Ackland Art Museum

The Ackland Art Museum, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is a cultural gem offering a diverse collection of over 18,000 works spanning centuries and continents. Visitors can explore European paintings, Asian art, African sculptures, American prints, and modern photography in an intimate setting. The museum's rotating exhibitions ensure there's always something new to discover, from Old Masters to contemporary installations. The building itself is a modern, light-filled space that complements the art, with galleries arranged to encourage thoughtful exploration. A visit here is a quiet, contemplative experience, ideal for art lovers and casual visitors alike. The museum also hosts lectures, films, and family programs, making it a vibrant part of the Chapel Hill community.

Don't miss

• European Old Master paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens
• Asian art collection featuring Chinese ceramics and Japanese woodblock prints
• African art gallery with masks, textiles, and ritual objects
• Rotating contemporary exhibitions in the museum's special galleries
• Outdoor sculpture garden with works by modern artists

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Ackland Art Museum

Cheapest way inDowntown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour4.8★ · 380 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum Admission4.6★ · 2,059 travelers2–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$32 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleAshland Escape Games5★ · 25 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$50 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Check the website for current exhibition schedules and special events.
• Photography without flash is allowed in most galleries.
• Large bags and backpacks must be checked at the coatroom.
• Parking is limited; consider using public transit or rideshare.

A bit of history

Founded in 1958, the Ackland Art Museum was established through a bequest from William Hayes Ackland, a Tennessee lawyer who left his fortune to create an art museum at a Southern university. After a legal battle, UNC-Chapel Hill was chosen, and the museum opened its doors in 1958, with a new building added in 1993.