Howard Finster's Paradise Garden

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.

The Reverend Howard Finster Man of God and Man of Vision. In painting bicycles I'm sure as part of a ministry, he saw a face in paint on his fingertip and it was a sign from God that forever changed his earthly path!

I had the pleasure of visiting Paradise Gardens when The Reverend was still alive and even got to sign his casket he hand painted which was on display at the time for all to see.

An "outsider artist" not to be confused with folk artists he is completely untrained.

Yes his REM album cover shot him to a lot of fame and he did another album cover maybe the B 52s? I believe it was an Athens GA based band.

And his famous coca cola art and has others have referenced he has a permanent display at the High Museum in ATL. So not too shabby!

The gardens are stunning in their down to home feel and do with what you have mentality which strikes a very stark contrast with his signage all done in capital print about how specifically stole what piece of art or to look out for (insert children's names) who will copy his art and claim it at their own. This place is a must see.


I didn't have the pleasure of actually meeting Howard. The time there was wonderful and his home (not open to the public at that time) was humble.

I bought a piece of his art which I still treasure and delight in his simplified messages of good and evil in his outsider art.

God put it on his heart to do a certain number of pieces before dying and I think he suppasssed the number producing something like 20+ thousand works. All signed and with his personal icon of a dove with a branch in it's mouth.

I saw a YouTube of him dancing and singing on a late night show in the 80s or 90s. Howard was full of life, full of the Lord and full of himself. A larger than life figure. I'll upload photos soon


Rest in peace and rise in glory Sir, I'm certain you are dancing with Jesus and making God so proud you honored Him and definitely spread His kingdom on earth.

Thank you for sharing your God given gifts!

I

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.

My video review of Howard Finster's Paradise Garden is here:
https://youtu.be/1DMCR5jk12Y

There are signs for this place if you are looking. Worth the stop and time, designed for repeat visits. Howard at one point received a vision to create art out of the materialistic world around us, either donated or trashed, he would take it, paint it, write scripture on it, and put it where it needed in Paradise Garden. The chapel was closed but hopefully a future renovation project will open it up so visitors can browse more work, count more nails, or just close your eyes and focus on a question or problem then open them here, you may just get your sign.

Cool gift shop, great caretaker, friendly staff in a cool little city worth wandering around in. Sadly I did not take a picture of what seemed to be the pinnacle of the place that tied today and Howard's work all together. It is in the lobby in the room with the pews. 4 pieces of art, 3 painted, 1 flat screen tv turned off. The gentleman working said he placed those pieces there... sure what a coincidence, that wall mural together is proof Howard Finster was a man of vision, where he needed to be, and did what he said he was going to do, thank you for one of the coolest museums designed for repeat visitors

We drove down from Nashville to visit Paradise Garden. We were bummed we couldn't go into all the buildings because of COVID but we enjoyed what we could see. It was a hot day which is challenging with everything being outside... I recommend going when it is a little cooler. We thought it was Unique and eclectic... so many things to see!! Some items did seem a little run down but we still enjoyed it.

Haunted Rating: 6/10 I wouldn't say this place is haunted but it does have some cool relics that give the air a certain stench. And all the old belongings seem to creep out at you from every corner. But it was a warm welcoming experience.
I randomly found this place on "things to do in Georgia," and I was not disappointed. Usually the intro videos are boring but this one was amusing and entertaining! You almost wanted to watch more. The garden is so unique there are few words to describe it. It's just something you have to experience for yourself and realize how different someone's mind can be. Really unusual but a must see!

I saw signs on the side of the road into Summerville about this place--I did not know it existed before, but I remembered the name of Howard Finster as the artist and preacher who, among his many other endeavors, was commissioned to make LP covers for Talking Heads and REM.

Howard Finster was a fascinating man and Paradise Garden cements his legacy. He infused all of his life's work with positivity and sincerity. It must be seen in person to understand how driven he was to reach people with his message of unity and inspiration, using all manner of arts including found objects, sculpture, inscription, paintings, structures, music, and poetry. This was the most heartwarming art collection I have ever visited and I highly recommend it. Howard finished his earthly mission in 2001 but you can still sense his presence here. The staff here are committed to the preservation and restoration of this treasure--Truly beautiful and sublime.

Staying in the cottage across the street!! A must stay for relaxation and rest. You can visit the garden a night, without the crowds. So much to see, appreciate and marvel from that visionary man of God. Will be back.

So much ch fun; his art has mostly been placed in museums especially at High in Atlanta. Michael the caretaker was a great guide and historian. Movie they show gives very nice insight into his thoughts words and works.

Beautiful drive from Lookout Mountain Georgia.

Howard Finster's Paradise Garden may not be for everyone, but if you are into folk art, it is something to see. Plenty of material for photography, and plenty to read as there are sayings posted everywhere. You could easily spend several hours there investigating all the details. The only disappointment was that the water garden area was not kept up well. It would be fabulous with some gardening attention. Overall, we really enjoyed this very unique place.