Asheville Museum of History opened in the fall of 2023 and tells stories of the mountains, a region with a rich and diverse—and sometimes misunderstood—past. The museum established by the Western North Carolina Historical Association, a group that has promoted regional history for more than 70 years, and is located in the Smith-McDowell House at 283 Victoria Road adjacent to Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
The historic house, dating to approximately 1840, was operated by the WNC Historical Association as a house museum for many years. It has undergone extensive repairs and renovations during the past two years and now features permanent and changing exhibits on WNC history.
Guided, behind-the-scenes tours of the historic house and grounds will also be available to visitors in the future. The museum is also available for field trips and hosts educational programs.
Hours
Open Wed-Sat: 11 AM - 5 PM
Admission is free for members and $5 for adults. Children 7 and under get in free. On Wednesdays, any WNC residents receive free admission as well.
Directions
The Asheville Museum of History is located on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College at 283 Victoria Road in Asheville. When in doubt, follow the signs to A-B Tech College.
- From I-40: Take Exit 50 toward Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville. Proceed 1/2 mile and stay to the right as the road forks (Biltmore Ave./US 25 North). Proceed one mile and turn left onto Hospital Drive at the signal by Mission Hospital. Turn left again at the light onto Victoria Rd. The House is located on the right about 1/2 mile down Victoria Road.
- From I-240 & Downtown: Take Exit 5B (Charlotte Street) toward downtown Asheville. Travel .9 mile and turn left onto Biltmore Ave./US 25 South. Proceed .6 mile. Turn right onto Hospital Drive at the signal by Mission Hospital, then left at the signal to Victoria Road. The House is about 1/2 mile down Victoria Road on the right.
For more, visit the Asheville Museum of History website.
