The Millennium Gate monument to Georgia history has its grand opening at the eastern edge of Atlantic Station on Friday, July 4. The 73-foot tall, $18 million arch celebrates peace and prosperity and pays homage to the people of Georgia. The project was conceived by the National Monument Foundation and spearheaded by Atlanta's Rodney Cook, Jr., a lifelong resident whose family tree includes two city mayors.

JOEY IVANSCO / jivansco@ajc.com (ENLARGE)
The Millennium Gate at Atlantic Station stands as a towering monument to Georgians and the historial acts they achieved.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

• Phone number: (404) 881-0900

• Official Web site

JULY 4 OVERVIEW

• Beginning at 11:00 am, those attending may enjoy the music of John Philip Sousa played by Orchestra Atlanta from the terrace, as well as costumed characters and popular mascots on the great lawn.

PARADE

• Beginning at 12:30 pm at the 17th Street Bridge, through the Retail District, to the Millennium Gate, there will be a parade featuring bands, celebrities, horse drawn carriages and local VIP's.

DEDICATION CEREMONY

• Beginning at 1:15 pm there's a salute to the U.S. with group singing of the National Anthem and presentation of the Color Guards. Guest speakers will include Congressmen John Lewis, Rodney Cook, Jr., President of The National Monuments Foundation, Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill and Hugh Petter, designers of The Millennium Gate and Brian Leary, presenting sponsor.

FINALE

• The Ceremony will conclude with champagne, daytime fireworks and continued performances by Orchestra Atlanta until 2:00 pm.

GRAND OPENING TOUR

At 2:00 pm the Millennium Gate will open its doors to attendees.

TICKETS

• In advance (time-stamp at purchase): (866) 512-6326

• www.museumtix.com

• Tickets are available at the entrance

• Adults $10, children $8.

• Accepted forms of payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

• Grand Opening Weekend: Saturday July 5th 10am-2pm; Sunday July 6th 1pm-5pm

Museum Hours (Subject to change): Mon.-Tue. Closed; Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

DIRECTIONS

From the North (I-85):

Head south on I-85 exit 17th Street. Turn right on 17th Street. Turn right just past the Wachovia building and the parking deck will be on your right. The Millennium Gate is on 17th Street and within walking distance.

From the North (I-75):

Head south on I-75 exit on 16th Street. Turn right on 16th Street, then right on Market Street. Continue just past the Wachovia building and the parking deck will be on your right. The Millennium Gate is on 17th Street and within walking distance.

From the South (I-75/85):

Head north exit 14th Street. Turn right on 14th Street, then left on West Peachtree Street, then left on 17th Street. Turn right on Market Street. Go past the Wachovia building and the parking deck will be on your right. The Millennium Gate is on 17th Street and within walking distance.

• Map your route

PARKING

There is a three story parking facility underneath the Atlantic Station District and on street meters located throughout the area.

MARTA ACCESS

None

ATLANTIC STATION ACCESS/MOBILITY PROGRAM

CLICK for details

EXHIBITS

• From Atlantic Steel to Atlantic Station; Atlanta Pioneer Gallery; The Interactive Philanthropy Gallery; Atlanta: Then and Now; Period Rooms;