Pasaquan Visitor's Guide: Inside St. EOM’s Psychedelic Art Utopia in Georgia

Tucked away in rural Buena Vista, Georgia, lies one of America's most significant and vibrant folk art environments: Pasaquan. This 7-acre compound is not just a collection of sculptures; it's the psychedelic, utopian vision of its creator, Eddie Owens Martin, who transformed a simple 19th-century farmhouse into a world of its own.

A visit here is an immersive journey into the mind of a self-proclaimed "St. EOM," filled with mandalas, totems, and dazzlingly colorful concrete structures that fuse African, Pre-Columbian, and spiritual motifs.

Quick Visitor's Guide (2025)

• Location: 238 Eddie Martin Rd, Buena Vista, GA 31808
• Hours: Open only on weekends: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission: Adults: $10, Seniors (65+): $5, Students (with ID): $3.
• Time Needed: Plan for 45 minutes to one hour for a self-guided tour.

What is Pasaquan? (The Psychedelic Vision of St. EOM)

Pasaquan began in 1957 when artist Eddie Owens Martin (St. EOM) returned to his native Georgia after a life-changing experience in New York City. He claimed to have been visited by "beings from the future" who instructed him to create a place for humanity's harmonious future, Pasaquan, a name he said combines "Pasa" (to pass) and "Quan" (originating from the East).

A view of the 7-acre Pasaquan compound, showing the brightly painted low walls and one of St. EOM's iconic totem figures.

For 30 years, he single-handedly built this world, painting nearly every surface and erecting six major structures, including a restored farmhouse, connected by intricate, colorful masonry walls. His art is a dense tapestry of cultural symbolism, spiritual ideas, and personal cosmology.

Planning Your Visit: Pasaquan Hours, Tickets, and Location

Current Hours of Operation

Pasaquan is managed by Columbus State University and has specific, limited visiting hours. It is currently open to the public only three days a week:

The site is closed from Monday to Thursday.

Admission Fees: Is Pasaquan Free to Visit?

No, entry to Pasaquan is not free, though the modest fee directly supports the site's preservation. As of 2025, the admission rates are:

While there is a set fee, the site relies heavily on support to maintain its vibrant but fragile structures. Additional donations are encouraged.

Address & How to Get There (Driving from Atlanta & Columbus)

Pasaquan is located at 238 Eddie Martin Rd, Buena Vista, GA 31808.

It is important to set expectations: this is a remote, rural location. It is "out in the sticks," and services like gas stations or restaurants are not nearby.

• From Columbus (Approx. 45-50 minutes): Take US-80 E / GA-22 E out of the city, which will lead you toward Buena Vista.
• From Atlanta (Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes): Take I-85 S to I-185 S toward Columbus. Follow signs for US-80 E in Columbus and continue to Buena Vista.

Your GPS will get you there, but it will feel like you're driving to the middle of nowhere, because you are. Parking is free and plentiful at the entrance.

A Tour of Pasaquan: What to See Inside

The 7-acre site is best explored with a self-guided tour. Plan to see both the outdoor structures and the art inside the buildings.

The main farmhouse transformed by St. EOM, with its iconic red-painted concrete steps leading to the upper level.

• The Colorful Mandalas and Murals: The first thing that strikes you is the color. Every wall, walkway, and structure is covered in vibrant patterns, faces, and symbols.

A close-up view of one of the many totem faces, showcasing the vibrant colors and blend of cultural influences in St. EOM's work.

• The Restored Farmhouse (St. EOM's Home): Don't just wander the grounds; go inside the house first. The interior is just as decorated as the exterior and provides context for the artist's life. You can often find a very knowledgeable and friendly caretaker (Charles is frequently mentioned by visitors) who can share the site's history.
• The "Harmonious Utopia" Structures: Explore the various totem-like structures and small buildings, each telling a different part of St. EOM's "Pasaquoyan" philosophy.

The large circular sand pit, designed as a central mandala and used for spiritual gatherings and performances.

The Story of the Artist: Who Was Eddie Owens Martin (St. EOM)?

Eddie Owens Martin was a fascinating figure, a street hustler, a fortune-teller, and a visionary artist. He created his own "Pasaquoyan religion," a blend of spiritual ideas from across the globe, which he expressed through his art. He saw himself as a prophet for a new age.

After St. EOM's death in 1986, Pasaquan fell into severe disrepair. The vibrant colors faded, and the structures began to crumble. In 2014, the Kohler Foundation and Columbus State University (CSU) began a massive, multi-million dollar restoration. Today, CSU's Pasaquan staff manages the site, preserving St. EOM's legacy for future generations.

Is Pasaquan Worth Visiting? (Reviews & Visitor Tips)

Absolutely, Pasaquan is one of the most unique and impressive folk art sites in the United States. It's a must-see if you're anywhere in the region.

When we visited on a weekend, there were only a few other people, making the experience quiet and immersive. The painted eyes and faces on the walls can feel a bit spooky in the silence, as if they're watching you explore this unfamiliar world.

How Long Does It Take to See Pasaquan?

Plan for about 45 minutes to one hour. This gives you enough time to walk the entire grounds, explore the inside of the farmhouse, and take photos. If you're a photography enthusiast, you could easily spend 90 minutes capturing all the intricate details.

Know Before You Go (Critical Tips)

• No Public Restrooms: This is the most critical tip. As of our last visit, there are no public restrooms available on-site. Plan to make a stop in Buena Vista or another town before you arrive.
• Not for All Children: The art is "covertly erotic" and includes depictions of adult body parts. It's not graphic, but you may want to use discretion if visiting with very young children.

The entrance to one of the main structures, flanked by two large figures that include the 'covertly erotic' art visitors should be aware of.

• Watch Your Step: This is a rural, 7-acre property with grass and dirt paths. Be mindful of where you walk, as visitors have reported seeing large (non-aggressive) snakes on the grounds.
• Talk to the Staff: If a caretaker is on-site, take a moment to chat with them. They are incredibly passionate and offer insights you won't get from just reading the signs.
• Souvenirs: There isn't a large gift shop, but you can sometimes purchase small items like necklaces made with beads crafted by St. EOM himself, which make for a unique souvenir.