Billy Graham Library

I wouldn’t consider myself the most religious person, but the Billy Graham Museum is a MUST SEE in Charlotte. Don’t know if I can guarantee an emotional experience as mine, but it is quite interesting and profound to be here! Initially, seeing this as the #1 sight to visit in Charlotte on Trip Advisor, I was really confused and (insert WTF face here) as to why a library about Christian Pastor Billy Graham was any bit interesting… but oh my god, literally oh my god, I was amazed and kind of blown to tears being here this week.
First of all, admission is free (not one of those we need money now institutions) and the semi guided tour is a tour about Billy Graham’s life and his ministry around the world. This tour is about an hour and a half and also there are other great sights such as the burial site and the intricate architecture. Towards the end of the tour you go through this illuminated cross — which seriously brought me to tears thinking about how many lives were lost this past weekend in Orlando and the pain and suffering in this world.
Right after the tour, my «I need tissues for my crying and weak self» brought the attention of one of the counselors – who seemed like the type to shove his faith down my throat like the other counselors I was seeing – told me, «You sir are human to feel pain for others». Even though I don’t share the same faith and might not fully see eye to eye, I loved seeing this act of passion and how he emphasized that faith is about loving people for who they are and who they can become, love and care is universal despite your religion… Especially during such an emotional week for so many people, it was so life giving to be here. This was seriously a spiritually awakening experience and would easily call it one of the best sights in Charlotte.

What a wonderful experience that totally exceeded my expectations. Decided to go here to see the live animals that they used for the nativity scene and ended up really enjoying the overall experience. My 4 year old said that she liked it better than Discovery Place Kids! I know, I was shocked too. The Graham house was taken apart and rebuilt twice. The guide said it took 3.5 months to take apart brick by brick, board by board and 10 plus months to rebuild in its current location. Wow! The house is full of memorabilia and is so warm and cozy, I wanted to sit down by the fireplace with a hot cup of coffee and read the bible. And the kitchen, I dream of cooking in a kitchen like that now, it was just a throwback classic. And all the appliances still work.
We ventured outside and saw the camels, donkey,

Even if you’re not religious, you might enjoy this museum. I saw it at Christmas, and it was really beautiful with lights and pony carriage rides!
The library is about the life and ministry of the Evangelical Pastor Billy Graham. There is a lot of video footage, which means the museum does not get boring. I found it to also be a good reflection of the times he lived in and the subjects he addressed.
I learned Billy Graham was an advocate of civil rights, and he encouraged people to «love your neighbor», no matter what race they were. He was, as expected, very conservative about «the sexual revolution” – however, he seemed to care about women as human beings, and his wife was a strong, well-​educated woman.
Everyone at the library was friendly and courteous, and their courtesy was one of the best parts of the trip.

This is a nice place for contemplation, or to learn about Billy Graham.
We came here because we needed to find something to do that was open on a Monday afternoon, and was free. We found it! They don’t charge for parking, or admission!
The staff was incredibly pleasant. They all were quite interested in making sure you find the tour, find the exits, and find Jesus.
The exhibits were rather well done, taking you through Billy Graham’s early preaching life, his meeting with rich and powerful people, and writing his weekly newspaper column.
I was taken aback a little bit by how extravagant this place seems. It seems a bit prideful to build a museum about yourself, especially when the subject is still alive. I kept asking myself how many hungry mouths could’ve been fed instead of building this place.
But the grounds were really nicely kept, and the whole place seemed to be like hanging out at Ned Flanders’ house.
The tour takes about an hour or so, with movies every several minutes that you’re forced to sit through. They close the doors up, so you don’t really have the option to be bored and race through the museum.
They do have a book store at the end of the tour, filled with religious books. It is a library, I suppose.

Incredible. From touring Billy Graham’s childhood home to walking through the different showcase rooms sharing the life and ministry of Mr. Graham. I was on the verge of tears just thinking about how God would use him in such a tremendous way. I prayed throughout the entire tour that God would give me the same heart. I would recommend coming here. I would go again in a heart beat!

Beautiful library and great place to visit for a piece of Charlotte’s history. I’m a fanatic for museums, galleries, learning and development centers so this was a pleasant surprise. Didn’t know too much about Billy Graham besides what was broadcast in news, but this library will provide a wealth of info for visitors.

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME! You get to tour his home place… the story of how it go to it’s present location is amazing. The large brown barn with huge glass cross is much more inspiring in person than it is in photos. Plan on 2 – 3 hours to fully appreciate everything. The museum is a walking history of how God took a simple man and molded him into an evangelist to the world. The museum covers everything from tent ministries, to family life, to his ministry on media, to his global ministry… the most powerful exhibit for me showed Billy at a crusade in Russia, the video showed the Red Army Chorus singing «His Truth Is Marching On.» Most people know that Billy Graham’s wife is buried on the museum grounds. Also, George Beverly Shea is buried on the grounds and Cliff Barrows wife is buried on site with Cliff planning the grounds to be his final resting place and the same with Billy. The most impressive thing for me is that the museum presentation is a true Gospel presentation with a decision card handed out at the end and counsellors ready to speak and pray with you. The presentation is kid friendly as well as the kids can answer questions and given a little gift at the end. Any Christian should go, and bring an unsaved friend… the spirit of God is there and He is moving.

A amazing place !!! A wonderful tribute the amazing stuff Billy Graham has done over his lifetime to share the Gospel to a falling world

What I saw, I enjoyed. They really need to inform customers that this is a SEMI-​GUIDED tour!!! I thought I could come in at anytime during operating hours and enjoy the facility in any order and still get the full experience. However, that’s not the case. The tour is about 1.5 hours and they like to begin at specific hours on the hour because they want everyone to start at the beginning. Since I thought this was an all self-​guided tour, I ended up missing the beginning and much of the middle of parts. I did see some of the the displays and the gardens. I rushed through the home and café. Not the most favored for someone traveling from out of state.

Was really impressed with this library. Very well done! Everyone was very helpful and the last room of the tour is the best ;)

This place is beautiful! So organized, volunteers are sooo nice, so helpful, the entire experience was just amazing… Will visit again during Christmas

What a first class first rate facility. And run by the nicest customer service oriented people around. Like going to a mini Epcot Center. Cost — $ 0.00 :)
Proud to be a holy roller baby! These Christians got it right!

This is the most amazing library that I have ever been to! I’ve been around the world and seen many monuments! But this Billy Graham Library is a must see place while in Charlotte, North Carolina or passing through! I am so filled inside with the love of The Lord after visiting this Historical library! The Billy Graham Home is beautiful and so are the surrounding gardens! There is a sense of peace and something for the entire family of all ages! I just love when we entered and we were greeted by Bessie the talking cow! There was a row of lighted plexy glass crosses, upon seeing them they took my breathe away, which lead to one of the largest canvased murals I have ever seen! Something that stood out to me was the Actual library of Pastor Graham that housed 3,792 books! I love books! I love all of the family history and how the family tried to restore everything in the home! You have to see this Library! You won’t be disappointed! I left refreshed and as I was leaving I didn’t want to leave! I filled out a survey and received a free bag with memorabilia inside of it! The staff is well informed! I have so full of the Joy of The Lord after leaving!

The wonderful place was amazing. We were welcomed right at the gate and it was a wonderful experience from there. We were greeted at the door and given directions immediately.
Whatever religion or faith you are you can enjoy the informative and educational way they have presented a small town boy trying to preach the word of God. Everything has been planned out for you to feel comfortable and a part of the journey
We had an amazing experience and go back again. We also sampled the ice cream and pound cake which was delicious.
The staff were especially pleasant and kind. The grounds amazing. What a tribute to man who has given such joy to others!
It does require a lot of walking but they have seating through out. Wear comfortable shoes

Whatever your religion or lack thereof, this is a beautiful place to visit. The staff is very kind. We pulled into the library entrance by accident looking for our Charlotte hotel from the airport (much construction by the airport, road closures, etc.). The woman guard at the gate looked off into the distance (must be a souther thing) for a moment then said «Yes, this is how you go from here”-her directions were perfect. Even as much as I travel, I was mistakenly thinking she didn’t know where or what I was asking for-​a new lesson in patience for me!!!

What an amazing place. Even if you do not know much about Billy Graham, this is a wonderful stop to make in Charlotte. Beautiful scenery, amazingly well done exhibits, and even a scavenger hunt for the kids while on the tour. This library/​museum chronicles the life of an amazing man of God, and the lives that he has touched over the past 60 years. Young or old, you will find something that interests you. I especially loved the room that held a replica of a section of the Berlin wall, as well as the guard shack, etc. Best of all, it is completely FREE!!!

Wow!
This was a marvelous tribute to Mr. Graham and his wife Ruth. There was something for everyone. When we arrived there was a group of school children just before us. They were at an automated cow who was telling the story of how Billy Graham started out on a farm. From that point groups were moved from mini theaters where bite-​sized bits of information was given about Billy Grahams life, but also and most importantly within the context of the times — this acted as a point of reference. Throughout the mini theaters were artifacts galore, with rooms set up to be representational of places. My favorite were storefronts with old time televisions that all aired Mr. Graham preaching to the masses. I also liked the USSR «room» that had a guard house and many other items that showed the separation from the east and west and it’s eventual collapse.
Truly, the entire museum was inspirational and of course, pointed the way to Jesus as the glory was not on the Graham’s but the unfathomable message of love that Jesus has for us all.
The staff and the grounds were beautiful. Everyone was kind. I will definitely enjoy a return visit.

What an absolutely beautiful facility. Though I am not particularly religious, I couldn’t help but appreciate the work that has gone into making this a breathtaking campus and the work Dr. Graham has done throughout his lifetime.
I took my parents on a gorgeous spring day with a Carolina blue sky. The grass throughout is lush and green and really makes you want to take your shoes off and walk barefoot through it. We were able to tour the reconstructed Graham home, which was lovely. We then moved onto the library which was full of books, CD’s, DVD’s, apparel, knick knacks and such. It also has a small diner space with soups, sandwiches and snacks. The Memorial Prayer Garden was peaceful and well landscaped. There are benches throughout the campus (some covered) if you need to take a break and relax for a few. There is a tour, which takes about an hour, but we passed on that.
Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Parking is free and plentiful. It was a peaceful afternoon and I would very much recommend picking a beautiful day to go enjoy this gem.

A lasting tribute to a man termed «America’s Pastor» and a place that will forever carry on his lifelong evangelical mission. Unlike a Presidential Library, this is not simply a collection of artifacts and photos that comprise the life of one of America’s leading Christian ministers; rather, it is a progressive presentation on the life and mission of Billy Graham focused on his continuing efforts to spread Christianity all over the globe.
You enter the gates just off Billy Graham Parkway and are given a welcome packet /​parking pass. Admission and parking are free. After parking, you head to the complex past the restored Graham family home down to the barn with the giant cross. In keeping with the theme, you enter the building at the foot of the cross, greeted by door holders, who refer you to the central counter for ticketing (free). Reservations are recommended, but not required. From there, you are sent to the front right corner of the building to listen to a talking milk cow describe Billy’s early days and then ushered through a series of video and memorabilia rooms where the story of Billy Graham and his mission are told from youth to modern times. After a series of presentations, you are then guided through several self-​paced exhibits culminating in a trademark of the evangelical crusade: a call to salvation. After this final presentation, you are walked out to an area where they make counselors and prayer rooms available. There is a final bookstore /​gift shop at the end of the tour.
Inside the main barn are several counseling stations with representatives and staff willing to help with both your visit or spiritual needs. There is a large café available as well.
Returning outside, you are encouraged to tour through the restored Graham family home as well as the gravesites of Billy’s wife Ruth and several leading members of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.
Takes about 60 – 90 minutes to go through and the landscaping is absolutely gorgeous. Soft music is piped through the outdoor gardens and is a very respectful place to meditate or spiritually reflect. Very well done

Impressive! Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours here. Visitors are granted free admission, but you still have to check in at the front desk in the main lobby. The grounds are beautiful and you get to walk through Billy Graham’s childhood house.
Billy Graham is a meaningful figure in my household. I grew up watching the crusades. It was fulfilling to me to walk through the Library and learn about the history of Billy Graham’s work and life. It’s a museum with a lot of video footage to keep the story going.
Plan to eat lunch here, although if you are on a veggie-​only diet, they only offer salads. The main menu is chicken salad or BBQ with sides like potato salad. There is also a well-​stocked gift shop.
Around the holidays, the Library is decorated nicely. There is a huge Christmas tree, a live nativity scene with real animals (e.g., camel), performers, and carriage rides ($ 7 for adults). If you do plan a visit during the holidays, come early (before 5pm) or plan to wait in a line off of Billy Graham Parkway to get in (they stay open until 10pm during the holidays).
This place will definitely win points with family members or visitors who have any affinity to Billy Graham… and one that you could visit multiple times.