Lush greenspace at the New World of Coke
If you are an Atlanta native, there is only one soft drink, Coca Cola or Coke. I have several Southern Recipes that include Coke as an ingredient, such as cakes, barbecue sauces and even salads. On your next visit to our Atlanta bed and breakfast, be sure and make time to tour one of our Atlanta attractions, The New World of Coke.
The New World of Coke is located near Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium on Pemberton Place. Pemberton Place was named for the pharmacists who invented Coca Cola, John S. Pemberton. I find it amazing that the history of Coke began in a pharmacy in 1886.
The New World of Coke sits on five acreas of lush green space with serrene water gardens. The water gardens show the relationship of water to the planet and Coke. The World of Coke building has a gold rating by the U.S. Green Building Counsel and is LEED Certified. During construction ninety percent of the construction waste was salvaged, reused or recycled. The building uses 40% less water and is 30% more energy efficient.
As you enter the lobby, you will be mesmerized by the encased thirty foot Coke bottle. A dramatic water wall with portraits of people from all over the globe highlights the reach of Coca Cola. There is also a collection of over sized Coca Cola “folk art” bottles from different countries. Each bottle was hand-crafted with symbols and material relative to the country it represents.
The Coca Cola Loft features a treasure chest of over 1,000 artifacts. A few of my favorite are the 1931 original Norman Rockwell “Barefoot Boy” used in the Coca Cola Calendar and the 2007 NCAA Final Four Basketball Backboard. As you move thru the exhibit the Portrait Wall Gallery showcases larger than life portraits from around the world. This interactive exhibit with an audio wand allows you to listen to their life stories and how Coke’s community programs have made a difference.
Next we move to the Milestone of Refreshment Gallery. You will see an original 1880 marble and onyx soda fountain, a 1939 delivery truck from Argentina and the first prototype “Contour” bottle manufactured by Root Glass Company and served on the 1985 space shuttle mission.
A favorite of our guest is the Bottleworks, in this gallery you will experience a real bottling line and see Coke being made. The Pop Culture Gallerys’ newest exhibit is “For the Love of Coke”. This one of a kind exhibit looks at how celebrities and everyday people from around the world have interrupted the brand thru art. You will see artwork from Andy Warhol, Howard Finster and Haddon Sundblom.
Take a few moments to relax and experience the Perfect Pauses Theater where you will take a trip down memory lane experiencing the magic of Coke’s advertising. The Secret Formula Theater lets you be the detective and search for the secret Coke formula.
Coke saved the best for last, the Taste It Gallery. You will experience a contemporary lounge with tasting stations serving 60 beverages including teas, water and new beverages. Be sure not to miss the Coca Cola Freestyle soda fountain where you can sample over 106 various Coke products from across the globe. Don’t forget to let us know which one is your favorite!
Tags: Atlanta attractions, Atlanta bed and breakfast, Georgia Aquarium, History of Coke, New World of Coke, Olympic Park, World of Coke
