Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center

The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is housed within the Historic James Paul Lucas Mansion, a three story Victorian/Edwardian home, which is the only site in Alexander County listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion’s namesake, James Paul Lucas, known affectionately as “Diamond Jim,” was a visionary thinker and doer who made his living travelling the world as a diamond and gem trader.

The Lucas Mansion features an art gallery with rotating monthly exhibits, a turn of the 20th century history museum, collections of gems and minerals, and an extensive collection of antique dolls and toys. The Lucas Mansion also houses the Alexander County Visitor Center, which offers local and regional travel and tourism information.