YMI Cultural Center

Cultural center · Asheville

YMI Cultural Center

Cultural center · Asheville

39 S Market St, Asheville, NC 28801

Highlights

More than just a cultural venue, YMI Cultural Center is a historic gem in Asheville showcasing African-American heritage through art, performances, and community events.

39 S Market St, Asheville, NC 28801 Get directions

ymiculturalcenter.org

@ymiculturalcenter

@travelleisure

"Visitors will learn about the ongoing legacy of the YMI Cultural Center, which was one of the first Black community centers in the country and was designed by Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith." - Travel + Leisure Editors

This Southern U.S. City Recently Unveiled a 1-mile Black Heritage Trail

View Postcard for YMI Cultural Center

Peyton O'Conner

Google

Great event space and cultural resource with ties to Asheville's African-American community. The venue itself is beautiful and one of Asheville's gems. The history contained within the building reveals the resiliency of Asheville's African-American community and also highlights the City's dark history of racial injustice. It's a great venue that locals and visitors alike should visit when possible.

Stephanie Jackson

Google

Me and my husband and kids drove all the way from DC to visit this historic museum only to show up and it's closed for renovations yet the website says nothing about this. We were so disappointed. Do better! Update your website. Do not waste your time supporting a business that doesn't even have the decency to update their website.

Stephanie Swepson Twitty

Google

..132+ yr old Cultural Icon- A trusted community thought partner-

Stephanie Lynn

Google

I loved meeting Alexandria and all the wonderful people at Noir collective. This shop has such a great vibe and is supporting black business owners and entrepreneurs, giving a voice and a place for people of color to show their talents. A must see when in downtown Asheville.

Stephanie Searor

Google

This is a beautiful building with plenty of space for gathering. Gorgeous windows with lots of natural light and creaky old floors make it so charming. We practiced yoga here over the weekend and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Jennifer Goodier

Google

Recently, I gathered there to see my daughter's artwork presented amongst Asheville City Schools' displays of works. I've previously been there to Toastmasters meetings. It's a sweet place for meetings and I imagine that renting space there might be cheaper than other places in town.

Isabel Rodriguez Lopez

Google

BEST place to have our wedding. The staff is incredibly friendly and super flexible. We absolutely recommend this place to everyone. Their gallery has some very thoughtful and thought-provoking exhibits.

Joy Smith

Google

A cultural time capsule in the community that still stands the test of time. Holding space for the black presence in AVL through many cultural events and workshops. A great place to visit and support!

Roger H.

Yelp

YMI, or the Young Mens Institute, is a historic, African American heritage and community center. Just a stones throw from city hall and behind the pack square museums. It is worth visiting. They host art often, community events, and they do an enormous amount for the community of Asheville. One young man I know helps children with homework after school. They put on the yearly Goombay festival too...not to be missed.