Iv'e been visiting Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for many years and of all years this year was the…read moreyear I walked into this museum and finally saw an exhibition by a Black artist . I felt so seen and represented I shed tears . David Mcghee's Exhibition is the best Exhibition iv'e experienced . I want to give a huge shout to the curator and staff who put this together . Im hoping to see more diversified exhibits in the future that give more perspectives from different cultures . We NEED so much more of this ! BRAVO !

Beautiful gallery and amazing collections. We came in on Wednesday evening and discovered that…read moreentry was free. The front desk person was friendly and helpful. She explained the lay out of the gallery and we were on our way. We explored each floor and were met with incredible, thought provoking, pieces. I'm so glad that we found this space and we're able to spend time here.

A photography gallery in Uptown, right next to the 7th Street LYNX Station. When I arrived, the…read moreplace was quite desolate. The security guard had me wait in the lobby while he went in to the gallery to turn the lights on. I got the impression that there wasn't a whole lot going on here. It's a good thing that it's free, because 30 minutes of looking at pictures wouldn't have been worth much. And even at 30 minutes, I was still moving pretty slow. When I visited, the exhibit was "Streetwise", a collection of pictures of America's troubled 60's. Capturing images of not just our troubled times, including Boston's "Combat Zone" and close-ups of the Black Panthers, there were also shots of just regular people and places. All in black and white, which gave it a feel of being very like a documentary. Pictures of the pictures are not permitted, but I took that as meaning not taking a picture of the individual pictures. Instead, my wide shot of the gallery doesn't give away the detail but helps you see what you're going to see there. I might come back for the next exhibit, but I think this is a "See it once" kind of thing.

I had never been to The Light Factory and saw there was a very interesting reception called A…read moreShared Elegy. I was so happy I made it out to see what it was all about since I live so close by. Great intimate space, the artist were so insightful and the crowd genuinely appreciated the artist panel and the photography. It was very well curated. Great space, seasoned artists. Well done.

Seems like a lot is in the air here in Charlotte where mental health people issues are concerned I…read moreunderstand they had a killing here this is home however I have mental health issues and I do not have any such thing on my record I've been treated some kind of way by hospitals by businesses and by the local Transit system you can't just put all of us in a box and say where are the same because we're not and that by and if you're working in an area where you are dealing with mental health people with mental health issues then you need to be trained how to deal with us because a lot of times you are said I issues off by the way you respond and then run and tell lies when we react especially when we are in a mental health crisis state

Amazing city!, so many options and activities. Would highly recommend this city 10/10. If staying…read morein Charlotte I would recommend staying in the drury hotel. Was her burning panda fest. It was an amazing festival

As someone who moved here from the Bay Area and is still finding my favorite outdoor spaces in…read moreCharlotte, I'm always on the lookout for places that offer a little peace and beauty in the middle of a busy day. The McGill Rose Garden absolutely delivered on that. This is truly a beautiful venue--lush flowers everywhere, winding walk paths, and plenty of places to sit quietly and just take it all in. It's the kind of space where you can slow down, clear your head, and quite literally stop and smell the roses. I found it to be a wonderful spot for reflection, a casual stroll, or simply enjoying nature without needing to leave the city. One of the things I especially appreciated is that you can enhance the experience with a visit to the wine bar onsite, Rosie's Wine Garden, where you can grab a coffee, cocktail, or glass of wine and then wander the grounds at your own pace. It adds a relaxed, almost European feel to the whole experience. A quick heads-up: parking can be a bit tricky, as the entrance is off a busy street, so just take your time and be patient when pulling in. Once you're there, though, it's well worth the effort. Bottom line: If you're looking for a small but charming botanical-style garden in Charlotte--a quiet place to reset, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors--this is a lovely little gem. For me, it checked all the boxes and has become a welcome respite in the middle of a busy day.

Talk about a hidden gem! This was a great place to get coffee, wine and/or a snack and hang out for…read morea while. Rosie's Coffee and Wine is adjacent and service there was super friendly and fast. There is indoor seating there, but the gardens have little twists and turns and different areas to sit, too. When we visited it wasn't too busy, so we had our choice of tables. There was a birthday or bachelorette type of party in another part of the garden.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg library district offers a number of very nice regional and special…read morelibrary settings: the South Park Regional, South County Regional, and the library collaboration with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte ... ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center on Seventh Street downtown to name just three. Each has specialties that make them individuals. The ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center collaboration between the library district and the Children's Theatre is a hands down wonder. While some libraries specialize in library things (games and toys) to engage kids and others specialize in library materials (books and puzzles), ImaginOn has it all ... including plays and story times. The library itself is free to enter, multi-story, newish, clean and easy to get to, with available parking that is free for 90 minutes with a stamped ticket. This facility absolutely had everything to stimulate kids of all ages ... probably 2 to 12 being the sweet spot. Do make a point of finding your way here for a visit someday ... you'll be glad you did. Highly recommended.

I love that the Mecklenburg libraries have story times for various ages throughout the week…read more We've been coming here since February and my toddler loves it. There is always some sort of craft, legos, toys and computers for her to play with/use. They also usually have monthly events and a theater. I prefer to download the CMLibrary app to keep up with events. We prefer to come here on the Saturday's but it's definitely more packed. It's about 40ish families at every session. They have a parking garage (under the library) which you can take the elevator directly into the library. They validate for 90 minutes. The issue is when it's full or days they have events parking can really be a pain. They may direct you to park at 7th street parking garage but they only validate after 5pm on weekdays or anytime on weekends.

Though the bridge itself is simply a means of foregoing the need of an intersection on the west…read moreside of NoDa, the beautiful mural makes it stand out and a more memorable part of Charlotte's art flavor. Brainchild of local artist Will Puckett, this gorgeous mural tells a wonderful story of Mecklenburg history. There's a brilliant explanation of this at the listed website. Though you may not find yourself walking down North Davidson Street most days, take the time to walk by and take in this gorgeous story/work of art. It's quite remarkable and more memorable up front rather than from your car window.

Hooray for public art! This used to be one of the ugliest bridges in a city that prided itself on…read moreutilitarian industrial infrastructure. But a few NoDa artists have, with the help of many grants, painted the columns with the major contributors to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. For those of you who took history classes in the real world, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence probably isn't a familiar document. All true Charlotte citizens know that Mecklenburg declared independence from the British years before the Continental Congress. But then they lost the document and all proof of its existence so just take our word for it okay? This is especially convenient for southern gentlemen who are ferociously proud of the revolution but uncomfortable giving any credit to those damned Yankees. In the project's later stages the mural will extend beyond the bridge's columns to decorate the embankments on either side with images of the Mecklenburg Resolves, another document of unclear purpose and dubious existence. Basically, I'm saying that they could have picked some better subject matter. Like, something that actually happened. Or, if you are happy with imaginary events, why not choose something truly heroic like the day America beat back the Martian menace? But regardless, I think it is fitting that this bridge, spanning one of two routes into NoDa's arts district, be covered in an enormous, colorful mural.

Almost passed right by it -- it looks like an unsuspecting alleyway but fear not! The murals were…read moreBEAUTIFUL and I so appreciate when cities make an effort to incorporate more art into its streets

Great to walk through and read about the installations! Beautiful and free street art. Awesome…read morephoto opportunities and lots of hidden treasures. :)

Obsessed with Hot Glass Alley! It's such a fun experience for a date night and even solo date. I…read morecame back a year later to make a vase, which came out even more beautiful than the tumbler I made previously. Instructors are very knowledgeable and allow you to do certain steps with their help of course.

Hidden gem in Charlotte. Owner Jacob was our instructor. I made an ornament and my husband made a…read morebowl. Jacob was patient and guided us through the process letting us do just about every step. Great idea for a date. We enjoyed a nice charcuterie selection along with wine, beer, water or soft drink options. They have a great showroom where yiu can also purchase items made by local artists. Free demo night the 3rd Friday of each month from 6 to 9.

Located on the side of Romare Bearden Park closest to Mint Street, this welded stainless steel…read moresculpture soars 30 feet into the air like a wave. The artwork was unveiled on September 23, 2017. The caption reads, "Richard Hunt created 'Spiral Odyssey' as a tribute to his friend Romare Bearden (1911-1988). Bearden and Hunt were the first contemporary African American artists to have solo exhibitions at New York's Museum of Modern Art in 1971." "In 1963, Romare Bearden played a pivotal role in the founding of a collective of African American artists known as the 'Spiral Group' who actively participated in the Civil Rights movement. In the manner of the Archimedean spiral that advances by radiating outward to embrace all directions, the elegant spiral formed by Richard Hunt's sculpture symbolizes the widening influence of the Spiral Group. It also represents the circular nature of progress and the complexities of Bearden's multifaceted career, which even in its legacy continues to ascend." "The 'Odyssey', Homer's epic poem chronicling the hero's perilous voyage home, inspired Bearden as well as Hunt. A form resembling a ship's bow servs as the base of Hunt's sculpture. A journeying vessel, the ship alludes to forward momentum as well as the suffering experienced by enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage. The sculpture's ascending height attests to a fortitude of character - strength, tenacity and liberty. Whimsical vignettes mimicking fish surfing in the ship's wake, and generative plant life inspired by the surrounding garden, signify resiliency and regeneration." Collection of Mecklenburg County, Commissioned in partnership with the Arts & Science Council and the Public Art Commission. Funding was generously provided by Mecklenburg County, Duke Energy Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Board of Directors of the Arts & Science Council. [Review 268 of 2024 - 3525 in North Carolina - 21303 overall.]

I would say this is a must-see if you're going to go to museums here in Charlotte. I love the fact…read morethat it had different types of art to view. It had something for everybody, even had a lighting exhibit, and I'm all about the lighting. We spent a good two hours here. It's in the middle of the city, so you can go to restaurants and shops when you're done or before. It was a $18 entrance fee for me, and they offered a senior discount as well for anyone 65 and older.

Extremely nice museum in Charlotte. They had an exhibit of local art from high school students…read morethat made me question why I made life choices because it was so good...lol. Other art was beautiful as well. You get your money's worth on the visit but not too many old masters art, still good viewing.