Top Five Reasons to Take an Art of Reading Public Tour at Mint Museum Randolph

1. Meet Fellow Bibliophiles.
The only thing better than reading a book you love is the opportunity to discuss it with others. Art of Reading public tours give you a chance to explore characters and analyze plot turns. The discussion is followed by a visit to the galleries to view art works that connect to the book.

2. The Sunday Afternoon Tours are Less Expensive than Panther Game Tickets.
Public tours take place on selected Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm and Sundays, 2-3:30 pm. During football season, it’s an alternative activity for a Sunday afternoon. Off season, it’s a great way to spend selected Sundays. [And remember Wednesday evening options too: admission to the museum is free after 5:00.]

3. It’s a New Way to View Mint Art. Just Imagine:
Mr. Darcy holding that Derby Porcelain coffee cup and saucer in the Portals to the Past Exhibition (Pride and Prejudice). Or, Frida Kahlo wearing a distinctive necklace similar to the jadeite one in the Ancient American Galleries (The Lacuna). Or, Tree-ear admiring the 12th Century Korean porcelain bowls in the Wares of the World Exhibition (A Single Shard). Or, Sarah Grimke learning plantation social customs by using the Staffordshire miniature tea and coffee service in the Portals to the Past Exhibition (The Invention of Wings).

4. Tours are Free.
Free to museum members; free after admission for non-members.

5. There’s A Tour for All Interests.
Choose from four current book tours: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen); The Invention of Wings (Sue Monk Kidd); The Lacuna (Barbara Kingsolver); or A Single Shard (Linda Sue Park).

More information on group tours can be found here.
A fifth tour for Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns will launch at Mint Museum Uptown April 2019.

Michele Allen and Alice Ross, Docents and Members, Public Tours Task Force

Popular tours by Docents of The Mint Museum bring Mint’s collection to bibliophiles

Docents of The Mint Museum are launching a third Art of Reading tour, now incorporating The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. Kingsolver brings to life the Mexico of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera as well as the America of Pearl Harbor, FDR, and J. Edgar Hoover. Set partially in 1940s Asheville, it is a powerful tale of the forces that shape national as well as personal identities.

Tours will highlight objects in the collection at Mint Museum Randolph illustrating the multiple cultures and historic periods Kingsolver deftly weaves together.

Previously launched tours are also available featuring Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. They are available for private reservation for book clubs or other groups, and occasional public tours are listed at mintmuseum.org/happenings. See mintmuseum.org/visit/group-tours/ for more information.

Members of the media and special guests are invited to experience the latest Art of Reading tour at Mint Museum Randolph on March 8 from 10-11 a.m. RSVP to aross72@carolina.rr.com to attend.

Attendees of the March 8 preview will also have the opportunity to receive new details about the highly anticipated upcoming exhibition The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta , set to open at Mint Museum Randolph in late April and remain on view through July 29.