Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Tours and Activities

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art which includes outdoor art
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art which includes modern architecture and outdoor art
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art


See works by Joan Miró, Alberto Giacometti and many more 20th-century European, American and British artists in this downtown Charlotte museum.

Peruse an impressive collection of modern artworks at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Some of the 20th century’s most influential artists, including Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely, feature in the permanent collection. Take a guided tour to learn about the Bechtler family and admire wonderful works in the museum’s collection and alternating exhibits.

The museum has striking architecture. As you enter the public courtyard, notice the peculiar cube-shaped design. Swiss architect Mario Botta, regarded for his minimalist style, is the designer. The four-story structure features a terra-cotta exterior, a glass atrium and a vaulted skylight system. Located in downtown Charlotte, the building showcases the area’s rapid urban development.

Inside the museum, see outstanding artworks by 20th-century modernist artists. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art focuses on the tastes of the Bechtler family, a long line of art collectors from Zurich, Switzerland. The family developed friendships with many of the artists whose work they collected. Study pieces from the School of Paris post-World War II era, a major focus of the museum.

Highlights include Archétypes by Italian painter Italo Valenti and Albatros by Jean Tinguely. Influential Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and American painter and printmaker Jasper Johns have works here. The museum also hosts special exhibits on modernist artists and monthly jazz performances.

Learn about the Bechtler family history on a guided tour. Hans and Bessie Bechtler had a passion for art collecting and supporting the emerging artists of their time. Their son, Andreas Bechtler, a Swiss-born art collector, entrepreneur, artist and musician, contributed more than 1,400 works by some of the 20th-century’s greatest modernist artists.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is open Wednesday through Monday. There is metered parking next to the museum. Admission costs are reduced for children. Shop at the museum store for art supplies, books, posters, jewelry and gifts.

With exceptional artworks and comprehensive tours, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a great way to learn about 20th-century modernism and the Bechtler family history. Look for the beautiful and fascinating mirrored Firebird sculpture by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle outside the museum.

Popular places to visit


Top Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Omni Charlotte Hotel
Omni Charlotte Hotel
4 out of 5
132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC
Omni Charlotte Hotel
Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown
Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown
2.5 out of 5
530 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
4 out of 5
555 South McDowell Street, South Tower, Charlotte, NC
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
The Westin Charlotte
The Westin Charlotte
4 out of 5
601 S College St, Charlotte, NC
The Westin Charlotte
Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
3 out of 5
508 N. College St., Charlotte, NC
Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward
Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown, NC
Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown, NC
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610 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC
Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown, NC
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City
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435 E Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
HYATT house Charlotte/Center City
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
3 out of 5
222 South Caldwell Street, Charlotte, NC
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
303 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC
Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.