Museums are the cultural hubs of Asheville. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the Land of the Sky or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 12 museums to visit in our city.
History
Asheville Museum of History, 283 Victoria Rd. | $0-$10 suggested donation
This museum opened in the fall of last year inside the Smith-McDowell House, featuring many untold stories of WNC’s land and inhabitants.
Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, 111 Grovewood Rd. | $5 suggested donation
Admire rare cars made between 1914 and 1959 from Harry D. Blomberg’s collection.
Don’t miss: One of Asheville’s antique American LaFrance fire trucks from 1922 is on display.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 N. Market St. | $0-$5
Start by touring the museum and watching a short film about author Thomas Wolfe, then journey through the Queen Anne-style home that he grew up in.
West Asheville History Museum, 727 Haywood Rd.
There’s plenty to learn from the artifacts, artwork, and vintage photos housed inside this small museum. But you can keep the education going by embarking on a walking tour with curator, Conda Painter.
Arts
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Sq. | $0-$15
Spend the day browsing art significant to the Southeast through the museum’s collections + exhibitions. Plus, if you get hungry after checking out the “Art of Food” exhibit, you can grab a snack at the rooftop Perspective Cafe.
Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum, 111 Grovewood Rd. | Free
Learn how a former craft education program, created by Eleanor Park Vance and Charlotte Louise Yale, became an international powerhouse in wool production.
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 120 College St. | Free with suggested donation
The current exhibition, “Robert Chapman Turner: Artist, Teacher, Explorer,” dives into the work of the artist who established the college’s first studio pottery program in 1949.
Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy. | Free
Make your way to the second floor to see traditional and contemporary exhibits from members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Silver River Center for Chair Caning, 5 River Arts Pl. Ste. 201 | Free
Browse a collection of 100+ woven chairs at the nation’s only chair caning museum. Note that visits are by appointment only.
Science
Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave. | $0-$10.50
Scientists of all ages can make discoveries with hands-on exhibits, including the astronomy + climate virtual display, French Broad water table, landscape sand table, forestry tree climb, and more.
Music
Moogseum, 56 Broadway St. | $11.75, free for kids seven and under
Bob Moog’s legacy is brought to life with an interactive timeline depicting the history of synthesizers. Plus, try your hand at composing on the theremins and Moog synths.
Don’t miss: The Immersive Dome exhibit visualizes how electricity becomes sound — and makes a great photo op.
Asheville Radio Museum, 340 Victoria Rd., Room 306 of the Elm Building | Free
Located inside AB-Tech Community College, here you’ll discover the impact that radio had on rural WNC communities in the 1920s. Plus, see 50+ transmitters and receivers on display, dating back to the 1900s.
Don’t miss: The museum’s third annual vintage radio swap meet takes place on Saturday, Sept. 9 — find more details.
Kids
Asheville Pinball Museum, 1 Battle Square Ste. 1b | $17
With 35 pinball machines and 35 classic video games, this spot is perfect for the kiddos (and kids at heart).
