This is a rather small museum but it holds a fine and varied collection of art. And, best of all, it is free to the public. It was located very close to our our inn, so I took the time to visit. The current presentations I saw include "The Western Tradition, from Ancient art to twentieth-century art; Art from China and Japan; Art from Southern and Western Asia; and African Art. Also in January, they began an exhibit of three paintings by Pablo Picasso completed in 1938, 1943, and 1965. Each work is from a very different period of Picasso’s long, productive, and versatile career. A walk through the Ackland can also include ancient Greek vases, Eugene Delacroix, and Andy Warhol.Designed in the Georgian style, the red brick Ackland Memorial Art Center was dedicated on September 20, 1958. William Hayes Ackland (1855-1940) provided the funds to construct the museum building and the trust continues to provide for the purchase of works of art. As part of that trust, Mr. Ackland included a stipulation he be buried in a museum named after him and his tomb is indeed inside the museum, so ask to see it. The museum staff is very helpful.The museum is open Wed - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm and Sun: 1 - 5 pm. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays as well as on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
We only went to their shop, but I love it great place to Christmas shop. The museum must be called to go and get access for handicapped. Will definitely do that next time
Do not just walk by, walk in and you will be transported away from the frenzy of Franklin - somewhere new and your soul will thank you.
It is little and easy to navigate. They even had a room where you could curate photos of artwork. Centrally located with a quick walk from hotel.
I always like visiting the Ackland museum because it is a great way to see awesome art and spend a few hours enjoying other cultures. There is no admission fee but they accept donations. They keep a nice collection and we usually are through seeing everything in about two hours. I will keep coming back to see what acquire in the future.
Did not have enough time to explore. I was parked at meter 10 minutes away and had used all my coins for 1.5 hours. Rushed through to exhibits to rush back to car.
Part of UNC and admission is free. It's best to pay for parking and make time for the museum, a stroll around the campus and downtown, and perhaps even a visit to the Morehead Planetarium, if you want to make a full day of it. The Ackland has many community events.
There are always new shows and exhibits here. My favorite is always the MFA show in the spring. The venue is nice and the shows always display talented artists.
The Ackland Art Museum is a real gem. The collections are excellent and the current Joseph McCrindle exhibit - An Eye for the Unexpected a variety of drawings, paintings and etchings that are worth your time; and, it's free. Do consider a donation when you exit.
A favorite place in Chapel HIll. We often take out-of-town guests to the wonderful museum and it's fabulous gift shop and then for a walk around downtown Chapel HIll.