Atlanta's 'Tiny Doors' Are Scattered Across The Vibrant City For A Free Interactive Scavenger Hunt
Cities often find creative ways to encourage both visitors and locals to connect with their surroundings through public activities and art installations. Take Chicago's vibrant public arts corridor, often referred to as a "living urban canvas," which draws in artistic-minded travelers with murals and performances. In Atlanta, a similarly inventive project takes the form of a whimsical scavenger hunt: Tiny, hand-crafted doors scattered across the city's streets, parks, and iconic landmarks. The Krog Street Tunnel, one of America's most famous legal graffiti sites, features a tiny door of its own, blending urban grit with artistic charm.
This project, known as Tiny Doors ATL, was launched in 2014 by artist Karen Anderson Singer. Her collection of miniature doors, each only 7 inches tall, offers a playful and interactive way to explore Atlanta. With more than 30 doors installed throughout the city, each one reflects the personality of its neighborhood and invites a moment of discovery. In true Atlanta fashion, the project's quirky charm earned it the city's first Tiny Key to the City. But be warned: Finding these pint-sized portals can be a challenge — after all, they're designed to make you look twice.
How Tiny Doors ATL captures Atlanta's spirit
Tiny Doors ATL is rooted in the city's deep appreciation for street art. Atlanta, after all, is home to trendy neighborhoods like the art-filled Little Five Points, and Karen Anderson Singer saw an opportunity to add a touch of magic to these spaces. Each door reflects the unique character of its surroundings. As Singer explained to Southern Living, "I spend up to a year for each door, getting to know the architecture, colors, and most importantly, the spirit of the surrounding neighborhood."
It all began with Door #1 in the Krog Street Tunnel, a vibrant corridor of graffiti and street art. Since then, Singer has expanded the project across more than a dozen neighborhoods, embedding her miniature doors into tree trunks, brick walls, and graffiti-covered surfaces. These tiny installations are more than art — they're invitations to play. In fact, after the first door appeared, a passerby added tiny toy cats outside, turning it into a collaborative and imaginative site.
So, why doors? "Doors are a really great way to quickly access imagination," Singer shared in an interview with CBS. "It's about community, and interaction, and engagement." Wandering Atlanta to find these doors becomes an adventure of its own, with each discovery sparking a sense of curiosity. Even better, all Tiny Doors ATL installations on the scavenger hunt are free, public, and wheelchair accessible, making it an activity suitable for everyone.
Unlocking Atlanta, one door at a time
If you're ready to start your scavenger hunt, Tiny Doors ATL provides an online checklist to help guide your adventure. The first door at Krog Street Tunnel is a bright turquoise color with pink siding — though its design changes. Hint: Look down near the entrance to the tunnel. You'll find Tiny Door #18 at the Woodruff Arts Center, one of Atlanta's premier cultural hubs. Positioned along the path to Symphony Hall, this door is framed by a spiraling piano mural. It's a must-visit for art and music enthusiasts alike. For a door with a view, head to Jackson Street Bridge, home to Tiny Door #23. Built into the side of the bridge, this tiny portal faces the Atlanta skyline, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing and photo shoots.
To start your journey to Atlanta, you'll likely fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the second-busiest airport in the world and a major travel hub. Accommodations are plentiful, with many 4-star hotels offering rooms under $200 per night. Whether you're exploring downtown or venturing into its eclectic neighborhoods, the city's rich culture and diverse attractions are easily accessible. Atlanta may be a big city, but its tiny doors prove that even the smallest details can open up a world of wonder.