Romare Bearden Park in the Third Ward of Charlotte’s Uptown; credit James Willamor/Wiki Commons
Charlotte Cultural Sites
Four Sculptures On The Square
DESCRIPTION: This suite of large sculptures at the Trade at Tryon streets intersection commemorates 4 forces that shaped Charlotte’s development: The Future, Commerce, Transportation, and Industry. Each bronze figure weighs ~5,000 pounds at the landmark intersection. In one of the 4 corners, a Black railroad builder is honored as part of the city’s development into a major transportation hub (railroads in the past, but today Charlotte Douglas International Airport is America’s 9th busiest). The builder’s visage portrays a powerful presence of strength and dignity with a hammer in his hands, a reference to the men who built Charlotte’s rail lines. The number “1401” inscribed on the figure represents engine “1401”, also known as Charlotte, who pulled trains through the city.
ADDRESS: Trade at Tryon Streets, Charlotte, NC
Romare Bearden Park
DESCRIPTION: Charlotte pulled out all the stops funding & building this gem. Located in the Third Ward of Uptown, this 5.4-acre urban oasis marries nature, art, nature, and a sense of community. The Park sits opposite Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights baseball team. The park and baseball stadium required the support of private landowners. Charlotte Center City Partners made this possible with a land swap to realize an enhanced vision for the Third Ward. Opened in 2013, the park pays homage to renowned Black artist Romare Bearden — a Charlotte native born in 1911. The park’s design draws inspiration from Bearden’s evocative paintings and collages as interpreted by supervising artist Norie Sato. In 2017, the Ricard Hunt sculpture “Spiral Odyssey” was also unveiled in the park. Visitors can explore lush gardens, engaging water features, and striking sculptures any time of day yet capture a sense of inspiration and fulfillment — that’s not hype, it’s real. The Maudell and Madeline gardens are named after two of his paintings. There is a courtyard of dining tables with chairs on a bed of crushed granite, a formal event field, a play area with interactive digital dance chimes, and waterfalls. Throughout the year, Romare Bearden Park hosts community-engaging fitness programs, concerts, and art shows. Many consider it a catalyst for economic development in its immediate surroundings too.
ADDRESS: 300 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC
WEBSITE: https://beardenfoundation.org/
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture in Charlotte; (c) Soul Of America
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture
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Johnson C. Smith University
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument
DESCRIPTION: An imposing 8-foot tall bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr sculpted by Dr. Selma Burke. This consequential monument is augmented by its lush tree-covered setting in Marshall Park. Sit by the sculpture and ponder his message, leadership, and how the world needs him now.
ADDRESS: Marshall Park at 3rd Street, Charlotte, NC
MLK Monument in Charlotte sculpted by Selma Burke; (c) Soul Of America
Freedom Park
DESCRIPTION: Festival in the Park, sponsored by the Afro-American Cultural Center, is a preferred park venue under spreading oak trees that graciously line the banks of a small lake and a stream that feeds it. The year-round park contains playgrounds for small & large kids, a Discovery Place Nature Center, a demonstration garden, basketball, volleyball, pickleball & tennis courts, soccer and softball fields, and a restroom. This well-maintained park is a favorite for Black family reunions, and picnics. The surrounding community embraces it.
ADDRESS: 1900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Young Mens Institute Cultural Center
DESCRIPTION: Built at the behest of Cornelius Vanderbilt as a necessary adjunct to the famed Biltmore Estates. It housed Black craftsmen who built the estate and furniture. These men were schooled in building crafts of the English and French Estates. This building was where they ate, drank, slept, and entertained. Vanderbilt ultimately transformed it into the Young Men’s Institute, a place where his workers and their children were educated and maintained their African, now African American, culture. Subsequently bought by African Americans, it has been a school, library, cultural institution, funeral home, and doctor & dentist offices over the years. A historic Colored hospital, Ritz Social Club, and Grave Park Inn built by African craftsmen, and a Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument are nearby.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 39 South Market Street, Asheville, NC
PHONE: 828-252-4614
WEBSITE: http://www.ymiculturalcenter.org