Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), Atlanta

First opened in 1989 as the Atlanta International Museum of Art & Design, MODA is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to the study, recognition and celebration of all things design. In this respect, MODA is unquestionably different from your standard art museum fare. It examines how design affects people's daily lives through exhibitions, educational outreach, and adult programming.

With about 6,500 sq-ft (600 m2) of exhibit space in two main galleries with clean, industrial lines and versatile concrete floors, MODA regularly features exhibitions on architecture, industrial and product design, interiors and furniture, graphics, fashion and more. The front desk area can double as a reception space and the back gallery has a vaulted ceiling with windows stretching up two stories. In addition, the museum impressively has a built-in A/V system with ceiling-mounted digital projectors, track lighting that switches on in the blink of a motion detector, and banks of security cameras.

If you find beauty in the objects around you and want to learn more about how they are designed and made, this place should be on your list. It's a great add-on to a day at the High, which is right across the street, or can be a stand-alone activity while out in Midtown Atlanta. You can take a comprehensive tour and learn more about the intricate world of design or stop at the museum's gift shop that sells an extensive variety of merchandise.