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Little known to newer generations of Atlantans is the tragic history behind the Woodruff Arts Center. It all started with what was the deadliest airplane accident of its time — a crash that claimed 130 lives at Orly Airport just outside of France, including 122 members of the Atlanta Arts Association on their way home from an arts tour in 1962.
The unexpected tragedy led to an outpouring of support for the Atlanta arts community, ultimately establishing the need for a unified arts center to realize the aspirations of those that were lost. The Woodruff Arts Center officially opened to the public in 1968.
– Katie Cline, 360 Media, Inc.