Ackland Art Museum

Ackland Art Museum is one of the foremost art institutions in the United States and it is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Established in 1951, the museum houses an impressive collection of over 17,000 works ranging from antiquity to modern and contemporary art. Its mission is to “educate, engage, and inspire a diverse range of visitors.”

The Ackland is home to impressive holdings in American and European paintings and sculpture, Asian and African art, pre-Columbian and Native American art, and prints, drawings and photographs. The core of the collection was formed through major gifts from two Chapel Hill donors: Walter H. and Louisa Smith Ackland. Their generous gifts encompassed a wide variety of mediums covering several centuries of work from North Carolina and beyond. The Ackland also houses substantial collections of ancient Chinese bronzes, African sculpture, Pre-Columbian terracottas, and Native American pottery.

In addition to its impressive collection, Ackland Art Museum offers numerous educational programs for children and adults such as talks, tours and workshops. Their interactive learning spaces are designed to provide everyone with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of art, culture, and the creative process. The museum often collaborates with local organizations to create meaningful experiences that explore facets of identity in our global community.

Visitors can get a greater appreciation of the works on view through free gallery talks as well as artist lectures. Exhibitions are also designed to foster a greater dialogue between the artist, visitor, and artwork. Through these conversations visitors gain insights into each artwork’s aesthetic value as well as its cultural relevance.

The Ackland Art Museum is an outstanding asset to Chapel Hill and is dedicated to providing visitors with the opportunity to engage with art in meaningful ways. If you are ever in town, be sure to visit the Ackland for an unforgettable experience with art. Plan your visit today!