Paradise Garden

Interesting place to go see if you are in the area. It needs more people to support it in able to make sure it stays available for tours. Very interesting story and great artwork.

I’ve been wanting to come here for 30 years and I’m so glad I finally did. I don’t really have a bucket list but if I did I guess this would be on it. This place is just amazing. I don’t believe in god but I believe that Finster communicated with God. A couple of people said to me that some of the sculptures reminded them of the weird cult sculptures in the True Detective tv show. I did not get that vibe at all. There’s definitely an energy in this place and it is all positive. In fact I was overwhelmed. It’s impossible to actually See everything in one visit. The guy in the office was also really really nice. Super friendly. And Hobbes the cat was a wonderful host. I enjoyed carrying him around as I walked through the garden. So if you meet him he likes to be carried in the front, kind of like a baby, not over your shoulder.

Hands down one of the coolest places on the art scene by the «Father of Folk Art». His visionary works are awe inspiring and the work to take the gardens to national notoriety is nothing short of amazing. A Must See for young and old. A great place for a field trip for art students!

This is a massive collection of artwork, architecture, sculpture that merges all into the amazing experience that is Paradise Garden where you can learn all about the visions of Rev. Howard Finster. My first visit was back when Reverend Finster was still alive and they still had quite a nice selection of his art available for purchase and everything was still in pretty pristine shape. The years have caused some deterioration of Paradise Garden but there are now efforts underway to preserve and maintain this amazing collection. This is one of the most fun and quirky displays of American folk art you can experience anywhere. Even if you think you’ve never heard of Rev. Finster you probably know some of his art so prepare yourself for surprise and amusement.

One of the cooler things to do if you find yourself in this part of Georgia or even if you feel like taking a day trip out of Atlanta. It’s probably an hour and a half drive. This was the residence of Atlanta artist Howard Finster. You might recognize some of his coca-​cola art work or some cover art for REM if you like them. There’s also a permanent Finster exhibit at the High.
Finster was a baptist preacher and bicycle repairman. Really eccentric guy, and the house is basically built out of his artwork. Some of the highlights include a sidewalk that winds through the gardens with some of the strangest things cemented into it. Also he build a huge pyramid out of now rusted bike frames. It’s really cool to stand in the middle and see how the light changes at different times of day.
Call ahead to make sure they are doing tours, but if you get the chance I would definitely make the trip to see something really cool. Also check out Armstrong’s BBQ right down the road. It rocks.

I don’t think this is closed… Please check the info! I recently went there and it was one of THE most wonderful places I have ever been. Something I wanted to see before I die. It’s insane, magical, and delightful.
Howard Finster has passed on, but much of his quirky art environment remains. See it asap while you can, fellow art-​loving folks! AAA couldn’t even find it on the map to Triptych it for me… but believe me it is THERE and it is FABULOUS.
Please check out the website!