Q+A: Inside the CMA’s newly reimagined collection galleries
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
Behind the scenes at CMA — Senior Curator Michael Neumeister shares insights on the new gallery while standing by the scaled-down planning model. | Photo provided by the Columbia Museum of Art/Victor Johnson
The Columbia Museum of Art has reinstalled its collection galleries, blending beloved works with fresh acquisitions and bold curatorial choices. Senior Curator Michael Neumeister shares how the collection galleries are organized, what’s new, and what visitors can expect.
Tell us about this new installation and how the art is organized. How is it different from previous versions?
The new galleries are organized around American, Asian, European, and modern + contemporary art. Historical displays are occasionally interrupted with contemporary works to highlight dialogue across time.
Thematic galleries explore still life, landscape, and architecture, and three solo exhibitions feature South Carolina artists Jasper Johns, Richard Samuel Roberts, and Winston Wingo. About a third of works on view have never been exhibited or haven’t been shown in decades. The installation balances thematic, chronological, and dynamic approaches to feel fresh without losing sight of the museum’s history.
How many objects are in the CMA Collection vs. how many are on view? Was it difficult to choose what to display?
The museum has 7,000+ objects, with about 320 on view. Curators focused on the collection’s most significant works while seeking unexpected perspectives. Important gifts, like Renaissance and Baroque pieces from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, are highlighted alongside works that offer new surprises.
In this new installation, are all works in the CMA Collection?
Several works are on loan from museums across the country, including modern and contemporary pieces from the National Academy of Design. Artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, David Diao, and Richard Hunt appear in CMA galleries for the first time.
Tell us about an object in this installation that you are excited about and why.
Two recently conserved Sam Gilliam paintings, each nearly 10 feet tall, are shown side-by-side for the first time, creating a dramatic moment in the galleries.
Without giving too much away, are there any surprises in store for visitors who have seen your collection galleries previously?
The CMA’s first-ever Georgian England period room and the largest Asian art gallery yet offer fresh perspectives, new acquisitions, and dynamic arrangements.
What do you want people to take away from their gallery experience?
I hope visitors feel inspired and enriched, and that Columbia residents feel proud to host a world-class museum built by 75 years of community support.
Dynamic installations, rare loans, and never-before-seen works make the CMA’s galleries a chance to experience both its history and its next chapter.
More than 400 homes and 70,000 sqft of retail could be coming to Huntersville. South Carolina-based WLA Enterprises, Inc. filed a rezoning request for a 44-acre site near Sam Furr Road and Old Statesville Road. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
The Panthers are preparing to host a playoff game this Saturday, Jan. 10, against the LA Rams. What are the big focuses on the field to keep pounding? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
If your goal this year was to try new coffee shops, here’s your sign: join the month-long Charlotte Coffee Crawl. The waitlist is open for $15 digital passes, where a $5 credit is applied to your order. The goal of the crawl is to visit new cafes around the Queen City.
Trending
A group of Buddhist monks walking across the US will soon arrive in the Queen City. The monks started their journey in Fort Worth, TX, and are traveling to Washington, DC. They’re anticipated to make it to Charlotte between Saturday, Jan. 10 and Tuesday, Jan. 20 — track their progress.
Environment
Mecklenburg County is celebrating one year of clean air. In the past, the county would average five days of unhealthy air due to ground-level ozone and particle pollution, like dust, smoke, or dirt in the air. (WCNC)
Closed
Athens Pizza & Kabob, known for Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, closed its doors in Matthews. Diners shared their love on social media, writing, “We will miss you. The best Persian food around!” (The Charlotte Observer)
Quoted
Charlottean Millicent “Penny” Butler celebrated her 106th birthday last Saturday, Jan. 4. Her secret to living a long and happy life? “If you’re going to be here, there are so many activities that you can do, and it’s foolish not to be involved.” (WCNC)
Eat
Have you heard of Veganuary? Since 2014, millions of people across the globe have used January to reduce how many animal products they eat. If you want to take part, Charlotte’s meat-free eats await.
Travel
We share our planet with remarkable creatures. National Geographic captured many of their extraordinary stories and journeys in its Pictures of the Year 2025. Don’t rely on the lens — make this the year you see the world for yourself, starting at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Editor’s Pick
If approved by the city, each business will sign a five-year sublease with the option to renew.
Documents via City of Charlotte
Rumbao Latin Dance Company and Suites by Alvaranga Collection, Higher Grounds by Manolo, and Artisen Gelato are the first four businesses recommended for Solstice at Eastland Yards, a mixed-use development coming to East Charlotte this year. The announcement was made during the city’s Economic Development and Workforce Committee meeting yesterday.
The salon, dance company, and eateries are anticipated to take up about half of the retail space at the upcoming project across from Eastland Park. The city is set to vote on the subleases during its scheduled meeting on Monday, Jan. 12.
Asked
Asked
What would you like to see at Eastland Yards?
A. Locally-owned restaurants B. A bookstore C. Clothing boutiques D. Other
Today is Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. Growing up, I’d celebrate by leaving a shoebox filled with grass under the tree for the Kings’ camels to eat, and in exchange, they would leave a gift. While my tree is already down for the year, there’s no reason I can’t pick up a Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread) to mark the occasion — Manolo’s Bakery has them for order through Thursday, Jan. 8.
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