4 museums, 1 square

Multiple Marietta buildings steeped in rich history with cultural collections.

Historic Marietta Square isn’t merely one of metro Atlanta’s most charming collections of antiques stores, boutiques and restaurants. It’s also something like a giant bouillon cube of culture.

“Four Museums, One Square,” teases a promotional billboard just north of the square. Here’s a look at this quartet of offerings, all located within easy walking distance of one another. There’s a free parking deck at the northwest corner of the square, and free twohour parking throughout Marietta Square and behind the Marietta Welcome Center at 4 Depot St.

Marietta Museum of History

1 Depot St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and free for members, children younger than 5 and active military personnel with ID. 770-794-5710, mariettahistory.org.

Permanent exhibits include a collection of Victorian wedding dresses, a military gallery, a 1940s kitchen and artifacts from the glorious Old Marietta Courthouse that was torn down in the 1960s to make way for the modern, utilitarian structure that sits there today.

Upcoming fundraisers include Guns and Growlers from 5 to 8 p.m. March 21, a event for those who appreciate fine weapons craftsmanship and fine craft brews. Schoolhouse Beer and Brewing and Creations by Cookie Inc. will provide the refreshments and guest experts on both guns and beer will be on hand to answer all your questions. Tickets are $30 each and available at gunsandgrowlers.event brite.com. an Academy Award.

Of special interest is the Bengaline Gown, worn by Leigh in the movie. Museum director Connie Sutherland noted that it is the only original dress worn by Leigh on permanent display.

Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art

30 Atlanta St. S.E. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Tuesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. (Closed Saturday for a private function). $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors 65 and older, free for members and children younger than 6. 770-528-1444, mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

Exhibitions on display through March 29 are “Corey Barksdale and Felix Berroa: Afro Vision” and “James Partee, Jr.: My Brush with Wildlife.” Special events include

Museums Also inside

Marietta Square boasts intriguing galleries to explore on foot,

quarterly Martinis & Music Nights; next one is May 1. The building, which opened in 1910 to house a U.S. post office, was used as a courthouse for scenes in the Oscar-nominated movie “Selma.”

Marietta Fire Museum

112 Haynes St. (Fire Station No. 1). 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and by appointment Saturdays and Sundays. Free; donations accepted. 770-794-5491, mariettaga.gov/city/fire/ museum.

This fascinating facility houses firefighting clothing, equipment and gear dating back to as early as the 1800s. Featured exhibits include a collection of vintage fire trucks ranging from an 1879 Silsby steam-powered pumper, in use through 1921, to a 1952 Chevrolet panel truck, donated and later refurbished by the Marietta Lions Club.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS The “Raiders Room” at the Marietta Museum of History tells the Civil War story of the daring plot by Union raiders to damage Confederate supply lines.

The Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art’s regular Martinis & Music Night events always draw a fun crowd of cultural connoiseurs.

This gown worn by Vivien Leigh is on permanent display at the Marietta “Gone With the Wind” Museum.