Take a walk through art history: Black Mountain College campus tours and {Re}HAPPENING
From 1941 until 1957, on the shores of Lake Eden in Black Mountain, aspiring artists and craftspeople from across the country immersed themselves in nature and learning as students at Black Mountain College. There, a commitment to experimentation and creativity was nurtured so deeply that even today, its legacy still infuses the region’s cultural commitment to the arts.
Take a tour of the historic Black Mountain College campus
Big news for history buffs and art lovers! In partnership with Lake Eden Preserve, this spring the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center is offering monthly walking tours of the iconic Black Mountain College campus.
On the two-hour walking tour, you’ll visit lower campus buildings including The Dining Hall, Lodges, The Quiet House, and The Studies Building as well as the recently conserved frescos, which were painted by Jean Charlot and BMC students in the summer of 1944.
Tickets are available now through the link below. Directions to the campus will be provided after registration and payment. This is a rain or shine event, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. More details are available on the website.
Spring 2025: Historic BMC Campus Tours
Friday, February 21, 10am-12pm
Friday, March 14, 10am-12pm
Friday, April 25, 10am-12pm
Friday, May 23, 10am-12pm
Discover {Re} HAPPENING 13
You can also visit the historic Black Mountain College on Saturday, May 3, 2025 as a part of {Re}HAPPENING 13. A one-day event held on site at the historic campus, {Re}HAPPENING provides a forum for regional and national artists and an accessible, immersive, educational experience for attendees. According to the event website, it is “part art event, part fundraiser, and part community instigator, providing a platform for contemporary artists to share their responses to the vital legacy of Black Mountain College by activating the buildings and grounds of the BMC campus with installations, new media, music, and performance projects.”
Click below for more information and tickets.
About the BMC Lake Eden Campus
Black Mountain College was founded in 1933 as a radical experiment in education and community. In May 1941, the College moved from its original location at the Blue Ridge Assembly to Lake Eden, where it remained until 1957 when the college ceased operation. During its time at Lake Eden, BMC brought to life its now-iconic Summer Institutes, hosted a flourishing architecture and work program, and became a site of experimentation that continues to impact the education, practice, and cultural appreciation of arts and craft in America.
The site of the historic BMC campus on Lake Eden is now owned and operated by Lake Eden Preserve LLC, which hosts Camp Rockmont in the summer and private events/retreats in the off-season.
About the Author
This blog story was written by Amy J. Schultz, an award-winning author, brand/marketing strategist, and overall creative type. She, her husband Brian, and their giant dog Bentley love their downtown Black Mountain neighborhood.
