Programming and Outreach

The Bechtler’s mission is to share the joy and excellence of the collection so everyone can be inspired, informed, and have their cultural and intellectual life enhanced. From special members-only events, Jazz at the Bechtler, School Tours, Family Days, Modernism + Film, Guest Lectures and a commitment to making the museum accessible and inclusive to those with disabilities, the Bechtler is more than a museum – it is the cultural heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Mid-century art meets mid-century music on the first Friday of each month at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Jazz concerts are performed by the Ziad Jazz Quartet. The quartet features Ziad Rabie, artistic director and saxophone; Noel Freidline, keyboards; Ron Brendle, bass; and Rick Dior (or Al Sergel), drums. Concerts may also feature guest musicians and vocalists.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s Modernism + Film program investigates themes in design, engineering, architecture and modern/contemporary art through the lens of film. Developed in partnership with the Charlotte chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture, the Modernism + Film series is offered monthly (except for December) and includes introductions to the films by scholars, urban planners, architects, art historians, film experts and others.

Experience a fusion of sight and sound while gaining a new perspective on selected musical and visual artworks. This innovated classical music concert series is performed by the Bechtler Ensemble under the leadership of Tanja Bechtler. Concerts are performed in our fourth-floor gallery space to provide the audience with an intimate setting to experience the soothing sounds of classical music.

Generously sponsored by Bank of America, the Bechtler believes that the artwork on view is meant to be shared with the entire community, and the museum delivers on that commitment by opening the galleries for free to the public every third Friday of the month, from 5-9 p.m.

Combine that with interactive art activities, games, live entertainment and a full bar and you’ve got Bechtler By Night!

Gather friends and view the extensive Bechtler collection under the cover of the night sky.

Bank of America believes in the power of the arts. That’s why during the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America cardholders receive free general admission to the museum.

Since 2011, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has partnered with the Mecklenburg Co. Sheriff's Office to provide hands-on art-making courses at Jail Central and Jail North. Working with both youth and adult residents, Bechtler-trained teaching artists and staff conduct up to 12 week-long residencies throughout the year and explore the works of several artists from the collection as well as many social and personal themes. The artwork created as part of this program is part of a rotating exhibition located in the museum's lobby that highlights all of our community programs.

InReach is a leader in providing housing, jobs and community support to adults with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. The museum began partnering with InReach in 2011 by providing art classes, museum tours and special exhibitions of the participants' works. Museum staff and teaching artists plan and execute on-site residencies and explore modern art, artists and techniques.

Partnering with Metrolina Association for the Blind and other local and regional organizations, the museum offers tactile tours and art classes to present a more meaningful museum experience for the low-to-no vision community.

Tours vary depending on the current exhibition. Bronze, granite, marble and mixed media sculptures, mid-century furniture, reproductions of paintings and prints, ceramics, fibers and more can be explored by touch. Art classes offer participants a unique experience to work alongside professional artists, to create works inspired by the Bechtler collection or current exhibition and to create tactile work they can enjoy. Tours and art classes are modest in size, allowing for one on one interaction and specialization to each participants' needs.

Museum Memories is a program consisting of tours and art classes specially designed for adults with early-stage dementia and their care partners. Participants are part of meaningful social activities, experiencing tactile and intellectual stimulation. This program gives visitors an opportunity to explore modern art in a way that increases their self-esteem and nourishes their relationship with their care partner.