Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte is centrally located amongst skyscrapers. The park is surrounded on three sides by high-rise buildings. Truist Field, home of the AAA Charlotte Knights, flanks the park’s western edge.
The park is a master-planned urban oasis with water features, distinct areas for various activities, and a large open green space.
Visit Romare Bearden Park in Charlotte
Booming cities like Charlotte sometimes run short on park space. That is one of the many reasons that Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte is such a gem. It is free to hang out in the park, making it a great change of pace from your normal routine.
Things To Do Near The Park
Romare Bearden Park is an excellent place to host a picnic or go for a romantic evening stroll. Still, the park may be most popular because it is close to other Uptown attractions. The Charlotte Knights play across the street. Plus, the Carolina Panthers play a short walk away at Bank of America stadium.
The Mint Museum is also close by; that is just the start. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is the only museum in the Southeastern United States to focus on modern art. And the Bechtler Collection features everything from Andy Warhol to Pablo Picasso.
If modern art isn’t your thing, the Knight Theater and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts are within walking distance of Romare Bearden Park.
We haven’t even mentioned the many nearby food options. Romare Bearden Park serves as the center of gravity for Uptown Charlotte. There are many things to do in Charlotte, but many of them start near here in Uptown.
Does Romare Bearden Park Have Parking?
No parking lot is specifically set aside for Romare Bearden Park, but parking decks surround the area. There are several parking decks on Church Street, which serve companies located in the high-rises. There is also a large parking deck stretching from Truist Field to Bank of America Stadium.
You will likely have to pay for parking in one of the nearby decks. Still, it should be fairly easy to find somewhere to park. Finding the right spot is half the battle. Once you find the best spot, you will likely return to the same deck repeatedly.
How Big Is Romare Bearden Park?
Romare Bearden Park is a 5.4-acre public park that sits across the street from Truist Field. The park features two gardens, waterfalls, a large green field for events, and several courtyards. The park is home to many events and concerts and is a great place for a picnic.
This park pays homage to Romare Bearden’s paintings, collages, and life. One of the signature installations at the park is a sculpture designed by Richard Hunt called Spiral Odyssey. At nighttime, the light installation on the waterfalls is mesmerizing and beautiful.
When Did Romare Bearden Park Open?
The grand opening for Romare Bearden Park took place on September 1, 2013. It opened on the front end of the building boom in Charlotte, NC, and now serves as an anchor for the surrounding skyscrapers. Its opening was partly a catalyst for the skyline spreading away from Tryon Street.
Multiple high-rises opened near the park after its construction finished in 2013, including:
- FNB Tower Charlotte – Opened in 2021 (29 floors, 384 feet tall)
- Ascent Uptown – Opened in 2017 (33 floors, 426 feet tall)
- 300 South Tryon – Opened in 2017 (25 floors, 463 feet tall)
- Kimpton Tryon Park – Opened in 2017 (18 floors, 238 feet tall)
- Element Uptown – Opened in 2014 (21 floors, 278 feet tall)
What Is Romare Bearden Best Known For?
Romare Bearden is best known for the collages and photomontages which he created as an American artist that rose to prominence during the 1960s. Bearden explored abstract paintings but found that they were not real enough to communicate his perspectives as a Black man in American culture.
The civil rights movement inspired Bearden to highlight the African American experience through his work. He worked from his studio in New York City until his death in 1988. As he grew in prominence, Romare Bearden slowed down the volume of his work. Instead, he focused on pieces for gallery series and large murals.
The best place to see images of his artwork is through the website of the Romare Bearden Foundation.
While Romare Bearden grew up in New York City, he was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1911. The City of Charlotte honored Bearden by bestowing his name on this Uptown park.
How Did Romare Bearden Impact Society?
Romare Bearden rose to prominence as an artist during the middle of the civil rights movement. His art expressed his experience and showcased the contrast of a renowned Black man struggling for basic respect and rights. The Romare Bearden Foundation helps train the next generation of talented artists.
Bearden lived an interesting and winding life. He played a little semi-professional baseball as he finished high school. Later the army drafted Bearden to serve in World War II. Bearden would later travel to France to study at the Sorbonne and gradauted with a degree in science from New York University.
He planned to go to medical school, but his path would instead follow the road of a prominent artist around the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Bearden’s artwork was as unique as he was, making it hard to categorize.
A Relaxing Setting in Uptown Charlotte
There are many reasons to visit Uptown Charlotte, many of which offer exciting experiences. Romare Bearden Park offers a change of pace. It is one of the best parks in Charlotte. While the park is surrounded by high-rises, the greenery, landscaping, waterfalls, and art installations all offer a certain amount of serenity.
Still, you aren’t far from the hustle and bustle of one of the largest financial centers in the country. The park offers a nice contrast to the rest of Uptown. It’s a great place for a romantic stroll or just to gather your thoughts, and yet, the view is one of the most exciting in all of Charlotte.
