“The Firebird” was created by Niki de Saint Phalle. | Photo by Prasit Frazee via Wikimedia Commons
Charlotte’s modern art museum is about to celebrate a milestone — 15 years in the Queen City. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art houses a large collection + one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots (hello, Firebird).
“I think we’re a great jewel in the crown of the arts here in Charlotte,” said Todd Smith, the museum’s executive director. “I think the Firebird is one of the works that people identify with us, which is fantastic.”
When the museum opened in January 2010, the walls were filled with the Bechtler family‘s collection and highlighted mid-20th-century modern art.
“It really does showcase primarily the collection of the Bechtler family, which was donated in trust to the city for the purposes of this museum,” explained Smith.
The Bechtler features three floors of gallery spaces full of national and international exhibitions.
Photo by Joshua Komer via Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
The museum boasts art from 1900 to the contemporary. Think: 125 years of art from across the world, painting the masterpiece that is Levine Avenue for the Arts.
“For a community of our size, to have two art museums that sit across the street from each other is really quite an impressive feat,” added Smith. “I think that speaks to the passion in Charlotte for the arts.”
The immersion starts at the iconic Firebird (a full article coming soon). The sculpture at the corner of S. Tryon Street and Levine Avenue of the Arts immediately draws a crowd, providing art before walking into the museum.
“The bird represents a way to connect to the outside world and be part of nature,” said Smith. “It reminds us the joy that art can bring to people is really quite remarkable.”
The museum frequently changes exhibitions, giving Charlotteans new scenery to explore. Admission ranges $5-$10. Children under 10 + military get in free.
Pro tip: The Bechtler + Uptown’s other art museums offer free admission on Wednesdays.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 24
Tricks and Treats on the Trail | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5-8 p.m. | South End Studio | Cost of purchase | For a ghoulishly good time, walk the Rail Trail and enjoy a bar boo-tique, free spooky photos, and live music.
Candy Crawl + MonsterMarket 2024 | Friday, Oct. 25 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Urban District Market | Cost of purchase | Hunt for candy before shopping from local vendors.
BAD After Dark | Friday, Oct. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Beyond Amazing Donuts | $90 | Savor this tasting of handcrafted donuts paired with craft cocktails.
Tunnel of Terror | Friday, Oct. 25 | 7-10 p.m. | Tommy’s Express® Car Wash, Rock Hill | Free | Get your car washed while screaming at the surprises lurking around the corner.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Opening Celebration for ‘Southern/Modern’ | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | The Mint Museum, Uptown | Free | Tour the newest exhibit illustrating southern progressive art from the early 20th century.
Macabre Masquerade | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 7-11 p.m. | Discovery Place Science | $29+ | Sip crafted cocktails and meet creepy crawlies at this annual adults-only event.
Friday, Nov. 1
Charlotte FC Home Playoff Match | Friday, Nov. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $59 | Join the party and watch Charlotte FC take on Orlando City in the MLS Cup Playoffs.*
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Presented by AMPLOS
You can listen to all past and upcoming episodes on the AMPLOS website, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. | Photo provided by AMPLOS
Did you know? Only 1% of podcasts make it past their 20th episode. That’s why it’s a big deal that “The Growth Project” just hit its 300th episode.
This podcast was launched in 2017 by experts in sport and performance psychology from AMPLOS, and is an inspiring resource for personal + professional growth.
It offers practical advice for everyone from CEOS to athletes, and features interviews with guests like Clemson Tigers’ coach Dabo Swinney, Georgia Bulldogs’ coach Kirby Smart, NYT bestselling author Ryan Holiday, and many more.
The first stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened in the aftermath of Helene. Travelers can now drive from milepost 285.5 at Bamboo Gap to milepost 305 near Beacon Heights around Blowing Rock. It’s the first section to open since the hurricane. (WCNC)
Community
NASCAR volunteers and Charlotte-area race teams are collecting donations for Helene relief at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Supplies can be taken to the Silver parking lot across from the speedway on Wednesday, Oct. 30. (WCNC)
Cause
Looking for a way to donate to Helene relief? State of Confusion and STIR will be donating $1 from every draft cocktail sold this weekend. The initiative coincides with the sold-out Concert for Carolina.
Plan Ahead
We’ll give you something to talk about. Bonnie Raitt will perform a benefit concert on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Ovens Auditorium. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 25. Proceeds will go to nonprofts aiding Helene relief efforts in WNC.
Concert
Baby, hurry up and get here. Country pop singer Kelsea Ballerini is performing at the Spectrum Center on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Ticket pre-sales begin Tuesday, Oct 29 + general admission begins Friday, Nov 1.
Eat
Plaza Midwood restaurant Haymaker is calling for donations for people in WNC. Diners who bring in non-perishable food items for Manna FoodBank on Saturday will receive a complimentary appetizer. The team’s nonprofit, Goodyear Giving, hopes to also raise $25,000 for the cause.
Number
$15 million. That’s how much money will go to Charlotte Douglas International Airport for the replacement of up to 16 passenger boarding bridges. It’s part of a grant from the US Department of Transportation. (Queen City News)
Closing
International Paper Co. will shut down its Statesville plant by year’s end. More than 70 employees will be displaced. The closure is part of a larger workforce reduction. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Biscuit Belly will be opening a second restaurant in the Charlotte area. The brunch spot is expected to open at 2147 W. Highway 160 in Fort Mill on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Kentucky-based restaurant opened in the Elizabeth neighborhood in August. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Listen
The Hornets played their season opener on the road against the Houston Rockets. How did the team fare? Go beyond the paint for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Feeling too young for back pain? While you can’t change your age, 30- and 40-somethings can change some of the common culprits of back pain. See what’s normal and what’s not for back pain in your 30s and 40s — and some of the do’s and don’ts to know.*
Wellness
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Finance
Rates just dropped — now could be the time to tap into your home equity. Calculate your payment.*
Category
Real Estate
🏡 Ready to move in?
Looking for a new place to call home? Make your priority list and find your dream home. | Photos by Skycam Digital, Jennifer Whitlock of Whitlock Productions, and Gerry DiLascio of StudioM360
Searching for a new home? Now may be a good time to do so. A new report from Realtor.com shows the number of houses on the market have tripled in the last two years. If you’re looking to live near the Queen City without paying city prices, this list may be for you.
506 Maine Ave., Bessemer City | $299,000
Minutes from I-85 and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this updated ranch home boasts a sleek and upgraded kitchen, new stainless steel appliances, three bedrooms + a fully-fenced backyard. Listed by: Stacy Label, Savvy + Co. Real Estate
146 Weeping Spring Dr., Mooresville | $565,000
This Mooresville home boasts new hardwood floors, updated fixtures, five bedrooms + a bonus room and proximity to Lake Norman. Listed by: Tara Thompson, Ivester Jackson | Christie’s International Real Estate
263 Heritage Blvd., Fort Mill, SC | $729,000
This home boasts a gourmet kitchen, three-car garage, bonus room (with a wet bar) + vaulted ceilings, fireplace, and a large backyard with access to walking trails. Listed by: Michelle Powers, Redfin
The Buy
The Buy
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ICYMI, Aura in Uptown is launching an Alice in Wonderland-themed pop-up starting tonight. They’ll serve special cocktails named after characters from the story. City Editor Jack and I enjoyed sampling the items. It’s a great way to bring whimsy to your evening on a rooftop bar.
