The best museums in Asheville in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Asheville, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Asheville, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Asheville.

Looking for the best museums in Asheville? These are the best ones:

  1. Folk Art Center1

    Folk Art Center

     Asheville, NC
    The Folk Art Center, situated at milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina, is a museum dedicated to Appalachian arts and crafts. This location is a hub for the appreciation and understanding of the rich artistic traditions of the Appalachian region.
  2. 2

    River Arts District Artists

     Asheville, NC
    Don't judge a book by its cover! This area is full of old warehouses that are being turned into an edgy artsy enclave.
  3. Asheville Art Museum3

    Asheville Art Museum

     Asheville, NC
    The Asheville Art Museum, located in Western North Carolina, is a nonprofit visual art organization. It holds the prestigious accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, which is a testament to its high standards and quality. The museum is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of 20th and 21st century American art, with a special focus on work significant to the cultural heritage of Western North Carolina.
  4. Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center4

    Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center

     Asheville, NC
    Black Mountain College, established in 1933 near Asheville, North Carolina, was a unique institution that placed the study of art at the heart of education. This innovative approach was a novelty in the United States at the time, making the college a significant landmark in the history of American education and art.
  5. 5

    Asheville Pinball Museum

     Asheville, NC
  6. Asheville Botanical Gardens6

    Asheville Botanical Gardens

     Asheville, NC
    The Asheville Botanical Gardens is a non-profit botanical garden and arboretum situated in Asheville, North Carolina. It spans an area of 4 hectares or 10 acres, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse plant life. The gardens are a part of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International, with the herbarium code ASHEV.
  7. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial of Historic7

    The Thomas Wolfe Memorial of Historic

     Asheville, NC
    The Thomas Wolfe House, also known as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, is a state historic site, historic house, and museum. It is located at 52 North Market Street in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. This location is significant as it was the boyhood home of the American author Thomas Wolfe. The house was built in 1883 and is influenced by Queen Anne style architecture. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971 due to its association with Wolfe.
  8. Smith-mcdowell House Museum8

    Smith-mcdowell House Museum

     Asheville, NC
    The Smith-McDowell House, a brick mansion built around 1840, is located in Asheville, North Carolina. It is recognized as one of the finest antebellum buildings in Western North Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion holds the distinction of being the first of its kind built in Asheville and is the oldest surviving brick structure in Buncombe County.
  9. 9

    Grovewood Village

     Asheville, NC
    This free small exhibit is a real treat for car lovers. Unique collection well worth the visit!
  10. 10

    Western North Carolina Nature Center

     Asheville, NC
    The Western North Carolina Nature Center, a 42-acre zoological park, is managed by the City of Asheville's Parks and Recreation department. This expansive park offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. It's a great place to learn about the local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

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