Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd., is housed in what served as the first branch of the U.S. Mint 1837-61. Before it was dismantled and moved to its present site in 1933, the Greek Revival building served as a Confederate hospital, an assay office and a federal courthouse.The permanent collection, entitled Art in the Americas, features pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial and early North American works. Other highlights include European paintings and sculpture, period costumes, historic North Carolina pottery and gold coins minted in Charlotte.

Changing exhibits and a student artists' gallery also are featured. The museum's pottery and porcelain collection is reputed to be one of the better in the country. Of particular note is Alan Ramsey's coronation portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte, the British monarchs who reigned during the American Revolutionary War. Included is the Delhom Collection, which ranges from ancient Chinese ceramics to late 18th-century Continental and English wares. Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.