The summer-into-fall heat has stirred up the need for a getaway to find respite and a reboot of the mind. But where to go when you can’t go far? Saddle up, lasso the family and ride out on a cool, comfortable and inspirational visit to the American West, just 30 minutes north of Atlanta on I-75.
The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, is an indoor and outdoor eye-candy immersion, at once historical, iconic, fanciful and surprising in scope. Among its sizable permanent collection are outsized murals, miniatures, an authentic stagecoach and a sculpture garden displaying larger-than-life examples of the genre’s best. The Booth reopened in June after establishing and carefully following COVID safety and health protocols for an optimal guest experience.
In the 120,000-square-foot space, the second largest art museum in Georgia, guests have plenty of room to spread out and accept the invitation to See America’s Story through significant historic and contemporary Western artwork, from bronze to canvas, and in every style from painterly to pop art. Around every corner, outsized art and delicate miniatures provide “stop you in your tracks” moments depicting the iconic cultures, indigenous peoples, dramatic landscapes and more. Even the soaring sculpture atrium, at once showcasing the pieces indoors and on the grounds, re-creates the big-sky feel of the Western plains.
In eight galleries, visitors can escape into the American West collection of landscapes and wildlife, experience Colliding Cultures as Native Peoples and settlers comingle in scenes of stenotype-shattering diversity in both the artists and subjects, see the exquisite artifacts and artisan pieces in Native Hands and explore the Cowboy Gallery, showing cowboys and cowgirls at work, rest and play.
One of the many reasons for its popularity is that The Booth displays a continually changing visual palette. Temporary exhibits are changed every three to four months in four galleries, resulting in 12 to 15 new exhibitions per year. Each visit is a relaxing yet exciting escape, a one- to three-hour exploration of the myth and magic of the West, without the dust and the distance.
If you go
Current temporary exhibits include Edward, Philip and Matt Moulthrop: Western Woods, continuing through October 4, and American Dreams or Imagined Lands: Terri Loewenthal, Jack Spencer, Christa Blackwood, Mark Klett and Byron Wolfe August 22, 2020–January 24, 2021. Coming this fall is the blockbuster exhibition Southwest Rising: Contemporary Art & the Legacy of Elaine Horwitch October 10, 2020, through April 25, 2021.
Cartersville offers cosmopolitan amenities with the parking, accessibility and charm of a small town. Two Smithsonian-affiliated museums (The Booth and the Tellus Science Museum) and a beautifully restored historic downtown filled with antiques, galleries and boutiques offer a destination experience. In addition to the Museum Café, area dining options include innovative cuisine, funky diners and everything in between.
COVID Precautions are carefully followed at The Booth. Advance tickets are required.For the safety of all guests and to limit the number of visitors, the museum has implemented a timed ticket system. Tickets are available for entrance every 30 minutes. The interactive children’s Sagebrush Ranch and the Orientation Theatre are closed at this time. For more information on changes designed to help offer the best experience possible for both visitors and staff, CLICK HERE for FAQs.
Location, hours, admission, and misc.
501 Museum Drive, Cartersville, Georgia 30120.
770-382-1300
- Ample free parking
- Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tues.–Sun.; 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Thursdays
- A 45-minute docent-led outdoor sculptures tour starts at 11:15 a.m., Tuesday–Saturday. Reservations required for 5 or more.
- Café open 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, with limited seating
- Admission: $12 adults, $10 Seniors 65+, $9 Students, Children 12 and under free, members free. Active Military Personnel free with ID; ½ price regular admission for all
immediate family members. - Everyone is free from 4–8 p.m. the first Thursday of the month, with advance ticketing.
- Additional details for your visit: BoothMuseum.org/Plan-Your-Visit
