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Entertainment - Science, Art & Cultural Centers

The Charlotte metro area abounds with art galleries, publicly and privately funded museums, performing arts communities and other cultural attractions. A great many of these have rotating and permanent exhibits in addition to special events. The Charlotte Culture Guide is one way to stay informed of the current happenings. In addition, the links below will take you directly to sites where you can obtain detailed information.

Science Centers

  • Discovery Place is a 3-story building of science exhibits and facilities for educational programs. This private, non-profit organization includes the 2-story IMAX dome theater.
  • The Carolina Raptor Center, part of Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, is dedicated to the treatment, recovery and release of orphaned and injured birds of prey. Those that cannot survive on their own after recovery find permanent homes at the Raptor Center and serve to educate the public.
  • In cooperation with Discovery Place, the Charlotte Nature Musuem operates the Butterfly Pavilion, Creature Cavern, Insect Alley and Big Backyard wildlife exhibits. The Paw Paw Nature Trail is winds through a 100-year-old forest. The Dragonfly Theater is home to a professional puppet stage.
  • The Energy Explorium at Duke Energy's McGuire Nuclear Station offers interactive games, a film, and nature trail for learning about the science of energy.

Performing & Visual Arts

  • The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Spirit Square Center for the Arts in uptown Charlotte are home to 7 theaters and 10 performing and visual arts organizations, including the Charlotte Symphony, North Carolina Dance Theater, Opera Carolina and Community School of the Arts.
  • Fort Mill is home to a unique treasure: the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps. "Crown" finished 2nd in the world championships in August 2009, and has been a top 12 world-finalist corps 13 times in their 19 year history. Their annual competition "NightBeat" and other special events make the Carolina Crown a special local attraction for fans and aspiring musicians alike.
  • Imaginon is a joint venture of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and the Charlotte Children's Theater. Theater productions and classes, libary facilities, a sound recording studio and a technology center make this a favorite destination of local children.
  • The McColl Center for Visual Arts seeks to advance artists, community and the creation of contemporary art through residencies, exhibitions, outreach and education. The gallery is open afternoons Tuesday through Saturday.
  • The Mint Museum - comprised of the Mint Musuem of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft & Design, the Mint Museum hosts both permanent and visiting exhibits of historic and contemporary art, photography, ceramics, glass, metal and wood works. Research libraries, teacher training programs, lectures, and artist demonstrations are all part of the Mint Museum offerings.

Cultural Centers

In addition to the important historic sites and living history attractions in the area,

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