ackland art museum

This is a rather small museum but it holds a fine and varied collection of art. And, best of all, it is free to the public. It was located very close to our our inn, so I took the time to visit. The current presentations I saw include "The Western Tradition, from Ancient art to twentieth-century art; Art from China and Japan; Art from Southern and Western Asia; and African Art. Also in January, they began an exhibit of three paintings by Pablo Picasso completed in 1938, 1943, and 1965. Each work is from a very different period of Picasso’s long, productive, and versatile career. A walk through the Ackland can also include ancient Greek vases, Eugene Delacroix, and Andy Warhol.Designed in the Georgian style, the red brick Ackland Memorial Art Center was dedicated on September 20, 1958. William Hayes Ackland (1855-1940) provided the funds to construct the museum building and the trust continues to provide for the purchase of works of art. As part of that trust, Mr. Ackland included a stipulation he be buried in a museum named after him and his tomb is indeed inside the museum, so ask to see it. The museum staff is very helpful.The museum is open Wed - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm and Sun: 1 - 5 pm. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays as well as on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

This museum has everything you want. Great admission price (Free), excellent vintage/modern art, and a friendly staff. Take time out of your day to enjoy this treasure! I was impressed by the historic art there 1000s of years old.

A favorite place in Chapel HIll. We often take out-of-town guests to the wonderful museum and it's fabulous gift shop and then for a walk around downtown Chapel HIll.

A small collection of art that circulates around universities, but not bad for a public university art museum

A fascinating exhibition about the history of photography was on when I was there - from very early to very modern work

We only went to their shop, but I love it great place to Christmas shop. The museum must be called to go and get access for handicapped. Will definitely do that next time

Part of UNC and admission is free. It's best to pay for parking and make time for the museum, a stroll around the campus and downtown, and perhaps even a visit to the Morehead Planetarium, if you want to make a full day of it. The Ackland has many community events.

My wife and I visited this art museum recently and really enjoyed it.It's unique history makes it quite interesting. The benefactor Ackland wanted his remains to be buried with his donations, Initially it was donated to Duke University but they would not abide by this requirement so after some years of litigation he gave it to UNC Chapel Hill. I guess UNC won that game!!His other main goal was to have North Carolinians develop an appreciation and love for art.Not that my wife and I are art connoisseurs but we do live in NYC and have traveled a bit, and found this a very worthwhile place to spend a few hours. The collection is quite eclectic. They also have a lovely gift shop essentially next door.This was one of our highlights of the NC Triangle.

Did not have enough time to explore. I was parked at meter 10 minutes away and had used all my coins for 1.5 hours. Rushed through to exhibits to rush back to car.

It is little and easy to navigate. They even had a room where you could curate photos of artwork. Centrally located with a quick walk from hotel.

I always like visiting the Ackland museum because it is a great way to see awesome art and spend a few hours enjoying other cultures. There is no admission fee but they accept donations. They keep a nice collection and we usually are through seeing everything in about two hours. I will keep coming back to see what acquire in the future.

The Ackland Art Museum is a real gem. The collections are excellent and the current Joseph McCrindle exhibit - An Eye for the Unexpected a variety of drawings, paintings and etchings that are worth your time; and, it's free. Do consider a donation when you exit.

There are always new shows and exhibits here. My favorite is always the MFA show in the spring. The venue is nice and the shows always display talented artists.

I didn't expect much from UNC's museum, but instead I was suprised. Ackland is a beautiful little museum with artwork from all over the world and from different eras. Good selection of European and American modern art. The temporary exhibits are almost always interesting and worthy of a top tier museum.

Do not just walk by, walk in and you will be transported away from the frenzy of Franklin - somewhere new and your soul will thank you.