To serve as the centerpiece of a regional program of education and involvement in the visual arts. Using the museum's permanent collections, changing exhibitions and educational programs, the Mint seeks to attract and engage diverse audiences and
cultures.
Highlights & Collections:
The Mint initially served the region as the first branch of the United States Mint, coining $5 million in gold from 1836 to the outbreak of the Civil War. Original building was designed in the Federal style by William Strickland. Reopened in 1936 as
North Carolina's first art museum. Today the Mint Museum of Art is one of the leading museums of the Southeast with a varied permanent collection, an active schedule of changing exhibitions, as well as research and educational opportunities.
The collection includes important holdings of American and European paintings, furniture, and decorative arts; African, pre-Columbian, and Spanish Colonial art; an internationally-acclaimed collection of porcelain and pottery; regional crafts and
historic costumes. North Carolina's great craft tradition is featured in galleries of pottery and studio glass.
Exhibits & Special Events:
Hours:
Tuesdays 10am-10pm;
Wednesdays through Saturdays 10am-5pm;
Sundays 12-5pm;
closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Admission & Directions:
adults $4,
seniors $3,
students $2, and
children 12 and under free.
Group rates for 10 or more are available (Admission prices are subject to change).
Free days include Tuesdays from 5-10pm and the second Sunday of each month.
From I-77 North, take I-277 to Third Street and follow the Mint Museum signs
approximately one mile. From I-77 South or I-85, take I-77 South onto I-277.
Exit onto Fourth Street (a one-way street), loop around to Third Street,
then follow the Mint Museum signs.
