Quilt of Dreams, Atlanta
The Quilt of Dreams is a symbolic landmark that captures the city's aspirational journey towards hosting the 1996 Olympic Games. This quilt is not made of fabric, but of memories and the collective ambition of a group of visionaries who believed in the potential of their city. The narrative begins as early as 1990 when a dedicated committee of local business leaders and influential figures, including Ivan Allen III, son of former Mayor Ivan Allen Jr., rallied to support the idea of bringing the Olympics to Atlanta. Their names and contributions are immortalized on a bench at the site, reminding visitors of the roots of this dream.
Central to the narrative of the Quilt of Dreams is the Atlanta 9, a volunteer group whose tireless efforts were pivotal in securing the Olympic bid. These individuals, from various walks of life, represent the community’s involvement and the grassroots support that fueled the bid. Their names proudly displayed on a plaque signify the democratic and collective effort that underpinned the city's campaign. This aspect of the quilt emphasizes that while influential leaders provided necessary support, the heart of the Olympic bid was powered by community spirit and volunteerism.
Dominating the center of the Quilt of Dreams is a statue of Billy Payne, whose role was crucial in transforming the Olympic dream into reality. As the visionary who first proposed Atlanta as an Olympic host in 1987, Payne mobilized support from key figures including Mayor Andrew Young. His leadership as president and CEO of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games is commemorated with him holding an Olympic torch, symbolizing the light of aspiration and achievement that he brought to the city. Payne's idea and the collective effort it sparked led to a surprising victory when the International Olympic Committee awarded the bid to Atlanta in 1990, a testament to the power of conviction and collaboration.
Central to the narrative of the Quilt of Dreams is the Atlanta 9, a volunteer group whose tireless efforts were pivotal in securing the Olympic bid. These individuals, from various walks of life, represent the community’s involvement and the grassroots support that fueled the bid. Their names proudly displayed on a plaque signify the democratic and collective effort that underpinned the city's campaign. This aspect of the quilt emphasizes that while influential leaders provided necessary support, the heart of the Olympic bid was powered by community spirit and volunteerism.
Dominating the center of the Quilt of Dreams is a statue of Billy Payne, whose role was crucial in transforming the Olympic dream into reality. As the visionary who first proposed Atlanta as an Olympic host in 1987, Payne mobilized support from key figures including Mayor Andrew Young. His leadership as president and CEO of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games is commemorated with him holding an Olympic torch, symbolizing the light of aspiration and achievement that he brought to the city. Payne's idea and the collective effort it sparked led to a surprising victory when the International Olympic Committee awarded the bid to Atlanta in 1990, a testament to the power of conviction and collaboration.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Atlanta. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Quilt of Dreams on Map
Sight Name: Quilt of Dreams
Sight Location: Atlanta, USA (See walking tours in Atlanta)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Atlanta, USA (See walking tours in Atlanta)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Atlanta, Georgia
Create Your Own Walk in Atlanta
Creating your own self-guided walk in Atlanta is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Atlanta Downtown Walk
The capital of the U.S. state of Georgia was founded in the mid 1830s, some decade after the first Europeans settled in the area, as the terminus of a major national railroad that provided link between the port of Savannah and the Midwest.
Quite fittingly, the settlement was first known as Terminus, and then Thrasherville. When asked, in 1837, about its future, the railroad's chief... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Quite fittingly, the settlement was first known as Terminus, and then Thrasherville. When asked, in 1837, about its future, the railroad's chief... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Atlanta Midtown Walking Tour
A commercial core of Atlanta, Midtown is also a residential neighborhood, anchored by a series of high-rising office buildings, condominiums, and hotels. The exact geographical extent of the district is uncertain due to the varied definitions applied by people, authorities and businesses involved. Although its boundaries have never been clearly defined, Midtown Atlanta basically comprises the area... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Centennial Olympic Park
The Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta is a sprawling urban oasis, covering approximately 21 acres. It was created as a central gathering place for the Centennial Summer Olympic Games held in Georgia in 1996. In the years following the Games, the area witnessed commercial development resulting in a variety of attractions and amenities suitable for visitors of all ages.
One of the notable sites... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the notable sites... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
"Gone with the Wind" Walking Tour
Atlanta does “give a damn” about Gone With The Wind. There is a number of museums and sites in the city that commemorate one of America's all-time classic stories. Although released as far back as the 1930s, both Margaret Mitchell's award-winning novel and the film that followed shortly still inspire curiosity about and are equally celebrated in Atlanta.
The first port of call for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
The first port of call for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Martin Luther King Walking Tour
Martin Luther King Junior holds a special place in the hearts of many, and his legacy is deeply intertwined with Atlanta, Georgia. The most recognized spokesperson and leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950s and '60s, he was a Baptist Minister who used non-violent and civil disobedience tactics to advance the civil rights cause.
Though Doctor King had his share of critics,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Though Doctor King had his share of critics,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles