Mixing Southern charm and hospitality with the bright lights of the big city, Charlotte is a dynamic destination that offers activities and attractions for all types of travelers. Perhaps most notably, the Queen City is known for its extensive collection of museums, providing tourists with an opportunity to enjoy cultural and historic experiences during their trip.
From esteemed art museums and historical homes to the infamous NASCAR Hall of Fame, there are Charlotte museums for every age and interest.
These are the best museums in Charlotte for any traveler:
The Mint Museum
- 500 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
- $15 per adult, $6 per child
Famously known as North Carolina's first art museum, the Mint Museum is considered to be one of the top Charlotte museums. Featuring two locations — one in Randolph and another in Uptown — the Mint Museum strives to make art accessible and appealing to everyone. The exhibits at the museum include a collection of permanent and rotating galleries, all of which are designed to expose people to a wide range of art, artists and styles. From contemporary art to classic American art, the museum has endless pieces that are intriguing, insightful and memorable.
The Charlotte Museum of History
- 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
- $10 per adult, $7 per child between 6-17, no admission fee for children under 5
A great spot for first-time visitors to Charlotte is the Charlotte Museum of History, which is considered to be one of the top museums in the city. Inside the museum, visitors will discover six engaging and interactive exhibits that aim to tell the story of Charlotte's history and how it became the modern, interconnected community that it is today. In addition, visitors are able to explore the historic grounds of the museum, which houses some of the oldest properties in North Carolina, some of which date back to the time of the American Revolution.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
- 400 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202
- $27 per adult, $20 for children between 4-12
Racing's biggest fans often travel to Charlotte in order to experience the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is easily considered to be one of Charlotte best museums. With an atmosphere that is as exciting and electric as race day itself, the NASCAR Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits that tell the history of the sport and the stories of its legends. Popular exhibits include the Racing Simulators, the Hall of Honor and the Heritage Speedway. Whether you have watched one NASCAR race or you are a lifelong fan, you are sure to fall in love with this iconic Charlotte museum.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
- 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
- $9 per adult, $5 for children between 11-18, no admission fee for children under 10.
As one of the newest additions to the Charlotte museum scene, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has become a beloved attraction in the city. It first opened its doors in 2010 after the Bechtler family donated a significant portion of their modern and contemporary art collection to the museum. Today, visitors step into the lobby and are struck by the magnificence of The Firebird, a mirror mosaic sculpture that stands more than 17 feet tall. While it's the first monumental piece of art that anyone sees at the museum, The Firebird is only the beginning of this breathtaking collection.
Historic Rosedale
- 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206
- $15 per person, no admission fee for children under 5
At the time that Rosedale was built in 1815, it was a plantation that was located more than 3 miles away from the nearby city. Today, however, it's a piece of history that's been preserved within an urban environment and it's one of the most well-known history museums in Charlotte. The heart of the museum is the historic Rosedale house, which is open for guided tours. The organization that operates and maintains Historic Rosedale aims to create enlightening exhibits that tell the stories of the people who lived in the house and the enslaved African Americans who were forced to work the land, allowing visitors to develop an authentic and well-rounded understanding of this property's history.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
- 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
- $9 per adult, $7 per child between 6-17, no admission fee for children under 5
The Harvey B Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture has earned a reputation for being one of the best Charlotte museums for unique cultural experiences. This immersive museum offers more than just exhibits on African American history and culture in Charlotte, but it also hosts performances, screenings and engaging discussions, bringing the community together to cherish the many contributions that African Americans have made in the community over the course of its history.
Levine Museum of the New South
- 401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
- Free admission
The Levine Museum of the New South is not quite a history museum, yet not quite a modern art museum. Instead, it's truly a community museum that works to showcase the stories of the past while unveiling the power of the future. At any given time, there are usually a handful of exhibits on display, all of which are designed with various elements in order to captivate the minds and hearts of visitors of all ages. By curating engaging exhibits and planning community celebrations, this museum reveals the spirit and resilience of this incredible city.
Museum of Illusions
- 601 S. Tryon St. Ste. 138, Charlotte, NC 28202
- $24 per adult, $20 per child between 5-12
Easily the most mesmerizing museum in Charlotte, the Museum of Illusions features visual and sensory exhibits that are designed to confound the mind and confuse the senses. You never quite know what is real and what is not as you walk through the captivating illusion rooms. As you wind through the museum, you will encounter illusion rooms that allow you to feel like you are walking upside down as well as some rooms that absolutely convince you that you are tilted. It's a mind-bending experience and one that cannot be missed if you are spending time in Charlotte.
Discovery Place Science
- 168 W. 6th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
- Pricing varies based on demand. $23-$29 per adult, $18-$24 per child
Discovery Place Science is not only one of the top Charlotte museums for families with children, but it is one of the best museums in Charlotte for adults who simply love science. Featuring hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, Discovery Place Science is the kind of museum that brings the world of science to life. On any given day at the museum, you can conduct your own experience, manipulate exhibits in order to see science in action or attend a live show in order to watch a lab take place in real time.
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