The Firebird sculpture always grabs a crowd and makes the perfect backdrop for that model pose. | Photo by CLTtoday
For us? You shouldn’t have. We already think living in the Queen City is the greatest gift — but Charlotte has received a few unforgettable ones. From land donations to grand statues, here are three unique gifts given to the city.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art| This building is hard to miss on South Tryon Street, with striking architectural lines and an iconic sculpture adorning its plaza. The Bechtler family, particularly Charlotte resident Andreas Bechtler, generously committed his impressive collection of modern art — more than 1,400 pieces — to the museum, laying the foundation for this cultural treasure when it opened its doors in 2010.
Lake Norman was created between 1959 and 1964.
Photo provided by Archives & Special Collections, Davidson College Library, Davidson, NC
Land for Lake Norman State Park | Between 1959 and 1964, Lake Norman was formed when Duke Power Company (now Duke Energy) built the Cowans Ford Dam across the Catawba River to generate power. As the lake took shape, Duke Power donated 1,328 acres of land on its northeastern shore, laying the foundation for Lake Norman State Park.
The park, which officially opened its gates in 1962, now offers 1,942 acres with plenty of opportunities for adventure, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating, all set against the stunning backdrop of NC’s largest man-made lake.
Prep for post-holiday cleanup chaos with our go-to organization hacks:
🎁 Tuck leftover wrapping paper into this storage container with handy pockets for ribbons + bows.
🌲 Keep ornaments protected in a durable storage box with drawers that hold up 128 pieces.
🎀 Organize holiday decor in these best-selling containers that are transparent so you can easily see what’s inside.
🚪 Prevent your wreath from getting crushed with a specially designed storage bag that keeps its shape intact.
💡 Say goodbye to tangled wires — this storage solution features three spools for easy holiday light organization.
Charlotte’s gifts come in many forms — from iconic art to sprawling parks — all shaping the Queen City we love. Wishing you a bright, cozy holiday season and a wonderful new year.
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