Games movies filmed here, including the gorgeous swan tables in the Dining Room. 

When my tour guide found out that my middle name is Swann, a huge smile crawled across his face. And I have to admit, splendor aside, I love that I have something in common with the Swan House, one of the more spectacular icons of Atlanta. 

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | President Snow's Desk

This room, not the only one under lock-and-key, is reserved for patrons of the Swan House Capitol Tours. That's to say this is a special tour and one you will not soon forget!

The photograph of me sitting at President Snow's desk wasn't my first photo at a presidential desk. My first was sitting at the president's desk...in the Oval Office...in Madame Tussauds'...in New York City. So, while I've yet to tour the White House in Washington, D.C., I have now sat at TWO presidential desks! I told you...I'm a "professional tourist"!

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Morning Room

The Swan House's Morning Room, originally a pistachio green color, was used as President Snow's office in the movies. The room was painted white for the films and then repainted pistachio green after filming. 

Preservationists (and I consider myself one), DO NOT FRET! The room had been restored to its original color far prior to the agreement with the film studio. So, they did not paint over original paint. 

Personally, I think it's awesome that the Inman's 1928 home has been immortalized in a globally sensational movie! Generations from now, many will enjoy the splendor of Swan House. How cool is that! 

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Morning Room Mirror

It's quite fascinating how much the Swan House mirrors the magnificence of the producer's vision of President Snow's home. 

The set of convex Federal-era mirrors in the Swan House's Morning Room were left in-place for scenes in the movies. They're absolutely stunning, so it's not a surprise, but a wonderful happenstance that visitors on the Swan House Capitol Tour get to see them up close and personal.

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Library

From the Swan House Library you peer out onto the side porch, which was President Snow's breakfast room, where he enjoyed a meal with his granddaughter. That side porch lets out onto the Swan House Gardens, which I hope visitors spend a little time exploring prior to their Swan House Capitol Tour.

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Swan House Garden

The above pictured garden was the scene of a grand party in The Hunger Games. You get to explore the many gardens of the 33-acre Atlanta History Center complex during your visit, and during the tour you'll get to see photographs and video of many of the spaces you're visiting on the tour, which makes it more real-time, realistic, as-if-you-were-there!

Swan House Capitol Tour, Atlanta History Center | Mirgill Joseph

I'd be totally remiss if I didn't say "Thank you" to my awesome tour guide, Mirgill Joseph. He's been with Atlanta History Center for more than eight years and does for the Center a lot more than give tours. This wasn't my first Margill tour, and he's been consistently fantastic! And he's pretty strong...look at that lift!

THIS is your grand opportunity to walk in the steps of Catnis Everdeen and Peeta Mellark...merely by going on an Atlanta History Center wholly unique tour. Its Swan House Capitol Tour!