The Mint Museum Uptown

The Vibe
The new museum, with its clean, architectural layout, is one of Charlotte's cultural hubs. The Morrison Atrium, on the sec- ond floor of the museum, has a sixty-foot window overlooking the Knight Theater and the Bechtler Museum of Art, while the fifth-floor Mattye & Marc silverman Grand Room offers a 120-degree view of uptown and an outdoor terrace.

The Cost
To rent the Atrium for four to five hours on a weekend, the rental fee is $3,000; to use the Grand Room for dinner and dancing at your reception, add on another $3,700—catering not included. The Atrium can hold up to 175 (without dance floor; 250 with) for a seated dinner and 400 for heavy hors d'oeuvres, while the Grand Room can accommodate 275 for a sit-down meal, and close to 600 (if you use the terrace) without tables.

What's Been Done?
To play up the edgy, architectural feel of the Atrium, a few couples have erected a high-peak tent frame, sometimes wrapping the poles in fabric, to cover a dance space for guests.

The Cool Factor
Once they climb the grandiose staircase leading to the Mint's main entrance on Tryon street, guests will be knocked back by the enormous, blue-and-white Dale Chihuly chandelier, one of the museum's artistic cornerstones. The really cool part: It being a museum, much of your decorating is already taken care of; in addition to the tentacled Chihuly chandelier, sam Francis's enormous abstract painting looms over the Atrium.

Before & After
Consider a rehearsal dinner at Aria, where an extensive wine selection and sophisticated pasta plates make for an upscale family dining experience.

Similar Options
If you're looking for a unique venue with a few splashes of color, check out the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, where an enclosed orchid conservatory makes a fascinating cocktail hour backdrop.

Mint Museum Uptown