CNN Center is one of the most well-known places in Atlanta, Georgia. For many years, it was the main home for CNN news. People came here not only to see the studios but also to eat, shop, and enjoy the busy energy of the building. Families loved to take pictures near the big CNN sign, and visitors enjoyed the long escalator that became a fun memory. Today, CNN Center has changed. CNN moved much of its work back to its original campus, and the building now has a new life with a new name, “The Center.” Even though it feels different, it still holds an important place in the city’s history and is a spot that many people remember with smiles.
CNN Center is not just a news building anymore. It is now a place where people can do many things like dining, working, and celebrating. The tours that once showed how the news was made are gone, but the building is still alive with fresh ideas. The Center now brings new shops, food places, and spaces for people to enjoy together. Visitors can come for a meal, a coffee, or even just to sit and relax in a safe and welcoming area. This change shows how CNN Center has moved from being only about news to being a place for the whole community. It is a mix of history and new opportunities, and it still welcomes people every day.
What Is CNN Center And Why Is It Special?
CNN Center is a very famous building in Atlanta, Georgia. For many years, it was the main home of CNN news. People loved to visit because they could see where the news was made, eat in the food court, and take photos with the big red CNN sign. It became a fun stop for tourists and families. The building had shops, restaurants, and even the world’s longest freestanding escalator, which made it extra cool. CNN Center was more than just a work building, it was also a place where people came to spend time together. Even though CNN has moved most of its work, the building is still special because of its history and the happy memories people have. It is not just a building in the city, it is a part of Atlanta’s story.
CNN Center History: From News Hub To New Dreams
The building that became CNN Center was first opened in 1976 as the Omni Complex. In 1987, CNN made it their world headquarters, and from then on, it became known around the world. For decades, reporters worked here, and the news was shared with millions of people daily. Visitors could also take tours inside the studios and watch the newsrooms in action. Over time, the building turned into more than just an office; it became a landmark in Atlanta. But in 2021, new owners came in, and CNN slowly moved its work back to its first home in Midtown. By 2024, the place had a new name, “The Center,” and a fresh future ahead. This history shows how CNN Center grew, changed, and is still remembered today as a very important place in Atlanta.
Why CNN Left CNN Center And What Happened Next
CNN left CNN Center because it wanted to bring its teams back together in its older campus called Techwood. Moving everyone back helped the company save money and work more closely as one team. In October 2023, CNN started moving production, and by early 2024, the last shows had left the CNN Center building. This was a big change for both the company and the city. After the move, the building got a new name and new plans. Instead of staying empty, it turned into a place where businesses and people could enjoy fresh experiences. Shops, food halls, and offices started filling the space. What once was a news hub is now a community hub. The change shows how buildings can have new lives even when the old purpose is finished.
CNN Center Today: Now Called “The Center”
Today, CNN Center is no longer the news hub it once was, but it still stands strong with a new name, “The Center.” The space is being used for many things now. People can come here to work, eat, shop, and even celebrate special moments. The building is becoming a place where the community can gather and enjoy time together. Even though the famous CNN Studio Tours are closed, the big CNN sign and the area itself still draw visitors. Restaurants and shops inside make it a nice stop for both locals and tourists. “The Center” is about building a new future while keeping a piece of the old history alive. It is an example of how a famous place can change into something fresh but still stay important in people’s hearts.
Fun Things You Can Do At CNN Center Area
Even without the studio tours, CNN Center area still has fun things to enjoy. The food court is a good place to eat with friends or family. There are different types of food so everyone can find something they like. The building also has shops and open areas where you can relax and take photos. The big CNN sign outside is still a favorite spot for tourists to snap pictures. Because it is close to other attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, it is easy to spend a day exploring the area. Many events and pop-ups also take place here, giving people new reasons to visit. CNN Center may have changed its role, but it is still a place to explore, eat, and enjoy the city of Atlanta without feeling like you missed out on its charm.
CNN Center Memories That People Still Love
For many people, CNN Center is filled with warm memories. Families remember visiting the studio tours and seeing how the news was made. Kids were often amazed by the huge escalator that went all the way up through the building. Travelers enjoyed stopping by the food court after exploring nearby attractions. Taking a photo by the big CNN letters was a tradition for many visitors. Even now, when people hear the name CNN Center, they think about fun times spent there. It has become a landmark that people talk about with pride and nostalgia. Although the building has changed, these memories remain strong. They show how CNN Center was more than just a work site—it was also part of people’s adventures and stories. That is why the place still feels important even after so many changes.
Is CNN Center Worth Visiting In Atlanta Now?
Yes, CNN Center is still worth visiting even today. While the famous news tours are gone, the building itself has a new role as “The Center.” Visitors can enjoy the food court, shops, and open areas that are welcoming for families, workers, and travelers. It is also right next to other exciting places in downtown Atlanta, so it makes a nice stop during a day out. Many people come to see the building because it holds so much history. Even just taking a photo at the CNN sign feels special for many tourists. If you enjoy exploring city landmarks, then CNN Center is still a great place to add to your list. It may not be the same as before, but it continues to offer something fun and meaningful for people who come by.
Conclusion
CNN Center has gone through many changes, but it still stands as a place people care about. Once the home of news, now it is a home for food, shops, and memories. The building has a fresh future as “The Center,” but its history will always be part of what makes it special. It shows us that even when things change, the past still matters.
For visitors in Atlanta, CNN Center is still worth a stop. You can explore the area, take photos, and enjoy a good meal while being part of its new story. Whether you visited years ago or are seeing it for the first time, this place still offers joy. It is not only a building, it is a piece of the city’s heart.
FAQs
Q: What is CNN Center?
A: It was the main headquarters of CNN news in Atlanta for many years and is now called “The Center.”
Q: Can I still take the CNN Studio Tour?
A: No, the studio tours have been closed permanently.
Q: Is CNN still working inside CNN Center?
A: No, CNN moved its teams back to the Techwood campus in 2024.
Q: What can I do at CNN Center today?
A: You can eat at the food court, shop, attend events, and explore nearby attractions.
Q: Where is CNN Center located?
A: It is at 190 Marietta Street NW, right in downtown Atlanta.