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YMI Center

YMI Cultural Center

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We enjoyed the personal tour and conversations about the historical background, culture, and historical significance of "The Block."  This 1893 museum does not have to be forgotten. ignored,, or lost..  George Vanderbilt financially supported this Institute.  There were numerous black and white photographs, wooden, hand-made chandeliers, a structure built by builders of the Biltmore Estate, artistic exhibit, and stories about the numerous building features for African Americans.  I wish, howe, that there would  have been a book with pictures sharing the resources of the YMI.

YOUNG MEN'S IMSTITUTE IN ASHEVILLE,  NORTH NORTH CAROLINA

Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia

The YMI is a beautiful building with a lot of history. Currently they have rotating displays in the smaller part of the building and the larger auditorium is used for some community events like dance classes and can be rented for private events. The small room often features really great African or African-American art and is definitely worth stopping in to check out. We rented the large hall for our wedding and it was just lovely.

Beautiful Historic Building

If you are a student of history, architecture, or philanthropy, visit YMI. In 1892, the YMICC began its mission of providing social and economic opportunities for the African American community. Richard Sharpe Smith designed the building, Smith was George Washington Vanderbilt's supervising architect for Biltmore House. Smith stayed in Asheville and designed many buildings in the city. G. W. Vanderbilt envisioned YMI as a community center for the area's African-American community. YMI has seen good years and bad years, currently it's in-between. It is a nice piece of Asheville & Vanderbilt history.

A Building with a Good History

Asheville, North Carolina

One of Asheville's national historic landmarks commissioned by George Vanderbilt in 1893. Today the refurbished center houses art galleries, classes and performances in African-American cultural art and history.

YMI Cultural Center

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