Welcome to the YMI Cultural Center

 

All slide show photos courtesy of the Asheville Citizen-Times staff photographers.

The YMI Cultural Center is an Asheville landmark in the heart of downtown, convenient to City Hall, Pack Square, Pack Place and art galleries and other cultural centers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the YMI has served Asheville's minority citizens since it was first established in 1893 as the Young Men's Institute.

It houses numerous exhibits, many dealing with the history of African Americans in Western North Carolina, and sponsors such cultural events as Asheville's Goombay! Festival, an Annual Kwanzaa Celebration and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration. We invite all people to come share in the rich heritage and celebration of African and African American culture.

Gallery Hours

Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday by Appointment
Group Tours by Appointment Only.
Closed Sunday and Monday

Dr. John P. Holt, Sr. Endowment for the Arts
to Benefit YMI Cultural Center

Dr. Holt, a deeply respected and legendary physician, passed on Saturday, October 6, 2007. A lover of African arts and artifacts, Dr. Holt has established an endowment to benefit the YMI Cultural Center. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers or other donations, memorial contributions may be sent to the YMI Cultural Center, 39 S. Market St., Asheville, NC 28801. More about Dr. Holt . . .

 

Calendar of Events

Current Events and Exhibitions

Mirrors of Hope and Dignity
The permanent collection of drawings by renowned African-American artist Charles W. White.

YMI's History in Pictures & The Urban Trail's Age of Diversity
The Photographic exhibit shows a chronology of the ties between the YMI and the Biltmore Estate displays many of the community leaders who have helped establish the YMICC as a historical entity in the community.
YMI Lobby

Ruth "Mama Ruth" - Artist in Residence Workshops affectionately known publicly as "Mama Ruth", uses her sense of touch, her love of beads, and her artist's soul to create distinctive beaded jewelry.

Africa: Portraits of Power by Veronika Hart - Opening on Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 in the Gallery. Exhibition, March 20 - May 31

 

Upcoming Events

Goombay! 2008 - August 22, 23, 24, 2008

 
Events, dates and times are subject to change.

The YMI Cultural Center is supported by the following Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors:

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

  
Friends of the YMI
   

Photo: YMI Banner,. Exterior of YMI Drugstore, 1910, courtesy of Heritage of Black Highlanders Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library, Special Collections, University of North Carolina at Asheville 28804.