Charlotte museum makes Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the best in the US

Chyna Blackmon
·2 min read

Condé Nast Traveler has released a list of the best museums in every state — with one in Charlotte as the top pick for North Carolina.

The Tar Heel state has multiple museums showcasing art, aviation, science and even sports, but according to the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, Levine Museum of the New South is the best of the best.

“After the Civil War, Charlotte was one of the first places to embrace the New South. This museum, housed fittingly in a modern building, tells the story of the city’s — and region’s — history, and as you walk through the permanent exhibits, the city grows around you,” the report says.

“Try to arrange a visit when there’s a rotating exhibit on display. Common areas can get busy, so come in the morning just after the museum opens.”

Connecting the past to the future

Founded over 30 years ago, Levine Museum of the New South “redefined the role of the history museum in community,” designed to tell everyone’s story.

“We were founded as a place that would use exhibits and programs to confront some of the most difficult issues facing us today in the historical context that deepens understanding, fosters empathy, and inspires action toward a better future,” the museum’s website states.

“Long before the practice was commonplace, Levine Museum created exhibitions and programs with, for, and about the diverse communities we serve.”

During its 1992 debut, that mission was carried out as a “museum without walls” through interactive kiosks and exhibits before acquiring a permanent space on East 7th Street a few years later.

But three decades later, the museum’s original home was sold to be transformed into a high-rise apartment building, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Thanks to Wells Fargo, the prominent history museum found a new home in uptown at Three Wells Fargo Center.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the top museum in North Carolina by Conde Nast Traveler. This honor reflects our commitment to centering the stories of our community as we continue to grow and look toward the future,” President and CEO Dr. Richard C. Cooper said in a statement.

“We encourage everyone to celebrate and explore cultures different from their own,” Levine Museum President and CEO Richard Cooper said.
“We encourage everyone to celebrate and explore cultures different from their own,” Levine Museum President and CEO Richard Cooper said.

You can get a glimpse of the Queen City’s history with its current exhibit “Charlotte: Moving Forward, Looking Back,” exploring the area’s growth and what it means to be a “New South City.”

Aside from its in-person exhibit, the museum also has a podcast, an app with a guided walking tour and other digital programs for those who want to immerse themselves in the city’s culture virtually.

The knowCLT app designed by the Levine Museum of the New South displays Second Ward High where it used to be. The app utilizes GPS immersive technology for a walking tour of the former Black neighborhood of Brooklyn in Charlotte.
The knowCLT app designed by the Levine Museum of the New South displays Second Ward High where it used to be. The app utilizes GPS immersive technology for a walking tour of the former Black neighborhood of Brooklyn in Charlotte.

You can find Condé Nast Traveler’s full list of the other museums named the best in the U.S. online at cntraveler.com.