New World Of Coke Exhibit Celebrates 'Sprite Boy'

ATLANTA, GA — Think about Coca-Cola and mascots, and those soda-guzzling polar bears probably come to mind. But a new exhibit at Atlanta's World of Coca-Cola is celebrating the legacy of a largely forgotten character from the beverage company's 132-year history.

"The Story of Sprite Boy," tells the story of an elf-like character that Coca-Cola introduced in the 1940s.

Despite his name, Sprite Boy was not connected to the lemon-lime drink of the same name. He was actually retired as a mascot several years before that drink was introduced.

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But he represented the brand for nearly two decades. Illustrated by Haddon Sundblom, the artist behind the iconic Coca-Cola Santa Claus image, Sprite Boy was used to spread the message that both "Coke" and "Coca-Cola" were acceptable names for the soft drink.

He appeared in magazine ads for the first time in January 1942. Images always just featured his head and hands, never a body, and he was often surrounded by stars that represented the bubbles in Coke.

The exhibit includes a photo-op experience, original oil paintings, print ads and artifacts and photos from around the world, according to World of Coca-Cola.

"World of Coca-Cola is all about delighting fans with an inside look at – and unique interactions with – the brands they love," said Russell Jacobs, General Manager of Retail and Attractions for The Coca-Cola Company. "Bringing artifacts from the Coca-Cola archives together with modern technology, our latest exhibit showcases the once-popular Sprite Boy and reintroduces him to our fans of today."

As Georgia temperatures soar, guests also will be able to pop over to the museum's Taste It! Beverage Lounge to sample more than 100 drinks — from soda to juices to teas to flavored water. It includes Coke from around the world and newly released, limited-time beverages at the lounge's sampling bar.

The Sprite Boy exhibit will be on display through Spring 2019.

World of Coca-Cola, on Pemberton Place next to the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, is part of the Atlanta CityPASS program. A $76 ticket lets visitors go to five top attractions, including World of Coca-Cola, over a nine-day period.

Georgia Aquarium, CNN Studio Tours, Zoo Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Fernbank Museum and College Football Hall of Fame are other CityPASS options.

World of Coca-Cola tickets also may be purchased online.

Photo courtesy World of Coca-Cola