Gwinnett is rich in arts and culture offering visual arts centers, museums, local live music, theatres, and local spots rich in cultural experiences.
Bring out your inner artist at North Gwinnett Arts Association (NGAA), celebrate black history all year long at the APEX Museum, listen to local musicians at Eddie Owens Presents, taste local produce at the Lilburn Farmers Market, and so much more.
Check out the best spots for arts and culture in Gwinnett County.
Visual Arts
Be drawn to the visual arts for it can expand your imagination.
-Barbara Januszkiewicz
Up first in Arts and Culture in Gwinnett are a couple of can’t miss places for a dose of visual arts and all of its beauty.
Hudgens Center For the Arts
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy #300, Duluth, GA 30097
Hudgens Center for the Arts was founded over 35 years ago and has grown into 34,000 square foot exhibition space. With a mission to connect Gwinnett through the language of art, this center for the arts empowers children and adults to discover their imagination with art exhibitions, art enrichment classes, and self-guided tours.
They offer community outreach programs including Family Friday and healing arts for cancer patients.
North Gwinnett Arts Association (NGAA) Center for the Arts
3930 Charleston Market St NW b6, Suwanee, GA 30024
Located in Suwanee Town Center, NGAA is a non-profit art organization that promotes an appreciation of local arts by offering art exhibitions, festivals, and more. Art classes for beginners to advanced artists are also offered.
The art gallery features incredible work from local artists and is free of cost. Be sure to check out the gift shop for one-of-a-kind creative pieces.
The NGAA hosts 3 events each year: Arts in the Park, Jazz Festival, and Suwanee Classic Car Show. The proceeds from these shows fund the student art scholarships and the NGAA art initiatives.
Museums
For more arts and culture in Gwinnett, there’s a few note-worthy museums that offer a great deal of history.
Art is not always about pretty things. It’s about who we are, what happened to us, and how our lives are affected.
Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center
2020 Clean Water Dr, Buford, GA 30519
Learn about the history and culture of Gwinnett and north Georgia at The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, which features some interesting cultural and natural history exhibits.
One of the hidden gems of Gwinnett, this center offers plenty of arts and culture with several free exhibits that teach a great deal of history including The Power of Children, The Water Rise exhibit, and The Pioneer School.
You can also discover local trees and landscape on a walk at McDaniel Farm, which has a fair share of paved trails for exploring nature.
Apex Museum
135 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Black history is celebrated every month at the APEX (meaning African-American Panoramic Experience) Museum. This unique museum presents history from an African-American perspective and is a must-visit for arts and culture close to Gwinnett.
The mission of APEX is to inform the many ways that African Americans have contributed to America and the world. Exhibits are designed to create a personal experience between the artifacts and visitors. Exhibits offered are “African the Untold Story,” “Sweet Auburn, Sweet Pride,” and more all worth seeing.
The cost for adults is $7 and the cost for children is $5. Visit in a group for a discount.
Music
The true beauty of music is that it connects people.
And, arts and culture in Gwinnett undoubtedly includes some good tunes. There are quite a few spots for anyone to find some live music in Gwinnett.
Check them out:
Eddie Owens Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St, Duluth, GA 30096
Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music FoundryHistoric Duluth’s Main Street gives off a mix of old-school charm and a contemporary vibe. Their motto is “where everything old is renewed again.” In the midst of charming shops and spectacular eats is Eddie Owen Presents at Red Clay Music Foundry.
Best of Gwinnett 2017 Award Winner Eddie Owen Presents is an independent music and songwriter venue. The most talented musicians are hosted in an intimate 260-seat listening room.
Red Clay also offers a music school and venue rental. More info is located on their website.
Music on Main Street Concert
113 Main St NW, Lilburn, GA 30047
Located in a historic house built in 1985 surrounded by a scenic property, Music on Main Street offers music lessons, instruments, instrument repairs, concerts. It is also a beautiful wedding and event venue.
Concerts featuring local and national acts are held every Saturday evenings. Benefit concerts are held on Sunday afternoon.
Feel free to bring a cooler (alcohol is allowed) and snacks and come enjoy good music and dancing with family and friends.
You can purchases tickets here online.
Theaters
The object of art is to give life shape.
Next for arts and culture in Gwinnett is a favorite for many: theaters. Gwinnett is home to several theaters and here are a few that are well worth a visit for live shows you’re sure to enjoy.
Aurora Theatre
128 E Pike St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Aurora TheatreAurora Theatre, located in the historic downtown of Lawrenceville, hosts over 850 events a year. They produce a variety of shows including concerts, comedy shows, and children’s programs. Productions are made of the biggest Broadway plays and musicals, alongside exciting contemporary theatre. Aurora is also the only Spanish theater is the Atlanta area.
Aurora Theatre holds multiple awards including the “Atlantas Best of 2018” for Best Inclusive Programming, the 2016 Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities, and Creative Loafing’s 2010 Best Theatre Company.
Check out the list of all programs and productions.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre
1800 Macleod Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, founded in 1977, is a non-profit school and pre-professional performance ballet company. The theatre has sent a number of young artists to professional companies and dance careers around the world.
They have three major productions each year including the famous Nutcracker. Their events dates can be seen here.
ART Station Theatre
ART Station is a non-profit theatre company that has been dedicated to the arts since 1986. They aim to provide a cultural and educational experience for all through artistic, spiritual, and educational activities.
ART Station has so much to offer to arts and culture in Gwinnett. From plays to musicals to galleries and so much more, it’s dynamic atmosphere can foster talent and fuel creativity for all. Programs include a Professional Theatre Series, a Gallery Series, a Children’s Theatre Series, and classes for all ages.
See events page for more information.
Other Arts and Culture in Gwinnett
There’s a bit more to Arts and culture in Gwinnett. There’s a few more spots worth a visit to get a real feel of art and culture from breathtaking architecture to local eats.
Once you understand and appreciate other people’s cultural backgrounds, then you can also connect with them more.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Hindu Temple)
460 Rockbridge Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan MandirAnother hidden gem well worth a visit in Gwinnett is the stunning and cultural BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest Hindu Mandir (temple) in the United States. It’s easy to spends hours here exploring the spectacular architecture made of Indian sandstone and Italian marble. Many even say that it’s their favorite of all temples because of its pure beauty and peacefulness.
BAPS is open and free to all.
Knees must be covered and no sleeveless tops are allowed.
45 South Cafe
45 S Peachtree St, Norcross, GA 30071
Located in the historic downtown area of Norcross, 45 South Cafe offers a cultural experience with live music and local artists. Enjoy coffee, craft beer, or wine while gathering in a spot that offers a great cultural experience.
While 45 South is a small and simple cafe, it will give you a true local feel of Gwinnett. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Lilburn Farmers Market
1400 Killian Hill Rd SW, Lilburn, GA 30047
Lilburn Farmers MarketLilburn Farmers Market is ‘a tasty way to start your weekend’ and it happens every Friday from 4 PM – 8 PM during the summer. See dates and events here.
A real Gwinnett cultural experience is offered with products locally grown and produced. Vendors include produce, prepared food, and non-food items.
While visiting the Farmers Market, do a good thing and visit the booths for a cause. You can also have a little fun listening (and dancing if you so choose) to music played by local musicians.
Norcross Community Market
5 College St NW, Norcross, GA 30071
Last but certainly not least on the list for arts and culture in Gwinnett is the Norcross Community Market. We say culture because isn’t food truly one of the best parts of culture? You can purchase fresh local produce, ready-make snacks, and more at this drive-thru farmers market. That’s right, you can get all the good stuff without even getting out of the car! You can also purchase hand-made bath and body products.
This is truly one of the easiest experiences. Order online right here.
Enjoy!
Culture includes art, food, and traditions, and shapes who we all are. Not only is it enjoyable to explore aspects of arts and culture, but it’s enlightening and fun, too.
*Special tip: Before you head off to explore art and culture in Gwinnett, grab some delicious brunch.
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