From Past to Present. Built on Stories Worth Telling.
Where Gaston County Comes to Remember.

Art. History. Community.

The
Heart Dreams Stories of Gaston County

The Stories of Gaston County

About Us

Located in Dallas, North Carolina, and driving distance from Gastonia and Charlotte, the Gaston County Museum sits at the crossroads of art and history. Its galleries house everything from local artists interpreting the world around them, to artifacts from notable moments in Gaston County history that transport you to another era. It’s a place designed for discovery.

Join us this holiday season at the Museum!

Holiday Open House Friday, December 4th

Step back in time this holiday season on Friday, December 4th from 6pm-9pm as the Museum celebrates our annual Holiday Open House in Victorian style! The Historic Hoffman Hotel will be decorated for the holidays, staff will be dressed in Victorian attire, and carriage rides will leave every 15 minutes from the Daniel Stowe Carriage House in the Museum’s backyard. Join us to experience the holidays from yesteryear in the museum’s galleries, and historic hotel rooms. Enjoy the museum’s back gardens with holiday lights, hot chocolate, a visit with santa, and guaranteed snow!

This event is generously sponsored by Mark and Janet Epstein

Flyer 2026

Fireside History The Architecture of Hugh White with Lucy Penegar

Our popular Fireside History series is back for the third year, with a great line-up of speakers and topics! 

Join us on Tuesday, December 8th from 5:30pm-8pm to learn more about Architect Hugh White and his contributions to Gaston County architectural history. The first in the series of four evenings will be led by local treasure and historic preservation advocate, Lucy Penegar. Enjoy free admission, cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres beginning at 5:30pm in the historic Hoffman Hotel with the program starting at 6pm. Seating is free, but limited. Reserve your spot today at the link below!

This event is generously sponsored by Preservation Gaston

Where the Past Meets The Present

Open July 18th, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2027

The Many Unheard Voices: The African American Communities of Gaston County (1870s- 1970s)

This community curated exhibit puts the thoughts, perspectives, and stories of community members at the forefront of the exhibit curating process. Join us on the 2nd floor galleries to explore the many diverse histories of the African American Communities of Gaston County. 

Women in vintage clothing share tea in a living room, as a standing woman serves cups to seated companions.
Black-and-white group portrait of a Girl Scouts troop posed on steps beneath a "GIRL SCOUTS" banner.
Vibrant statue of a seated Black woman wearing a blue top and a multicolored striped skirt, with a yellow halo, set against a mosaic mural backdrop.

The Turnings: A Cycle of American Time by Emily Andress

This series of four monumental paintings explores the American history through the cycles of the four seasons

Spring:
The High
Summer: The Awakening
Autumn: The Unraveling
Winter: The Crisis

Explore layers of interpretation and meaning in this kaleidoscope of color.

Achievements and Milestones

FREE

ADMISSION (ALWAYS)

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Years and Counting

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New Exhibits Every Quarter

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Cataloged Items

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