FREE MUSEUM DAY: Historic Rosedale Plantation

In the spirit of the Smithsonian Museums, which offer free admission every day, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket… for free. STEP 1: To find a participating museum, click here. STEP 2: Beginning August 1st, download your ticket. Just minutes from uptown, Historic Rosedale Plantation is truly the best-kept secret in Charlotte. Take pleasure in exquisitely landscaped grounds or be inspired by the timeless grandeur of this home - with its majestic, century-old trees with year-round blooms. As one of the finest examples of Federal period architecture in North Carolina, Rosedale is noted for its faux grained woodwork and original French wallpaper that survives in three rooms. Rosedale was built in 1815 by Archibald Frew, a merchant, postmaster and tax collector. The home was locally known as “Frew’s Folly" because he spared no expense constructing the plantation that became a jewel of the Carolinas. The extravagant 4600 square foot home once sat on 919 acres. Historic Rosedale Plantation is now the glistening focal point of the plantation’s remaining 8.9 acres. The home was owned and occupied by five generations of the family (Frew, Davidson , Caldwell) until it was sold in 1986. A 7-year $1 million restoration began through funding of a private foundation. Restoration, furnishing, and work on the historic gardens are continuing, but today it is possible for the public to have a glimpse into the timeless artistry of Rosedale Plantation.