February 2023

Atlanta, Georgia.

The World of Coca-Cola is a museum in Atlanta, Georgia, the birthplace of the iconic beverage. This interactive experience delves into Coca-Cola’s history, from its humble beginnings as a medicinal tonic to its global domination as a beloved refreshment. Located in the heart of Atlanta, we had trouble finding the museum and a place to park.

Visitors can explore the historical exhibits, learn about the secrets of the Coca-Cola formula, and even sample Coca-Cola flavors worldwide. The engaging displays and immersive atmosphere provide a unique journey into the history of one of the world’s most recognizable brands.

There is much in the museum about that famous formula and how it has been protected over the years. And then, they went and changed it, maybe one of the company’s biggest mistakes. Or was it? New Coke or Classic Coke… you had to try them both and decide.

Coca-Cola’s story is a tale of marketing skills and good luck. From a drug store elixir to a worldwide mega-brand, Coca-Cola was first served at a soda fountain on May 8, 1886, at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. It was created by Dr. John Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, and was initially marketed as a tonic for common ailments. According to information available in public corporate records, Coca-Cola’s annual revenue for 2024 was USD 47.06 billion.

This display represents a soda fountain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when soda fountains reflected the artistry of early 20th-century soda fountains, which were often considered social hubs, and Coca-Cola was gaining popularity. The many taps and period details suggest several flavors were available, even then. Behind the counter, a bronze-toned figure of a soda jerk (who served drinks at the fountain) is holding a glass, presumably to serve a customer.

This bronze figure of Dr. Pemberton mixing the syrup symbolizes Coca-Cola’s beginnings. It represents the innovation and dedication of its creator. It reminds us that even the most iconic brands have humble origins and are built on the foundations of human ingenuity.

This vintage Coca-Cola truck is more than just an example of an early delivery vehicle; it symbolizes the company’s growth, marketing prowess, and global reach in the early to mid-20th century. The sign above the windshield reads “TOME Coca-Cola BIEN HELADA,” which is Spanish for “Drink Coca-Cola Well Chilled.” The truck was likely used in a Spanish-speaking region. The exhibit reminds us that Coca-Cola has become an integral part of popular culture and a familiar sight in communities worldwide.

From hand mixing to modern bottling facilities, Coca-Cola bottling plants had to keep up with the demand by introducing automated processes. This exhibit demonstrates a bottling line with a conveyor system to provide a computerized production factory.

This robotic arm is designed to automate moving and placing objects, in this case, a group of bottles or containers. The end effector (the tool at the robotic arm’s end) is configured to grasp and lift multiple objects simultaneously. An entire box of bottles can be placed in a shipping carton in one operation. The robotic arm is part of the automated system for filling, packaging, and handling products.

One exhibit captures a cozy corner within the World of Coca-Cola museum, reminiscent of a 1950s-era living room. The room is filled with vintage Coca-Cola-themed furniture, including a red leather couch, matching armchairs, and a coffee table adorned with Coca-Cola memorabilia. The walls feature vintage Coca-Cola advertisements, posters, and other artwork. Coca-Cola collectibles, such as bottles, cans, glassware, and figurines, are displayed on shelves and tables.

One display features a wide variety of Coke machines from several eras. As a Coca-Cola fan of a certain age, I remember using several machines of many of these styles over the years. One of the last stops in the museum is an area of soda fountains with many varieties of Coca-Cola products. Classic flavors, international varieties, and limited-edition offerings are available to taste. Visitors can sample various Coca-Cola products using small cups. This area was one of my favorite stops.

The museum is open daily. We just showed up at the door one afternoon, but we probably should have gone online to order tickets, as complete directions to the museum are provided in the Plan Your Visit section of their webpage here. For example, we parked on the street and had a long walk to the museum in central Atlanta. We didn’t know that there were parking garages nearby, nor did we know that there were other attractions to visit in the square. We’ll have to wait for another trip to Atlanta to look at those attractions.

John Steiner