HICKORY, N.C. — After a year-long transformation, Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) is ready to welcome the community back to a reimagined museum designed to inspire, connect, and serve generations to come.
Marking one of the most significant investments in HMA's 82-year history, the extensive renovation introduces a state-of-the-art Education Department with four advanced classrooms, expanded and modernized collection storage, collaborative community spaces, a new boardroom, improved visitor amenities, and enhanced accessibility throughout the building.
The project represents a major milestone in HMA's commitment to education, stewardship, and community engagement. Bringing this vision to life required the collaboration of dedicated donors, volunteers, community partners, architects, engineers, and construction professionals. HMA extends special appreciation to David E. Looper & Company, whose leadership as general contractor helped transform the museum from concept to completion. Their expertise, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality have created welcoming new spaces to serve our visitors and the community.
To celebrate this milestone, HMA will host a weekend of reopening festivities, beginning with an exclusive, ticketed Grand Reopening Preview Party on Saturday, September 5, 2026, followed by a public Ribbon Cutting and Community Celebration on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Inaugural Exhibition: Charles Harbison "Dresses the Museum"
Courtesy of Harbison Studio
To mark its grand return, HMA has partnered with acclaimed fashion designer and North Carolina native Charles Harbison to "dress the museum" for a spectacular inaugural exhibition. For the first time in HMA’s history, a single guest artist will exhibit across all three floors.
Harbison’s showcase, The Women, anchors HMA’s reopening theme, The Golden Thread—a celebration that honors the museum's rich history while looking toward its future. At the heart of the exhibition are four custom silhouettes designed by Harbison, each inspired by specific paintings he selected from HMA’s Permanent Collection. These new works will sit alongside defining pieces from the Harbison Studio Archives and some of the designer’s most famous red-carpet creations—including Met Gala looks worn by Simone Biles, Mindy Kaling, Audra McDonald, and John Imah. All fashion looks will be paired with paintings and sculptures from the museum’s permanent collection, including works by Roy Lichtenstein, Juan Logan, Robert Motherwell, Selma Burke, and Alexander Calder.
Courtesy of Harbison Studio
Additional featured artists in the reopening exhibition include Paul Whitener, Jean Cauthen, Francis Simeni, Rosa & Winton Eugene, Scrollathon participants, and other treasured artists from HMA’s permanent collection.
Reopening Weekend Schedule of Events
1. Grand Reopening Preview Party (with Special Guest Charles Harbison)
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Date/Time: Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
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Admission: $25 General Public | $15 HMA Members (Advance purchase required; space is limited)
The evening kicks off in the Drendel Auditorium, where HMA Executive Director Clarissa Starnes and Charles Harbison will take the stage to share the creative journey behind this unique collaboration. Following the conversation, guests will enjoy anexclusive, curated first look at the transformed galleries, exploring luxury fashion in direct dialogue with HMA’s Permanent Collection.
For tickets and event details, please visit www.hickoryart.org or call 828-327-8576.
2. Ribbon Cutting & Community Grand Reopening Celebration
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Date/Time: Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Ribbon Cutting at 1:00 p.m.)
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Admission: FREE to the public
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off a free afternoon of community activities, hands-on art-making, and public access to the brand-new exhibitions and renovated spaces.
A Note on Our Journey: While the physical building was closed for construction, HMA continued to serve the region through its "HMA On the Go" initiative—bringing exhibitions, classes, camps, and public programs directly to community partner locations, including a satellite location at Valley Hills Mall. The reopened museum represents a permanent, expanded home for these education and engagement efforts.
About Hickory Museum of Art
Founded in 1944, Hickory Museum of Art is North Carolina’s second-oldest art museum with a mission of Art for All, creating a welcoming place where everyone can experience, explore, and connect with art. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community experiences, HMA inspires creativity, connection, and lifelong learning for visitors of all ages.
Located on the SALT Block in downtown Hickory, HMA has spent more than eight decades connecting people with art. The museum showcases a diverse collection of American art and presents engaging exhibitions featuring local, regional, and nationally recognized artists. With educational programs, workshops, and community partnerships, HMA supports artists, encourages creative exploration, and provides opportunities for everyone to discover meaningful connections with art.
Hickory Museum of Art is located at 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory, NC, and admission is free. For more information about exhibitions, art classes, field trips, and events, visit www.hickoryart.org or call 828-327-8576.
