A 35-year old institution, the Afro-American Cultural Center was recently re-named the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in honor of Charlotte architect, philanthropist, and civic leader Gantt (“a designer of structure and a builder of communities”). The Center, situated in the city’s central business district, celebrates the impact that Africans and African-Americans have had on this nation’s culture with gallery exhibitions, performances, activities, lectures, and even through the design of the building itself, which references West African textile patterns and quilt patterns from the Underground Railroad era.
The Gantt Center offers many classes that unite participants with African-American artistic heritage by teaching such subjects as African jewelry and toy-making, painting and the techniques of noted African-American artists, storytelling through shadow puppets, graffiti art, and paper mask making.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture Information
- Public Transportation: Good
- Handicapped Accessibility: Yes
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
- Admission: $8; $5 for seniors and groups.
- Subscriptions/Memberships: Memberships begin at $50 ($35 for seniors and students). Benefits include unlimited admission, 10% discounts at the Gantt Center store, and access to special programs.
