NEW World of Coca Cola
It’s the real thing at Atlanta’s museum of a hometown favorite
Whatever the product Coca Cola quenches the world's thirst. A new museum, in Atlanta, plays tribute to its role in global markets. Catch the wave and enjoy life.
Who has not at least tried a Coke in their lifetime?
What began with Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton in 1885 has mushroomed into the world’s most recognized brand from Peoria to Pretoria.
To celebrate its prominence NEW World of Coca Cola recently opened in spring 2007, and doubled in size from the original site in Underground Atlanta.
Enter the spacious lobby and a sense of harmony prevails from pools of water, mirrored murals and live trees. From the folks who brought you “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” global goodwill is continued in Coca Cola Loft where artifacts from all corners of the world are showcased.
Inside the 4-D Happiness Theater, animated figures dance across a film highlighting the magic inside every bottle. In real life one would run from a polar bear. At the Hub, next on the tour people line up to meet the furry northern bruin that ranks as one of most favorite mascots over the years.
Now comes time for the real nitty gritty – the bottle works. An actual production line educates the visitor to the intricacies of multiple filtering of water, the tanks which hold enough syrup to make over 100,000 8 oz. bottles of Coke, the Omnivision II Bottle inspector chasing down the empties and the unique packaging robot capable of doing two jobs at once. And just in case you thought robots ruled, humans man the quality assurance lab.
Completing the first floor tour is a stop at the Milestones of Refreshment exhibit. Here ten galleries with unique treasures like a 1939 Argentinean delivery truck reside.
Upon entering the 2nd level a stop at the Secret Formula 4D theater, complete with a stunning pair of red and white 3D glasses makes everyone a carbonated Sherlock Holmes. And you are not crazy, the seats do actually move.
Pop art and pop go together, and whose work more reflected pop art than Andy Warhol? Until May 2008 a traveling exhibit from the artist’s Pittsburgh museum is on display.
What was your favorite product commercial? Chances are a stop at the Perfect Pauses Theater, where three films on advertising over the years are shown will have you tripping down memory lane.
Coke invites you to “take your taste buds on a trip around the world”,at the final gallery, TASTE IT. No passports required! Over 70 products are available for sampling. Discover how the world’s tastes vary from continent to continent and country to country. Fanta Melon from Israel, South Africa's Bibo Pine Nut or Vegitabeta in Japan. Drink them straight or mix them up – it is your choice.
Of course shopping for souvenirs is a must at any museum and NEW World of Coca Cola does not disappoint. From glasses to t-shirts to holiday ornaments and specialized beverage bottles one can find it here.
Visiting NEW World of Coca Cola is an event in itself. A journey into entrepreneurship and global marketing which continues to change as do the citizens of the world.
To use a 1926 advertising slogan -
It had to be good to get where it is.
For more information: www.woccatlanta.com/
