One of the world's largest fish tanks, a temple of soda, a shrine to civil rights -- and now, a glimpse into the future? In April 2024, a concept called "FutureVerse: America's Only Museum of the Future" was proposed as downtown Atlanta's first major new attraction in nearly two decades.
The nonprofit project was backed by a wide range of corporate leaders and figures from some of Georgia's most influential universities, with a stated goal to "redefine the museum experience" and showcase advanced technology meant to "protect our planet and benefit mankind." Costs for the Cooper Carry-designed facility -- envisioned with a flowing, modern exterior and multiple rooftop activations -- were estimated at $100 million. Backers projected the museum could draw more than 1.2 million annual visitors and generate $50 million in inaugural revenue.
Designs called for six "Future Galleries": Future Health (backed by Emory Healthcare, focused on preventative medicine), Future Transportation (automotive, aerospace, and space travel), Future Earth (climate change and solutions), Future Play (a "gaming arcade of the future"), Future Tech (a Jetsons-style look at tomorrow's homes), and Future Art (a fusion of art, film, and technology) -- all built around digital projection tech meant to let exhibits update cheaply and quickly as the future itself keeps changing.
No site had been determined at the time, but a project representative said early discussions were underway with CIM Group, the developer behind Centennial Yards, about a possible home in the Gulch. The project's advisory board drew from Georgia Tech, Emory Healthcare, the Woodruff Health Science Center, the University of Georgia, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia State's Robinson College of Business, and law firm Kilpatrick, Townsend, and Stockton, with an opening target of 2028. "Atlanta can do anything when we come together," said David Wynett, FutureVerse's president and chief creative officer, in the announcement.
Original reporting by Josh Green for Urbanize Atlanta, published April 2024.
