Helen Georgia and the surrounding Appalachian countryside are home to a number of folk and fine art galleries and museums. You’ll find everything from traditional Alpine crafts to world-class fine art and artisans.
Helen Welcome Center
Address: 726 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: 706-878-2181
Just a short drive into town, be certain to stop at the Helen Welcome Center on the corner of Brucken Strasse and Edelweiss for more information on museums, galleries, and things to do in Helen, GA.
Before you do that, we’ve prepared a guide below with the available art and historical attractions around the Helen Georgia area.
Glass Mountain Gallery & Studio
Address: 257 Clayton Rd. Helen, GA 30545
Phone: 706-878-1978
Open: Labor Day to Christmas
Owners and artists Philip and Janine Shelby’s stunning hand-blown, hand-crafted object d’art will simply amaze you. Watch the artists “dance with fire” when the studio opens to the public in the fall.
The Gourd Place
Address: 2319 Duncan Bridge Rd. Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Phone: 706-865-4048
Open: April through December 23. By appointment Jan – March.
Tour this unique museum of over 200 permanent exhibits of beautiful art made from gourds. Beautiful and unique, this museum and shop is one not to miss.
Located just five miles from Helen, this mountain escape is the oldest retail gourd crafting business in the USA. It’s also handicap accessible.
Helen Art Gallery & Heritage Center
Address: 25 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: 706-878-3933
Open: Year Round
Website: helenarts.org
Located in the old City Hall this gallery and museum is dedicated to preserving the Alpine Helen Georgia artistic heritage. Visit their website and explore their museum, festival and numerous opportunities for artists.
Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia
Address: 283 GA-255, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Phone: 706-878-3300 ext 307
Open: Year Round.
Website: Folk Pottery Museum
Beautiful and serene, explore the historical significance of the South’s most revered folk art form at the first museum dedicated to preserving the areas artistic legacy.
This museum was launched by Dean and Kay Swanson to give back to the community. Michael Crocker, a collector and folk potter aided in the assembly of the core collection.
Hickory Flat Pottery
Address: 13664 GA-197, Clarkesville, Georgia
Phone: 706-947-0030
Open: Year Round.
Website: hickoryflatpottery.com
Owner and potter Cindy Angliss housed her working studio and museum in the historic 112-year-old Wikle Homestead. It’s since been handed off to resident and long-time potter, Cody Trautner (from the video above).
A majority of the pottery you see is made on-site by a variety of skilled artists.
Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center – Nacoochee History Museum
Address: 283 GA-255, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Phone: 706-878-3300
Open: Year Round
Website: snca.org
Learn about the region’s historical importance to the United States. From the tragic experience of the Cherokee Indians, and early slaves to the 19th-century gold rush the museum is a rich deposit of local lore, artifacts, and information.
The museum is currently showcasing “Pictures of Our Past”.
Charlemagne’s Kingdom – Alpine Model Railroad Museum
Address: 8808 North Main Street Helen, Georgia 30545
Phone: 706-878-2200
This fifty-foot one-of-a-kind exhibit features scale German model railroads depicting the terrain and architecture of Germany.
For both train-loving kids and adults, this unique display is filled with interesting history and entertainment for those who visit.
The Willows Pottery
Address: 7275 S. Main Street, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: 706-878-1344
Open: Year-Round
Website: thewillowspottery.com
Another working pottery studio featuring over 15 local artisans. This beautiful gallery even features a Paint Your Own Pottery Studio and is found in the Appalachian foothills, just a half-mile south of Helen.
Find a variety of colorful and functional pieces including dinnerware, serving pieces, accessories, and custom vessels made in part by resident potters, Ben Dockins and Betsy Ledbetter.
Dahlonega Gold Museum
Address: 1 Public Square N. Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: 706-864-2257
Open: Year-Round
Website: gastateparks.org
For something different, fun, and interesting visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum. This small but fascinating museum preserves the history of the areas 1839 gold rush.
Located a few miles outside of Helen, off GA Hwy 400, you’ll find plenty to see and do at the historic Lumpkin County Courthouse (one of Georgia’s oldest standing courthouse buildings).
Click here to learn more about Gold panning around north Georgia.
Share Your Thoughts Below
Did we miss a favorite gallery or museum you may have visited during your trip to the North Georgia mountains?
