Everything You Need to Know About the Asheville Art Museum
Asheville’s art scene is buzzing, and we can’t wait to share the latest news! 2018 is bringing many exciting changes to the city, including a new art museum right in the heart of downtown. When it is completed, the Asheville Art Museum will be second to none. With many brand new features, you must visit this state-of-the-art facility yourself! Here’s what you can expect at the new museum.
Once you tour the Asheville Art Museum, check out the other museums and galleries in Asheville, NC. Make sure to download our free vacation guide for full list of them. It’s full of information about the best dining, nightlife, and things to do in Asheville and Chimney Rock!
About the Asheville Art Museum
The Asheville Art Museum was founded in 1948. Now, the museum is a leader in the arts for Western North Carolina and the Southeast. It’s also the only organization of its kind offering cultural and educational experiences in 24 counties. Over time, the museum’s collection grew so much that there was not enough space to hold it all. In fact, only 3% of the artwork could be on display at any given time. As the museum continued to grow, the need to expand became essential. Now, plans to rebuild have become a reality. The new museum will be an architectural landmark in downtown Asheville.
With a vision to transform lives through art, the Asheville Art Museum is undergoing quite the transformation itself. Construction ends in late 2018, with a grand opening scheduled for 2019. Inside, you’ll find new collections, exhibitions, educational workshops, and community outreach programs. The 68,000+ sq. ft. building also features a spacious library, extra studio and classroom space, a cafe, and a rooftop sculpture terrace. The museum’s glass exterior even lights up at night!
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS
The museum’s permanent collection contains more than 3,500 media works and 4,905 architectural drawings. You can also view 14-17 changing exhibitions throughout the year. One of the most popular exhibitions is The Black Mountain College Collection. The collection showcases trends in American art from the 20th century on. It’s definitely a must-see when visiting the Asheville Art Museum!
CURRENT MUSEUM LOCATION AND HOURS
While the museum is under construction, you can visit the pop-up exhibition in the meantime! The “Museum On the Slope” is located at 175 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, NC. The museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 to 5, and Sunday from 1 to 5. Asheville Art Museum admission is free, but you may donate $5 to support the museum’s programs.
OTHER MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN ASHEVILLE
The Asheville Art Museum is just one of many incredible art galleries and museums that you can explore in Asheville, NC. Plan to stay several days so you can see a few of them! Here are some of our favorites:
Stay at the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant
After a fun-filled day at the Asheville Art Museum, come home to our Chimney Rock bed and breakfast. The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant is a short drive from Asheville and offers the perfect accommodations for your stay. Our rustic inn is nestled in the heart of the Western North Carolina Mountains and overlooks the beautiful Rocky Broad River.
Each of our rooms and cabins features the very best amenities and breathtaking views. We also offer many specials and packages throughout the year to enhance your stay. So what are you waiting for? Check our availability and book your next mountain getaway! We can’t wait to hear all about your experience at the Asheville Art Museum.