Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
About
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture stands as a vital cultural institution in the heart of Charlotte at 551 South Tryon Street, offering visitors an immersive journey into the rich tapestry of African-American artistic expression and cultural heritage. Named after Harvey Gantt, Charlotte's first African-American mayor and a pioneering architect who broke racial barriers at Clemson University, this center serves as both a celebration of achievement and a space for ongoing dialogue about the African-American experience. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of art, history, and culture in Charlotte, this venue provides an essential perspective that enriches the city's cultural landscape. The center presents a dynamic range of exhibitions and programming that showcase African-American art in its many forms, from visual arts and photography to cultural artifacts and historical materials. Visitors can expect thoughtfully curated exhibitions that connect past and present, exploring themes of identity, social justice, creativity, and resilience. The programming goes beyond static displays, often incorporating contemporary artists alongside historical works, creating conversations across generations and artistic movements. This approach makes each visit potentially different from the last, as the center regularly rotates exhibitions and brings in new perspectives that reflect the evolving nature of African-American artistic expression. The physical space itself contributes to the overall experience, with galleries designed to foster contemplation and engagement with the artwork on display. The atmosphere encourages visitors to take their time, whether you're an art enthusiast, a student of history, or simply curious about exploring new cultural perspectives. The center's location on South Tryon Street makes it easily accessible in Charlotte's urban core, and visitors can explore the exhibitions at their own pace while taking advantage of the educational resources and interpretive materials that provide context and depth to the works on view. You can find more information about current exhibitions and visiting details at ganttcenter.org, where you can plan your visit to this important cultural destination that continues to contribute meaningfully to Charlotte's arts community.
Current Exhibitions
Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection
A traveling photography exhibition featuring 33 historic black-and-white gelatin silver prints documenting legendary jazz musicians and the jazz movement from the 1920s to 1980s. The exhibition contextualizes these iconic images within the Jim Crow era and highlights the cultural impact of jazz as an African American art form during a time of segregation.
Location
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 AM PM
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 AM PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 AM PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 AM PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM AM – 6:00 AM PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 AM PM
Contact Information
Address
551 South Tryon Street
Phone
(704) 547-3700