Norcross: Art, History and Nature

Norcross offers a range of options for planning your trip: art programs, historic walking tours and museums sit alongside attractions that focus on nature and gardening. The places and activities vary in what you can experience there and when visits are possible.

Art Programs and Events

Norcross Gallery and Studios hosts exhibitions, programs and art demonstrations throughout the year. It also offers workshops led by professional instructors, open to all experience levels. If you’re interested not only in exhibitions but also in guided artistic practice, the workshops offer another way to engage with art. The offerings are therefore not aimed exclusively at people with prior experience.

The Cultural Arts and Community Center at 10 College St. offers theater performances and courses on a variety of topics. Courses are held throughout the year. Norcross Art Splash is an annual art festival held in October. If you’d like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates.

A self-guided Public Art Tour of murals, sculptures and other public artworks is in development. Its theme is public art; its development status sets it apart from the ongoing programs at the gallery and the Cultural Arts and Community Center.

City History and Museums

Historic walking tours of Norcross follow two routes, both of which start at Thrasher Park. The North Tour goes along North Peachtree Street and returns to Thrasher Park via Buchanan Street. This route therefore includes both the streets along the way and the return to the starting point. If you choose a walking tour, you can use these details to distinguish the North Tour from the other route.

The Norcross Welcome Center and Museum introduces locals and visitors to the city’s history and modern attractions. Exhibits include the original city charter, a traditional notary seal, historic newspapers and family photos from Norcross’s history. The museum also houses a room devoted to local baseball history. The collection thus offers different ways to explore the city’s history: official documents, keepsakes and a topic from local sports.

The Norcross Fire Station Museum is open whenever the Welcome Center is open. Plan your visit accordingly. The Rectory is a restored former rectory of an early 20th-century church. Access is available by appointment only.

Nature and Gardening

At Norcross Discovery Garden Park, you can learn about nature through organic gardening, educational programs and demonstrations. The focus is therefore not only on spending time outdoors but also on learning about nature. Betty Mauldin Park is home to an American elm recognized as the number-one champion of its species in the state of Georgia. Lillian Webb Park features an interactive splash pad. These three attractions have different focuses: learning in the garden, an award-winning tree as a special natural feature, and a splash pad.

For planning purposes, Norcross Art Splash, held annually in October, differs from a visit to The Rectory, which requires an appointment in advance. Check the specific festival dates and arrange access to The Rectory before your visit.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Buford, Snellville.

Go to the main travel overview: Gwinnett.