Academy of Medicine

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, the Academy of Medicine stands as a testament to the city’s rich medical history. The Academy of Medicine, located in Midtown, was completed in 1941. It served as the home of the Medical Association of Atlanta. This elegant neoclassical structure, designed by R. Kennon Perry under the watchful eye of Philip Trammell Shutze, housed the city’s medical elite for decades. The Academy of Medicine’s design evokes a sense of timeless grandeur, reminiscent of the work of architectural giants like John Soane and Benjamin Latrobe. It originally served as a crucial meeting place for Atlanta’s physicians, fostering collaboration and the exchange of medical knowledge. The Academy of Medicine played a vital role in shaping the city’s medical landscape. The Academy of Medicine boasted not only meeting rooms but also served as a training center for interns and society members, further solidifying its importance to the medical community. By the 1970s, however, the Academy of Medicine had fallen into disrepair. Fortunately, a restoration project in 1983 breathed new life into the building. Now, the Academy of Medicine serves both the public and the medical profession. In a twist of fate, the Academy of Medicine found a new steward in 2008. Atlanta Medical Heritage, Inc., donated the building to the Georgia Tech Foundation. This ensured its preservation and continued use. Today, the Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech serves as a vibrant event space. Its auditorium, with a seating capacity of 250, hosts a variety of events, from ceremonies and seminars to musical performances and lectures. The Academy of Medicine’s central rotunda, crowned by a domed ceiling and the iconic chandelier from “Gone with the Wind,” is a sought-after venue for weddings, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to this historic setting. The Academy of Medicine’s journey through time reflects Atlanta’s own evolution, from a bustling medical hub to a vibrant center for education and events. The Academy of Medicine continues to stand tall, a cherished landmark that embodies the city’s past and its promising future.