Atlanta’s arts community marked a major milestone Monday as The Atlanta Opera officially broke ground on the Molly Blank Center for Opera and the Arts — a new home that will anchor performance, education, and community programming along the Atlanta BeltLine.
City leaders, Opera staff, board members, donors, and neighbors gathered at 384 Woodward Way NW to celebrate the start of construction on the long-anticipated headquarters.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined Atlanta Opera General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun and Board Chair John Haupert for the ceremony and shovel turn.
“This entire site is being restored and reimagined as a place where all Atlantans can come together again,” Mayor Dickens said. “When you invest in the arts, you invest in people and in the future of a city.”
Honoring History on a Meaningful Site
The project incorporates a reinvention of the historic Bobby Jones Clubhouse.
The site also carries an important chapter in Atlanta’s civil rights history. In 1951, Alfred “Tup” Holmes, a talented Black golfer, was denied access to this public facility because of his race. He sued the City of Atlanta and ultimately won, helping desegregate public recreational facilities across the city and setting a precedent for inclusive public spaces.
Now, the property will once again serve the public — this time as a welcoming arts destination open to residents from every neighborhood.
A Permanent Home for a National Leader in Opera
The Molly Blank Center is scheduled to open in Fall 2027 and will serve as a multidisciplinary arts hub supporting performances, rehearsals, education programs, and community engagement.
The Atlanta Opera is recognized as one of the top 10 opera companies in the country, alongside institutions such as The Metropolitan Opera and Los Angeles Opera.
With the new center, that national recognition will have a permanent home on the 22-mile BeltLine loop — connecting neighborhoods, parks, small businesses, and cultural spaces.
“The BeltLine connects people to parks, neighborhoods, small businesses, and the arts,” Mayor Dickens said. “Now it will connect them to a top-tier opera company known for new works, reimagined classics, and bold ideas.”
Investing in Atlanta’s Cultural Future
The project is supported by philanthropic partners, including a major gift from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Naming the center for Molly Blank honors her legacy as a dancer, sculptor, businesswoman, and arts patron.
Mayor Dickens emphasized that arts investments strengthen the city’s economy and identity.
“The arts are economic drivers,” he said. “They support tourism and hospitality, fuel small businesses, and shape how the world sees this city.”
As Atlanta prepares to host major global events in the coming years, projects like the Molly Blank Center help reinforce the city’s reputation not only as a sports capital, but as a thriving arts and culture destination.
What’s Next
Construction will continue over the next several years, with the center expected to open in Fall 2027. Once complete, it will host performances, education programming, and community events designed to welcome residents of all ages.
Residents can learn more about upcoming performances and programs at atlantaopera.org.
