Mint Museum Randolph Celebrates Opening of Kuba Textile Exhibit

Free admission offered February 21-22 to mark debut of "Designing Dynamism: Kuba Textiles from the DR Congo"

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Mint Museum Randolph in Charlotte, North Carolina is opening a new exhibition called "Designing Dynamism: Kuba Textiles from the DR Congo, The Wesley Mancini Collection" on February 21, 2026. To celebrate the exhibition's debut, the museum will offer free admission on February 21 and 22. The exhibition showcases striking examples of Kuba artistry known for its bold, asymmetrical patterns and explores the influence of Kuba textiles on global design and the creativity of contemporary artists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Why it matters

The Kuba textile tradition is renowned for its unique aesthetic and has had a significant impact on design worldwide. This exhibition provides an opportunity for the public to engage with and learn about this important artistic legacy from Central Africa. Free admission lowers barriers to access and allows more people to experience the exhibition.

The details

The "Designing Dynamism" exhibition will be on display at the Mint Museum Randolph from February 21 to August 23, 2026. In addition to the free admission days, there will be a curator conversation with designers Stephen Burks and Malika Leiper on February 19, and a talk by textile scholar Vanessa Drake Moraga on February 21.

  • The exhibition "Designing Dynamism: Kuba Textiles from the DR Congo, The Wesley Mancini Collection" opens on February 21, 2026.
  • Free admission to the Mint Museum Randolph will be offered on February 21 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and February 22 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), 2026.
  • The exhibition will be on display through August 23, 2026.

The players

Mint Museum Randolph

An art museum located in Charlotte, North Carolina that is hosting the "Designing Dynamism" exhibition.

Wesley Mancini

The collector whose Kuba textile collection is featured in the exhibition.

Annie Carlano

The senior curator of craft, design, and fashion at the Mint Museum Randolph.

Stephen Burks

An acclaimed industrial designer who is participating in a curator conversation about the exhibition.

Malika Leiper

The director of cultural affairs at Stephen Burks Man Made, who is also participating in the curator conversation.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This exhibition provides a rare opportunity for the public to engage with and learn about the rich Kuba textile tradition from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has had a significant influence on global design. The free admission days lower barriers to access and allow more people to experience this important artistic legacy.