Museums are the cultural hubs of Charlotte. The Queen City is full of art and history museums + an interactive science museum perfect for all ages.

Whether you’re looking to learn something new or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 18 museums to visit around Charlotte.

The Charlotte Museum of History tells the history of the Queen City and its inhabitants from the 1760s to present day. | Photo by CLTtoday

History

Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte | $0-10+
Explore six galleries with permanent and rotating exhibits showcasing the history of Charlotte and how the city has evolved.

Fun fact: The museum is the steward of the 1774 Hezekiah Alexander Rock House, the oldest home in Mecklenburg County.

Levine Museum of the New South, 401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | Free admission
This museum focuses on the history of the Charlotte metro area and raises questions about the city's future.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum, 4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte | $18-$24+
Formerly known as the Carolinas Aviation Museum near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this aeronautical museum transports guests through a timeline of aviation history + houses the famed "Miracle on the Hudson" plane.

Editor's note: You can watch planes arriving and departing at CLT from the outdoor gallery. Check out opening night.

Fort Mill History Museum, 107 Clebourne St., Fort Mill, SC | Free admission
Travel through photographs, journals, and unique artifacts that tell the story of Fort Mill's homes, citizens, and businesses.

“The Firebird” was created by Niki de Saint Phalle. | Photo by Prasit Frazee via Wikimedia Commons

Arts

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | $0-$15 + free admission on Wednesday evenings
Art lovers are instantly greeted by the "Firebird" sculpture before stepping side the museum to see the works of Picasso and other modern artists.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | $0-$9 + free admission on Wednesday evenings
Peruse the paintings, photographs, and sculptures that celebrate and honor the contributions of African Americans and Africans to American culture.

Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | $0-$15 + free admission on Wednesday evenings
Experience a large collection of American and contemporary art.

Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte | $0-$15 + free admission on Wednesday evenings
Browse the international art collection inside the first art museum in North Carolina + was the original branch of the United States Mint.

Travel back in time while marveling at the fossils on display at the Schiele Museum of Natural History. | Photo via Schiele Museum of Natural History

Science

Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte | $0-$23
Tap into curiosity while meeting new creatures + getting hands-on with chemistry and physics demonstrations.

Editor's note: The museum is also home to the largest IMAX screen in the Carolinas + hosts monthly adults-only social events.

North Carolina Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Dr., Spencer | $4-$16
Travel through transportation history at the museum that was once home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility in the Southeast.

Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia | $0-$7
Get a close look at fossils, Catawba Indian pottery, and pause to enjoy a film in the immersive planetarium.

Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Ave. NE, Hickory | $0-$14
This nonprofit boasts hands-on science exhibits, displays, aquariums, and daily planetarium shows.

A guest favorite experiment at all Discovery Place museums is the "Elephant Toothpaste" — exploding foam that shoots from a beaker. | Photo by Patrick Schneider via Discovery Place Science

Kids

Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville, 105 Gilead Rd., Huntersville | $0-$18
Visit this learning-focused children's museum with interactive exhibits, science shows, and daily story time events.

ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St., Charlotte |
Children 11 and under can explore the production studio, watch theater productions + be surrounded by books in this partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Main Street Children's Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill | $0-$6
Let imaginations soar in this space where children up to six years old can play and learn.

Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham, 233 E. Washington St., Rockingham | $0-$8
This redesigned museum offers education through play in various interactive exhibits, science shows, and events.

Qhen visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame, guests can put their speed to the test participating in the "Pit Crew Challenge." | Photo by Cody Hughes via Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

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Sports

NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Charlotte | $0-$49
Learn about the legends and excitement of NASCAR through exhibits, interactive experiences, and simulators.

Music

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis | Free + donations encouraged
Listen and learn about North Carolina's most influential musicians from every genre.

What to bring

Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:

Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.