Atlanta Museum

The Atlanta Museum is an annex of the Atlanta Public Library and occupies the south half of the 1867 Downey building, which was originally home to a bank. The museum is open for regular hours from April through September and other times by appointment.

In 1867 the Downey Building was built as two commercial spaces. The south side originally was occupied by the Exchange Bank of Atlanta followed by a series of reorganizations and name changes finally becoming the Atlanta National Bank which continued operating in this location until 1916 when they moved to a new location at the corner of Vine and Railroad Streets.

When the bank moved out the law firm of John L. Bevan and his son Frank moved in as new owners of the building after a quick intermediary sale. After the passing of the elder Bevan in 1933 his son Frank continued to practice law here until 1939 when he became a circuit judge. He used this office until his death in 1960.

The building sat empty from 1960 to 1972 when the local newspaper, the Atlanta Argus, rented the space. That didn't last long and the newspaper moved out in early 1973 after a fire. That led to the space standing vacant until the early 1980s when the owners donated the building to the Atlanta Public Library to use as an annex and museum.

The Downey Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004

The Palms Cafe opened in 1934 is in the north side.

Photo(s): 2016