Even when the museum isn’t playing host to such renowned works as those of Rodin, Picasso, and Ansel Adams, it is still worth coming in for a visit.
The exhibits here cover more than 5,000 years of works from ancient Egypt to modern day masters. The museum has what is considered to be one of the Southeast’s most impressive collections of works by the Old Masters.
The museum covers two floors, with the largest concentration being on the second floor. The second floor includes their European, Classical, American, Egyptian, Africana, Oceanic, Judaic, and Ancient American galleries. The vast European collection covered a variety of eras, including Flemish Baroque, Spanish and Dutch Golden Age, and Neoclassical. They include works from artists such as Raphael, Botticelli, Ruben, Antonio Canova (who sculpted the original George Washington sculpture in the State Capitol Building) and Monet. Modern American Masters include artists such as O’Keefe, Marsden Hartley, and Thomas Hart Benton, and include styles such as cubist, pop cultural, and minimalist.
Visitors to the museum enter on the main level, where you will find an expansive and inviting lobby. Some of the modern day artists are featured on this level. This area houses their classrooms and video theater. Here is also where you will find their immense gift shop and box office. Level 3 is where you will find the Blue Ridge Restaurant and where special exhibits are housed, such as the recent Monet exhibition.
Next to the museums it is Museum Park. Throughout the year, a number of festivals and concerts are held here. One of the most popular events is their Summer Film Series when film fans converge on the park to watch movies under the stars and often are treated to musical performances from the film before the movie starts. It was christened in 1997 by legendary director Sidney Lumet when he premiered his move Night Falls on Manhattan .The museum's schedule is chock-full of classes, workshops, and demonstrations for all ages. They offer daily tours of the museum. The museum is handicapped accessible.
Hours/admissions/information
Hours:
Tues-Thurs and Sat 9am-5pm
Fri 9am-9pm
Sun 10am-5pm
Closed Monday and holidays
Admission: Free, but donations gladly accepted. Admission may be charged for special exhibitions.
Website: www.ncartmuseum.org
Up next? Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art From the British Museum, April 15-July 8, 2007. Tickets on sale. My advice? Get them early!
So next time you're in town, stop in and spend some time in this truly remarkable museum.