The Museum invites you to explore our outstanding Collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and to discover the richness of Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history.
Our Vision
To transform lives through art.
Our Mission
To engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion
The Asheville Art Museum’s vision is to transform lives through art, and we welcome all visitors without discrimination. The Museum acknowledges that it is situated upon the ancient, southern Appalachian ancestral homeland of the Cherokee Tribe and that this region is still the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians today.
The Asheville Art Museum is committed to being an active leader against racism. We uphold anti-oppressive and equitable practices, while striving to create opportunities for education and action to build a stronger community.
The Asheville Art Museum is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, access and inclusion—now and in the future. The Museum is moving with awareness and commitment, through assessment, training and engagement, to implementation and accountability.
Our History
Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the Museum is committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and to providing lifelong opportunities for education and enrichment through the visual arts.
Read more about the history of the Museum, as well as the Museum’s new building.
Our Exhibitions & Programs
The Museum presents a robust schedule of engaging exhibitions featuring American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Museum also offers a broad variety of innovative programs for all ages, including classes and workshops for adults, college students, children, and families; guided and group tours; concerts and performances; volunteer and docent programs; year-round and summer internship programs; film screenings; lectures and panel discussions; school and teacher programs; special events; and much more.
Finance and Governance
To view financial information and our governance, please visit our Finance and Governance page.
Contact the Museum
To connect with us, please visit our Contact page. For immediate assistance or general inquiries, please call 828.253.3227.
The Asheville Art Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums which receives support for its programs from Museum Members; other generous individuals, corporations, businesses, and foundations; ArtsAVL; the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (www.NCArts.org); the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums; and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Additional support is provided by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County.
