InUSA Tour Guide

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Halls that echo a rich history. Callanwolde was originally the home of Charles Howard Candler, the eldest son of Asa G Candler who founded Coca-Cola in 1892. The mansion was designed by Henry Hornbostel, also the architect of Emory University. It was completed in 1920 and was occupied by Mr Candler and his family until 1959. After his death, Mrs Candler donated the estate to Emory University. After several further transactions it was saved from destruction by an ambitious neighborhood organization, and opened in 1973 as a community arts center. The name Callanwolde translates as "Candler Woods," and refers to the Candler's ancestral home, Callan Castle, near Kilkenny, Ireland.

An English country house in Georgia. Although basically a Gothic-Tudor style mansion, Callanwolde contains a fascinating blend of architectural details from different periods and various nations. For example, the music room is lined with hand-painted 10th century Chinese scenic wallpaper panels. Detailed craftsmanship also is evident in the stained glass, bronze balustrades and delicate ceiling reliefs. The interior plan is one of openess, and the entire 27,000 square foot mansion is centered around an enclosed courtyard. Of the original 27 acres of grounds, 12 remain featuring formal gardens, nature trails, a rock garden, and a conservatory. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Callanwolde reflects beauty and tradition.

Music in the mansion. Especially designed and built for the house, the music system at Callanwolde is a truly unique feature. The heart of this system is the magnificant 3,752-pip Aeolian organ. The largest of its kind in playable condition, its outlest extend from the tone room to every major room in the mansion. The instrument's 3-manual console is equipped with a built-in roll player on which the original rolls are still playable. Here the Candler daughters had weekly organ lessons with Dr Charles Sheldon, a well-known Atlanta organist.

Christmas At Callanwolde. An Atlanta Christmas tradition which takes place the first 2 weeks of December, Christmas At Callanwolde showcases the work of Atlanta's top interior and floral designers as they decorate each room in Christmas splendor. The mansion is decorated with designer furnishings for this event. Also available are shops, a cafe, and staged performances by local artists. Christmas At Callanwolde is listed as one of the Top 20 Tourism Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. The funds raised from this spectacular Atlanta tradition are used for the operation and restoration of the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Under the Spotlights. Each year the stately mansion features a rich variety of performances for the public to enjoy. Groups headquartered here include The Young Singers of Callanwolde (who also tour the US and Europe annually); The Southern Order of Storytellers (sponsoring each year The Olde Christmas Storytelling Festival); The Callanwolde Apprentice Dance Company (performing a special Children's Dance Festival every fall); The Concert Band; the Poetry Committee; and Callanwolde Theatre. Visiting performers at Callanwolde include both regional and international talent presenting everything from classical recitals to new works in modern dance.

The Gallery. The Callanwolde Gallery presents distinctive one-person exhibits by local artists, sculptors and photographers, with a special emphasis on emerging talent. These shows are located on the 2nd floor and are open to the public at no charge.

The Art Shop. The Art Shop is operated by volunteers of the Callanwolde Guild. Juried art shows are presented every 3 months. Gifts and Christmas items are available thoroughout the year.

HOURS: Gallery: 10 AM to 3 PM Monday through Saturday; Art Shop: 10:30 to 2:30 Tuesday through Saturday; Conservatory: 10:30 to 4:00 Monday through Friday.

ADMISSION: Self-guided tours are free; $1.50 per adult and $0.50 per child for guided group tours.

DIRECTIONS: From 75/85, take the Georgia Tech/North Ave exit and travel east 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Moreland Ave, which becomes Briarcliff Rd. Callanwolde is 0.5 mile on your left.