Photo: DeKalb, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse anchors the square in downtown Lawrenceville. Built in 1885 in the Romanesque style, with a four-story clock tower added in 1908, it is now a free place to look around and one of the county’s most popular spots for weddings, proms and galas.
The building stands on the foundations of the earlier courthouse that burned in 1871, and you can still see charred bricks in the basement. After county voters approved a 1987 sales tax to save it, the courthouse was restored and reopened in 1992. Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation runs it today.
- Built1885; clock tower 1908
- HoursMon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville
- Phone770-822-5450
What to See
Self-Guided Tours
Walk the halls and the grand staircase on your own, and step into the Superior Court ballroom with its vintage chandeliers and 24-foot ceilings. Seasonal art exhibits rotate through Gallery Hall.
Gwinnett Veterans Memorial Museum
Artifacts and uniforms honoring the county’s veterans, open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gwinnett Historical Society
The society’s office keeps more than 1,600 historic documents and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Events & Rentals
Community Events
The courthouse hosts free art exhibits and events through the year, including the annual tree lighting at Thanksgiving and the Moonlight and Music summer concert series. See Gwinnett festivals and events for more around the county.
Weddings, Proms & Galas
The building and its 2-acre grounds, including a lighted gazebo with a paved dance area, can be rented separately or together. Rooms seat from 24 to 300 depending on the setup, and there is a catering kitchen.
Booking
For availability and rates, call 770-822-5450 or email GwinnettHistoricRentals@GwinnettCounty.com. See the county’s rental information.
Getting There
From Atlanta, take I-85 north to GA 316 toward Lawrenceville, exit onto GA 120 and follow West Crogan Street about 1.6 miles; the courthouse is on the left. See the county’s hours and directions page for a parking map.
More in Gwinnett County
Sources we checked
Facts in this guide were checked in September 2026 against the agencies and operators that run these places:
- Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation: Gwinnett Historic Courthouse – history, features and tenants
- Gwinnett County: Historic Courthouse hours and directions – visitor hours and directions
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.
Last updated: September 2026