Art museums are known as places of leisure, curiosity and creative energy. But even more than that, art museums are venues of learning, exploration and communication. North Carolina holds the nation's first city-based arts council and the first art museum funded by state funds allowing it to thrive as a powerhouse for the arts industry. The amount of galleries, studios and museums created by the arts community is endless. Get started with this compact list of the seven best art museums to hit when making your way through North Carolina!

Weatherspoon Art Museum

Greensboro's Weatherspoon Art Museum contains close to 6,000 pieces illustrating all major art movements from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. The museum includes an auditorium, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a permanent collection of contemporary American art.

Asheville Art Museum

Founded in 1948, the Asheville Art Museum is the only community-based nonprofit visual organization in Western North Carolina. The museum showcases American art beginning in the 20th century with a focus on art representative of the Southeast.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art located in Charlotte, opened in 2010 and includes work from the most important and influential artists of the mid-20th century as well as monthly jazz concerts, and film events that are open to the public.

Ackland Art Museum

Established in 1958, the Ackland Art Museum is the largest art facility in Chapel Hill. There is a permanent collection of over 17,000 works including European paintings, contemporary American photography and video installations.

Nasher Museum of Art

Durham's Nasher Museum of Art is known for its close affiliation with Duke University as well as its notable growth since opening in 2005. The museum has extensive permanent collections of medieval art, classical antiquities, pre-Columbian art, as well as modern & contemporary pieces.

The Mint Museums

Local to Charlotte, the Mint Museums have attracted audiences from across the globe. Mint Museum Uptown includes the Museum of Craft + Design as well as American, Modern/Contemporary and European art. Mint Museum Randolph showcases ancient American, European, and African art and has an extensive reference library on site.

North Carolina Museum of Art

Raleigh is home to North Carolina's Museum of Art. NCMA, the first art museum in the country to be established in the country using state funds, also contains the country's largest art park. The 164 acres is filled with intricate sculpture, woodwork, and metal framing. Inside, the museum features European paintings, Egyptian funeral art, Jewish ceremonial pieces, and a large collection of contemporary art.