Charlotte is a city full of unique culture, so there are some great museums in our town that definitely need to be visited! Whether you like art, history, or science, there is a museum for you in the QC that will teach you something new and be a great weekend or day-off activity! Here are some of the best museums in Charlotte and some highlights of their featured exhibits right now. Take a day and explore the fantastic (and fun!) educational opportunities these museums provide – we promise you will want to come back after your first visit!
1. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Uptown Charlotte is dedicated to displaying mid-20th century modern art. The museum opened in 2010 and was designed by renowned architect Mario Botta, who also designed the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
The museum hosts over 1,400 modern works of art including paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, and more. When you walk through the exhibits you will see works of art both indoors and outdoors that are astounding.
Brightly colored exhibits fill the 36,500-square-foot space, and you'll be captivated by each new, amazing work of art you encounter here.
The Museum also hosts many fabulous events throughout the year. This month, they have the Charlotte Ballet and film screenings of the documentary "Picasso and Sima, Antibes 1946."
Address: 420 S Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
2. Discovery Place
Discovery Place is a fantastic science museum with exhibits geared towards families and children.
Discovery Place has been educating kids and adults in Charlotte about science for more 70 years. With fun activities like a water table, education studio, and more, kids will have plenty to keep them busy while learning about science in the process!
The museum has an awesome aquarium where you can view various tropical fish and other species. Your kids will love the colorful and rare fish they get to see - like these jellyfish!
And for all you movie buffs out there, you must check out Discovery Place's IMAX Theater. You can see your favorite films in 3D with this awesome viewing experience.
If you are looking for a great educational experience for the whole family, head out to Discovery Place this weekend!
Address: 301 N Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
3. Mint Museum
This Charlotte art museum was established in 1936. The Mint Museum received its name from its Randolph Road location, which used to house the Charlotte Mint back in the early 20th century.
At the Mint you will find everything from Contemporary Art to Ancient American Art to African, Asian, and European Art. The museum also hosts the largest public collection of pieces by the famous Charlotte native Romare Bearden.
The museum's Uptown location opened in 2010 and features more contemporary American and European pieces. Together, these two locations offer visitors hundreds of unique collections that are exquisitely crafted.
The Mint also has activities for children, like the Imagination Station. Kids can create their own artwork and leave it in the museum for others to see.
The Mint Museum has two locations:
Randolph: 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207
Uptown: 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
4. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture was developed in 1976 as an Afro-American Cultural Center in Charlotte. The museum originally operated out of a former First Baptist Church; however, it has grown into a 46,500-square-foot location Uptown today.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center celebrates the contributions of African-American artists, musicians, and creators to American culture. The museum also serves as a community hub for music, dance, theater, visual arts, and community outreach in Charlotte.
Featured exhibits this fall include "Instill and Inspire: Selections from the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African American Art." There is also "Immortal: a New Series by Miya Bailey," "Simple Passion, Complex Vision: The Darryl Atwell Collection," and "Sloane Siobahn: Archetypes of the Subconscious."
The Center offers many activities for families and kids, like this watercolor class for all ages.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center is an amazing experience for everyone. You must put this museum on your list if you are interested in surrounding yourself with amazing art, music, and culture.
Address: 551 S Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
5. The NASCAR Hall of Fame
If you are a fan of watching fast cars go around and around a NASCAR track, then there is one museum in Charlotte that is for you. The NASCAR Hall of Fame commemorates the great sport of NASCAR and has some of the best racing memorabilia you will find in the city.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame opened in Uptown Charlotte in 2010. When you visit the museum, you will learn all about the sport of racing and how it originated in the South.
Many famous race cars are on display at the museum and you can learn about each of the drivers who raced them. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a race fan's dream.
Take your NASCAR lover here for a day of racing, history and fun that they won't ever forget!
Address: 400 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202
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