A place like no other near Charlotte in North Carolina
The Gantt Center is named after Harvey Bernard Gantt, who was the first African American student to be admitted to Clemson University and also served as Charlotte’s first African American mayor. Its purpose is to honor and showcase the art, history, and culture of Black Americans and those with African heritage. The center houses a collection of around 60 artworks generously donated by John and Vivian Hewitt, who dedicated five decades to amassing their personal collection. Notable artists featured in the collection include Henry Ossawa Tanner, Elizabeth Catlett, and Jacob Lawrence. In addition to the permanent collection, the center hosts temporary exhibitions. One such exhibition focused on the photography of Alvin C. Jacobs Jr., capturing the essence of Brookhill Village, a historically Black neighborhood in Charlotte facing challenges due to the city’s rapid gentrification.
The art and culture center not only has a collection of artworks and temporary exhibits, but it also offers various events for visitors to enjoy. These events include a monthly live jazz series and film screenings showcasing classic black cinema.