The Mint Museum of Art is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and is the only North Carolina museum to be housed inside a former United States Mint production building. Although the building is no longer used as a Mint, it is still used today to house the Mint Museum. There are not relics from the building’s days as a Mint, but instead an excellent collection of both American and European art. The Mint Museum Charlotte is one of the best places to go for families, students, or travelers from out of town looking for something to do in downtown Charlotte.
The Mint Museum is open from 10am until 10pm on Tuesdays, from 10am until 5pm on Wednesday through Saturday, and from noon until 5pm on Sundays. The Mint Museum Charlotte is closed on Mondays. Admission prices to the Mint Museum are $6 for an adult, $3 for children ages 6-17, and $5 for students (with ID) and seniors. Children age 5 and under are always free, and on Tuesdays from 5pm until 10pm admission is free for everyone. Although this North Carolina museum is popular among locals and tourists, there is rarely, if ever, much of a wait to get in. To be sure you fully avoid crowds, though, you can visit the museum during the week rather than on the weekend.
The various art collections at the Mint Museum of Art include a wide selection of pieces from Europe, as well as local artists and art pieces. The Mint Museum Charlotte also has a large collection of porcelain and pottery from the Delhom Collection. Also represented at the Mint Museum is a selection of pre-Columbian art and a number of objects from Africa. Gold coins which were originally minted here at the Charlotte Mint are also on display, as well as a collection of items from around the area, including antique maps, clothing, and other historical objects. There is also a section of the museum which is devoted to contemporary prints and photography.
If you plan to take a tour of the Mint Museum of Art, leave yourself at least two hours, if not three, to see everything inside. The Mint Museum of Craft and Design is attached to the Mint Museum, and your admission ticket to the Mint Museum of Art will also get you into the Craft and Design Museum. The Craft and Design section is where travelers will find handmade goods, both historical and contemporary, for viewing, and is one of the more unique North Carolina museums. The Mint building is located close to downtown, somewhat close to Discovery Place and many nice downtown Charlotte hotels.
The town of Charlotte is also in prime location for some great day trips from the city for travelers looking for even more place to explore. Winston Salem, Raleigh and Greensboro are all less than a two hour drive from downtown Charlotte. Travelers can also follow suggested itineraries for more ideas on things to do in Charlotte.
