Hours
Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
The Schiele Museum is open daily except for Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Admission
General admission to The Schiele Museum provides access to all of the indoor and outdoor* exhibits, including the Nature Trail. Tickets for planetarium shows are available for purchase in addition to general admission.
General Admission
Adults (18+): $7
Youth (4-17): $6
Children (3 and under): free
Schiele Members: free
Planetarium Tickets
Adults (18+): $5
Youth (4-17): $5
Children (3 and under): free
For your convenience, we accept the following forms of payment: cash, personal check, Visa, American Express, and MasterCard. Admission fees help support our educational programming, exhibitions and ongoing research. Find a complete list of Schiele Museum discounts here.
*Some outdoor exhibits are open seasonally. Please contact the museum at 704.866.6900 with questions regarding outdoor exhibits.
Directions & Parking
The Schiele Museum is located at 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28054. The Schiele's parking lot is conveniently located near the entrance of the museum. Parking is free for all visitors.
From Charlotte (& points east of Gastonia)
- Take I-85 South to Gastonia
- Take Exit 20 at New Hope Road and drive south
- Turn right onto Garrison Boulevard
- The Schiele Museum is on the right, just past Grier School
From Columbia, SC (& points south of Gastonia)
- Take I-77 North to Charlotte
- Take I-85 South to Gastonia
- Take Exit 20 at New Hope Road and drive south
- Turn Right onto Garrison Boulevard
- The Schiele Museum is on the right, just past Grier School
From Asheville, NC (& points west of Gastonia)
- Take I-26 to Hwy. 74 near Tryon, NC
- Take Hwy. 74 to Gastonia
- Turn right onto Garrison Boulevard in Gastonia
- The Schiele Museum is several blocks down on the left
From Hickory, NC (& points north of Gastonia)
- Take Hwy. 321 South to Gastonia
- Turn left onto Garrison Boulevard
- The Schiele Museum is several blocks down on the left
Summer Programs for Visitors
In addition to exhibits and special events, The Schiele Museum offers a variety of public programs throughout the summer! From mining for gemstones in the running water sluice to watching our live animals feed, there's something for everyone to enjoy at The Schiele this summer. Click here to learn more about summer programs.
School Group Programs & Field Trips
Educators, click here to learn about field trip opportunities and The Schiele's outreach program.
Group Rates
Please contact Lana DuPont at 704.854.6676 in advance for information regarding group rates.
Special Events
The Schiele Museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including Fossil Fair, Bug Day, Clash of the 'Bots, and more. View our events calendar for details regarding upcoming events. Please note: prices for special events vary; please call 704.866.6900 in advance to verify fees.
Museum Map
Visitors can pick up a complimentary museum map at the Front Desk.
FAQs
How long does a visit take?
With about 60,000 square feet inside the museum and a Nature Trail that's nearly three-quarters of a mile long, there's so much to see and do! We have made general estimates for visitation time, but these can vary greatly based on age and interest level.
Estimated Visit Times:
Museum Exhibit Galleries: 1-2 hours
Most Programs: 45 minutes
Nature Trail: 30-45 minutes
18th Century Backcountry Farm: 30-45 minutes (open seasonally)
Catawba Indian Village: 30-45 minutes (open seasonally)
When are planetarium programs offered?
A variety of planetarium programs are offered throughout the day. View the full schedule here.
Do you have a gift shop?
Yes! Be sure to allow time to visit The Schiele Museum Store. Our store is a wonderful source of books and toys that mix fun with education and provide you with a memento of your visit. Schiele Members receive a 10% discount on all store purchases.
Is the museum accessible to visitors with mobility impairments?
The Schiele Museum welcomes all visitors and strives to make its exhibitions, programs, and services accessible to everyone. All of the museum's indoor exhibits are accessible by wheelchair, and all public floors of the museum can be reached by using an accessibility ramp. The James H. Lynn Planetarium includes wheelchair locations and companion seats. All restroom locations are accessible to those in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments. Wheelchairs are available for visitors on a first-come, first-served basis at the Front Desk. Due to inclines and gravel footing of the Nature Trail, all areas may not be accessible by those with mobility impairments.
Do you have a restaurant?
We do not have a restaurant, however, we do have an outdoor picnic area that visitors are welcome to use.
Do you charge admission to walk on the Nature Trail?
We do not charge admission to walk on the Nature Trail. Please note: the trail closes to the public when there are special events happening on the Nature Trail.
Can I rent a space at the museum for an event or birthday party?
Yes! Please click here to learn more or contact our Special Events Department at 704.866.6901.
Is The Schiele a member of the ASTC Reciprocal Passport Program?
Yes! Members of Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) organizations may be eligible for discounted or free admission to The Schiele. ASTC Passport Program reciprocals will not be accepted during special events; general admission plus the event up-charge will apply. Click here to view our events calendar. Please see the current list of participating organizations on the ASTC website. Please note: Discovery Place is among the participating science centers and museums within a 90-mile radius that is excluded from The Schiele Museum's reciprocal Passport Program.