10 Best Museums in Charlotte

The Mint Museum Uptown opened in 2010, is a 5-story work of architectural art in Charlotte city center. With its central location and striking design, the Mint Museum Uptown not only provides an engaging cultural experience but also symbolizes Charlotte's growing prominence in the art world.  

This modern counterpart to the original Mint Museum Randolph, established in 1936, houses an impressive collection of American, contemporary, and craft art, and the contemporary building is an attraction in itself. Light-filled galleries showcase a diverse array of artistic styles, from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and fashion design. Explore both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of art and craft in America.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a popular day out for families in Charlotte and offers an immersive journey into the world of stock car racing. The state-of-the-art facility features interactive exhibits, historic race cars, and memorabilia from NASCAR's greatest drivers.

Visitors can test their skills on racing simulators, explore the sport's history, and experience a pit stop in real time. At the heart of the museum is The Hall of Honor, which pays tribute to NASCAR legends and their incredible achievements. Whether you’re a NASCAR nut or are looking to expand your knowledge of America's favorite motorsport, this centrally located museum is well worth a visit.

Housed in a striking terracotta building designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit for fans of mid-20th-century modernism. The museum's permanent collection features works by some of the most influential artists of the period, including Picasso, Warhol, and Giacometti.

The intimate design of the building allows art-loving visitors to admire modern masterpieces up close, and an always-impressive roster of visiting exhibitions and installations means no 2 visits to this city center museum will be the same. It’s a short stroll from the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art to other notable Charlotte museums, so why not combine a visit here with a tour of the city’s “cultural quarter?”

The Harvey B. Gantt Center, located in Uptown Charlotte, provides an engaging showcase for African American arts and culture. Named after the city's first African American mayor, the center stages visual art, dance, music, and films that highlight African American contributions to the nation's culture. Its striking architectural design, inspired by African textile patterns, houses both rotating exhibitions and permanent collections.

The center's location in the heart of Charlotte's cultural district makes it easily accessible to visitors exploring the city's museums. Educational programs and community events further the Gantt Center's mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cross-cultural understanding through the arts.

The Levine Museum of the New South in Uptown Charlotte offers an in-depth look at the American South's history from the Civil War to the present day. Through interactive exhibits, compelling storytelling, and well-preserved artifacts, visitors can explore the region’s complex recent history. The museum's centerpiece exhibit, “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers,” provides a comprehensive journey through Charlotte's transformation from a rural county town to a major metropolis.

Within walking distance of other major attractions, the Levine Museum is an important cultural landmark for visitors looking to get beneath the surface of Charlotte’s cultural landscape. It’s worth checking local listings for special events. The museum hosts thought-provoking educational programs and visiting exhibitions that peer into the city’s past, present, and future.

Reed Gold Mine offers visitors a rare chance to step back in time to the site of America's first documented gold discovery. It’s a short drive from Charlotte in the Rocky River town of Midland. Visitors can explore restored underground tunnels, view exhibits on gold mining techniques, and even try their hand at panning for gold.

The site's museum houses a collection of mining equipment and gold coins, giving visitors a glimpse into the region's gold rush history. The immersive exhibitions and fascinating history make this a favorite destination for families, and a worthy day trip from Charlotte.

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, formerly known as the Carolinas Aviation Museum, is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. It’s fittingly located near Charlotte Douglas International Airport and is named after Captain Chesley Sullenberger, famous for the “Miracle on the Hudson” landing.

The popular family attraction allows visitors to explore cockpits, learn about aircraft design, and see the actual Airbus A320 from the legendary Hudson water landing. With planes taking off and landing at the international airport nearby, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum is popular with plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. So, set aside at least half a day to make the most of a visit here.

Science comes to life at Discovery Place Science, a fun hands-on museum in Uptown Charlotte. Kids can conduct their own science experiments and enjoy fascinating shows and often-explosive demonstrations at one of the most popular family museums in the Carolinas.

The hands-on exhibits are designed to appeal to curious kids of all ages, and the immersive IMAX theater shows family-friendly blockbusters and engaging dinosaur documentaries on the biggest screen in the region. The museum's central location makes it easily accessible on foot or by public transport, while its proximity to other attractions in Uptown Charlotte allows for easy museum-hopping.

Located in East Charlotte, the Charlotte Museum of History is set on an 8-acre campus that includes the city's oldest surviving colonial home (the 1774-built Alexander Rock House). It provides an insight into the city’s sometimes challenging history while offering a hopeful vision for the future. 

The museum’s 6 immersive galleries host permanent and visiting exhibitions, covering everything from Native American history to the city's role in the American Revolution and beyond. Set aside around 2 hours to explore the museum’s artifacts and interactive displays. Book a guided tour if you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped Charlotte over the centuries.

Mesmerizing exhibits and mind-bending images attract hordes of visitors to The Museum of Illusions in lively uptown Charlotte. Prepare to have your perception of reality challenged as you goggle at optical illusions, puzzle over intriguing exhibits, and admire mind-bending installations at this popular family attraction.

From rooms that seem to defy gravity to holograms and visual puzzles, the Museum of Illusions is a fun, all-ages experience where nothing is as it seems. And with a location in Charlotte’s cultural district, the Museum of Illusions can be a fun stopping point on a museum-hopping tour of the city. If you’re traveling with family, bring you kids here for a fun day of exploring.