Young Men's Institute Building

The Young Men's Institute Building is a historic structure in downtown Asheville with two and a half stories featuring masonry, brick, stone, and wooden elements in its construction. The building occupies a prominent corner location at Eagle and Market Streets, where it now operates as a cultural center with exhibition and program spaces.

The building was established in 1893 with support from George Vanderbilt to serve the African American workers who were helping construct the nearby Biltmore Estate. The structure was purchased and comprehensively restored in 1980 by a coalition of nine black churches, which gave it new life as a center for cultural activities.

The building functions as a community gathering place deeply connected to the history of African Americans in Asheville. Today it continues to host performances and exhibitions that celebrate the cultural heritage of the people who have gathered here for generations.

The building sits in a central downtown location that is easy to reach while walking through the area. Since it operates as an active cultural center, visiting hours can change depending on what exhibitions or events are scheduled.

The building originally housed a fully equipped gymnasium, a substantial library, and reading rooms that were quite advanced for the period. These facilities set it apart significantly from other community buildings in the region at the time.

Location: Asheville

Inception: 1893

Architects: Richard Sharp Smith

GPS coordinates: 35.59390,-82.55030

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05