Charlotte Sights: Museums

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There are numerous museums and historic sites scattered throughout the city, especially in and near Uptown. In the next year or two, a new "museum district" will arise on the southern edge of the district; at roughly the same time, the NASCAR Hall of Fame will open near the Convention Center. See individual districts for a more thorough list of museums.

• The Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd, +1 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org. Tu 10AM-10PM, W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 12PM-5PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Charlotte's main art museum is in the original building of the Charlotte Mint (see History), which was moved from its location at Mint St. Though its permanent collection is somewhat lacking, it regularly hosts high-quality traveling exhibits from around the world. Its primary strengths are American art and ceramics; colonial/pre-colonial art; and costumes and other decorative art from many countries. Not a must-see, but worth a visit if you are in Charlotte for more than a couple of days or have a special interest in art. $6 adults, $5 seniors and college students, $3 6-17, free under 5.

• Discovery Place, on N Tryon between 6th and 7th, +1 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org. 10 AM-6PM or 9AM-5PM, except on Sunday when it opens at 12:30PM. One of the nation's most acclaimed children's museums. Focuses primarily on the sciences, though special exhibits (such as the recent exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls) may have a more general focus. Step into the rainforest, see and feel the fish, watch a hydrogen balloon explode and a frozen banana hammer. $7.50 for Discovery Halls, $7.50 for OMNIMAX, $13 for both.

• Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E 7th St, +1 704-333-1887, www.museumofthenewsouth.org. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Sunday 12PM-5PM. An excellent introduction to the South's history and influences over the past centuries. Boasting an excellent standing exhibit with walk-throughs and hands-on experiences, this is a great museum for "new" and old Southerners alike. Highly recommended for visitors seeking an understanding of Southern culture and history. Closed Mondays. $6 adults, $5 seniors and minors, under 6 free, $17 family.

• James K Polk Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville, +1 704-889-7145, www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/polk/polk.htm. Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM. From Interstate 77 south of Charlotte take Interstate 485 east (Exit 2). At the Pineville exit take U.S. 521 south through the town of Pineville for about 1.5 mi. The Polk Memorial is on the left. The museum offers tours and information about the home of U.S. President James K. Polk, as well as a reconstruction of his house. Monthly special events. Free.

• Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4108 Airport Dr (at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport), +1 704-359-8442 (fax: +1 704-359-0057), www.carolinasaviation.org. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. This is a big attraction for aviation fanatics. This museum features a wide variety of resources including historic and restored airplanes, air shows and a library (by research request only). Because it is located at Charlotte-Douglas, it is the only attraction in the city that can be reached by airplane. If you want to meet people working on restoring the airplanes, come on a Tuesday or Thursday. (It is also a great place to watch takeoffs and landings at the airport.)

• www.mintmuseum.org
• www.discoveryplace.org
• www.museumofthenewsouth.org
• www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/polk/polk.htm
• www.carolinasaviation.org