World of Coca-Cola

Probably one of the most interesting attractions I have ever seen is the World of Coca-Cola.  Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta at Pemberton Place across from Olympic Park and beside the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola is a two-story museum that takes you through the history of the World’s #1 soft drink.  Admission to the museum is $16 US/Adult, and hours of operation vary depending on the time of the year.  Generally speaking, it is open from 10am – 5pm seven days a week and only closes on American Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

World of Coca-Cola

You can either do a self-guided tour or book a VIP tour at the World of Coca-Cola.  I chose to do a self-guided tour as there is enough information around to learn more about what you are looking at.  It will take at least 2 hours to do a complete tour of the museum depending on your interests.

Artwork in the main foyer of the World of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola Loft
Located on the first floor right in front of the entrance, this exhibit displays some very unique, one-of-a-kind artifacts.  Everything from plates and paintings to 1950s café signage and Coke machines can be found here.  This area gives you a brief glimpse of some of the other displays you can find throughout the museum, so at most, spend only about 15 – 20 minutes here.

Coca-Cola Loft

Happiness Factory Theater
This area is more designed for young children and shows a brief animated film of a magical world inside a Coke machine to teach you "the five lessons of Happyfication."  Cheesy, I know.  So unless you bring young children to the World of Coca-Cola, you can either skip this altogether or save it toward the end of your visit.

Sample Coca-Cola artefacts

Milestones of Refreshment
By far this one is my favourite exhibit as it takes you through the entire history of Coca-Cola.  It goes through each decade starting in 1886 when Dr. John S. Pemberton invented the secret formula that would one day become the World’s #1 selling soft drink.  If you are interested in the Sales achievements of Coca-Cola or where they began global expansion or how they helped Atlanta win the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, then Milestones of Refreshment will not disappoint.  You can easily spend up to 90 minutes here and still feel like you have not learned enough about Coke.

Coca-Cola Advertisements & Artwork

Coca-Cola Polar Bear
Much like the Happiness Factory Theater, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear is geared more towards children and located on the first floor.  If you want to get your photo taken with Coke’s famous mascot, then by all means take a few seconds here to get it done.

Coca-Cola parody of the Mona Lisa

Vault of the Secret Formula

This exhibit addresses some of the myths and legends associated with Coca-Cola.  How does it get its taste?  Is there a secret additive to keep customers hooked?  The Vault of the Secret Formula is good for about a 20 – 30 minute walk through as it provides some scientific answers to these types of questions.  After this, go upstairs to the second floor and check out the Secret of the Formula 4-D Theater for a nice complimentary experience.

What really is in the "Secret Recipe" of Coca-Cola?

Bottle Works

Walking through this exhibit gives you a simulated experience of how a bottling plant works.  10 – 15 minutes is more than enough time to spend here, but definitely stop by to take a peak. As you see these bottles pass you by at Bottle Works, make sure you grab a bottle of free Coke on the way out of the museum. 

The Bottle Works Exhibit

LIVE POSITIVELY® Portrait Wall
An interesting exhibit located right beside the 4-D Theater, this interactive display explains where and how Coca-Cola is helping society.  Definitely spend about 10 minutes here if you have the time and check out how Coca-Cola is helping to protect the worldwide Polar Bear population.

Coca-Cola parody of American Gothic

Pop Culture Gallery
If he were still alive today, I imagine that Andy Warhol would take great joy in this exhibit.  This is where pop culture and commercialism become one in the same – where Art literally meets with Coke.  Visitors can easily spend 30 minutes here admiring fan submitted artwork displaying their love of Coke.

"American Idol" Casting Couch

Norman Rockwell paintings proudly display the famous red and white logo in them.  American Gothic meets American Commercialism.  And if you get a strain in your neck looking at all the paintings in the room, feel free to grab a seat on the casting couch from the fourth season of American Idol.

Perfect Pauses Theater
This is the last theater exhibit in the World of Coca-Cola Museum.  Unlike the other two theater exhibits, Perfect Pauses is geared more toward adults as it allows you to sit back and watch memorable Coca-Cola commercials through the years and from around the world.

Coca-Cola parody of Whistler's Mother

Taste It!
Whatever you do, make sure you save this exhibit for the end!  Here you can sample every single Coca-Cola brand and flavour from around the World.  With over 100 flavours to choose from, you will certainly get your sugar fix on for a good hour here.  The only thing that really disgusted me afterwards was skipping dinner as I was not hungry for the next few hours due to all the sugar I ingested by sampling each flavour.

Grab a complimentary Coke when you leave the World of Coca-Cola!

Weech’s Warning: There is one flavour here that is so revolting that there are no words to describe it. I once had soap put in my mouth as a child for using foul language, and I would rather taste that again then take another drop of this repulsive soda.  I won’t spoil it for you by giving you the name of it.  You will just have to go to the World of Coca-Cola yourself and figure it out.