The museum is housed in what served as the first branch of the US Mint 1837-61 and 1867-1913. The Greek Revival building has also served as a Confederate hospital, an assay office and a laboratory for Thomas Edison. Collections include European art dating from the Rennaisance, American art, period costumes and pre-Columbian and African items; other highlights include gold coins minted in
Charlotte, displays of North Carolina pottery and Alan Ramsey's coronation portraits of King George III and Queen
Charlotte. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (also Tuesday 5-10pm), Sunday noon-5pm; closed major holidays.