Young Men's Institute Building, Asheville

The Young Men's Institute Building is an important part of Asheville history. The YMI Building was created with the purpose of providing a multipurpose space for the African American community. It housed meeting rooms, a library, reading rooms and a gymnasium.

Special programs were brought to the YMI Building in its heyday. Those programs included musical performances, stage plays and speeches. Local African American owned businesses were supported in the YMI Building as well. The bulk of those businesses were retail and office space.

The YMI Building now functions as the YMI Cultural Center. It continues to feature African American owned businesses as well as art and photography. The YMI Cultural Center provides programs to Asheville residents who want to increase their knowledge and appreciation of culture.

Visitors to Asheville can find the YMI Building in the historic downtown area near many of the city's other important sites. It is a short walk from places like Pack Square Park and the Grove Arcade.