History of the Museum The Mint Museum Randolph initially served the region as the first branch of the United States Mint, coining $5 million in gold from 1836 to the outbreak of the Civil War. A grassroots community effort during the Depression saved the original Federal-style building designed by William Strickland from demolition and moved it to its present Randolph Road site. The museum formally opened to the public on October 22, 1936 as North Carolina's first art museum. Today it is a rich and diverse resource with noted collections of American Art, Ancient American Art, American and European ceramics, American Decorative Art, historic costume and fashionable dress and accessories, African Art, Asian Art, historic maps, Contemporary Art and photography. Enhancing the permanent collections is an active schedule of changing exhibitions and education programs. The Mint Museum of Art, Inc originates and hosts major national and international exhibitions and features public programs including daily tours, seminars, lectures, family day festivals, and adult and children's art classes. Resources include three research libraries, a slide and videotape library, teacher training programs, in-school programs and a facility rental program. Mint Museum of Craft + Design The Mint Museum of Craft + Design original location, closed February 7, 2010. It started as a culmination of Bank of America's donation and renovation of the four-story Montaldo's department store, designed by Charlotte architect Louis Asbury in 1953. The site previously served as the J.M. Harry Funeral Home and as the Wadsworth Livery Stable. North Carolina's rich craft tradition is nationally renowned, reflected in the museum's collection of handicraft revival and in contemporary pieces such as the engaging furniture designs of Randy Shull, the pioneering studio glass of Harvey Littleton and the acclaimed ceramics of Michael Sherrill. That craft heritage is a part of the exciting display of international craft presented the Mint Museum of Craft + Design The Mint Museum of Craft + Design features a permanent collection that documents contemporary studio craft, tracing the movement's historical roots in the 19th century and its relationship to traditional decorative arts and industrial design. The techniques and inspiration of artists throughout the world are showcased in collections of ceramics, fiber, glass, metal and wood. Of note are three architectural commissions: a glass chandelier by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly, an architectural glass wall by Massachusetts artist Tom Patti and the last American commission for Czechoslovakian glass artists Stanislav Libensk and Jaroslava Brychtov . The Mint Museum of Craft + Design offers a wide variety of educational opportunities in connecting artists, collectors and the public. An active schedule of changing exhibitions, lectures, artist demonstrations, workshops, guided tours and travel opportunities are available. Mint Museum of Craft + Design reopens at its new location 500 South Tryon Street, October 1, 2010 the Mint Museum Uptown
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