Exhibits

Rotating exhibits that bring new stories, artists, and history through our doors all year long.

Explore What's Featured Right Now

From rotating textile stories to hands-on galleries built for every age, each space at the Gaston County Museum tells a different piece of Gaston County's story. Explore what's on view right now, from the Carriage House to the Sculpture Garden, and find the exhibit that speaks to you.

The Many Unheard Voices

[FEATURED]
The African American Communities of Gaston County (1870s-1970s)
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Woven with a Purpose

[FEATURED]
Innovating Basketry for Generations to Come by Shakeeka Watts Brooks
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The Turnings

A Cycle of American Time by Emily Andress
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Hoffman Farm to Friends

an interactive exhibit for children and families
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When Are We US?

An NC250 exhibit funded by the Friends of the Gaston County Library
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Hoffman Hotel and Hotel Rooms

Explore four hotel rooms frozen in time
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The Ties That Bind

Explore the history of Gaston County's textile history
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Kessell History Center

the long history of one of the largest mills in Gaston County
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Ingrid Swanson

[UPCOMING]
Opens Sept. 4th
WE LOVE TO RECEIVE NEW IDEAS

How to Submit An Artist Proposal?

  • Must include cover letter, artist resume, artist statement, and 5-10 images of works you would like to display
  • Email proposal to: Alicyn.Wiedrich@gastongov.com
  • Proposals are scheduled 1-2 years in advance
  • Proposals are kept for future opportunities
  • We accept proposals year round
Watch video
how we curate exhibits start to finish:
Tony's Ice Cream
how we curate exhibits start to finish:
Tony's Ice Cream
Women in vintage clothing share tea in a living room, as a standing woman serves cups to seated companions.
Opens July 18th, 2026

The Many Unheard Voices

The African American Communities of Gaston County, 1870s-1970s

This community curated exhibit explores the African American Communities of Gaston County through the lens of education, community, and inspiration. 

Three women stand indoors, each holding a round object and smiling at the camera.
Closes August 22, 2026

Woven With A Purpose

Innovating Basketry for Generations to Come by Shakeeka Watts Brooks

Utilitarian and sculptural pine needle baskets.

Vibrant mosaic collage of diverse people surrounding a central orange banner for “The Turnings: A Cycle of American Time” with a blue “Open Now” badge and a Gaston County Museum label.
Closes December 31, 2026

The Turnings

A Cycle of American Time by Emily Andress

Four large acrylic paintings that explore American History in four cycles: the Spring, the Summer, the Autumn, and the Winter.

Colorful rural landscape with green hills, trees, houses, and a winding path, featuring the title Hoffman's Farm to Friends promoting a new kid-friendly interactive space.
Now Open

Hoffman Farm to Friends

An interactive exhibit for children and families.

Run the Hoffman Hotel by managing your farm, growing food, cooking meals, and sharing what you’ve learned. 

A collage-style exhibit poster with vintage street photos and the bold title EXHIBIT: When Are We Us?
Closes January 9, 2027

When Are We US?

An NC250 exhibit funded by the Friends of the Gaston County Library.

Explores the commemorative themes of America250. Curated and designed by NC250.

Vintage bedroom with a cane-back wooden chair leaned against the wall beside a bed, a window with lace curtains, and a framed picture on the wall.
Now Open!

Hoffman Hotel and Hotel Rooms

Learn about the Hoffman Hotel and its function. Explore four hotel rooms frozen in time. 

An older man with gray hair and glasses wearing a checkered shirt stands in a warmly lit room, with a blurred woman in the background.
Now Open!

The Ties that Bind

Explore the history of Gaston County’s textile history.

A brick-walled museum gallery with display boards and glass cases arranged on a wooden floor under track lighting.
Now Open!

Kessell History Center

Located at the Loray Mill, the Kessel History Center explores the long history of one of the largest mills in Gaston County: Loyal Mill