Revealing Asheville Art Museum’s makeover

The Asheville Art Museum (which opened in 1948) has undergone a huge transformation that preserves its history – along with modern and state-of-the-art additions – like the new glass facade which can be seen in-progress on the corner of Pack Square.

The museum will officially reopening this spring, though the final date is TBD. While we’re waiting, we’re giving you a peek at what you can expect.

What to expect when the museum reopens –

• The East Wing was demolished + rebuilt with the new glass exterior, which will be lit up at night to illuminate Pack Square.
• The North Wing of the museum, which was built in 1926 as the first location of Pack Library, was preserved + updated and will be more organically connected with the rest of the building – creating a more streamlined + accessible space for visitors.
• Collection gallery space will increase by 70%
• A rooftop sculpture terrace + cafe
• New galleries + exhibition space (space for changing exhibitions will double)
• A larger research library
• Double the room for educational programs, plus a media-ready space for public events
• Upgraded lighting, HVAC + technology systems

The first exhibition, Appalachia Now! , will feature 50 regional artists telling “the contemporary story of Appalachia,” and will be a true celebration of the Art Museum’s reopening and its vision for the future (date TBD).

What kinds of exhibitions + events would you like to see at the Art Museum? What do you like about the new design? Take our poll and let us know. Then, check out a virtual tour of the space, designed by Ennead Architects – Design Architect, and ARCA Design – Project Architect, here . And if you have friends excited about the reopening, share this with them.

What’s your feedback on the new design?

I’m so excited for the Asheville Art Museum to reopen – and to see the first exhibition in the new space. I also can’t wait to take in the city views from the rooftop sculpture garden + cafe. And I really can’t wait to check out those nighttime views (take a look at the rendering below).

Share your thoughts here, or leave a comment on our Facebook or Instagram . Plus, look out for more coverage of the museum, like a deeper dive into planned exhibitions, events + more, coming soon.

– Ali