Rig the family tree to an easel with today's side deal: for $50, you get a one-year family membership to the Mint Museum (a $100 value). Current members can use this Groupon to extend their family's membership for another year.

The Mint Museum, like a Mason-jar-toting teenager catching smaller teenagers, has amassed an impressive collection, including American, ancient and Native American, contemporary, and decorative art, since opening in 1936. With a one-year family membership to the Mint Museum, Charlotte families get general membership benefits for two adults and up to four kids, including unlimited free admission to the Mint Museum, a 10% discount in the museum shops on purchases exceeding $10, and reciprocal privileges at participating regional museums.

Under the family membership, up to four children (and/or grandchildren) under age 12 get memberships to the Jr. Mint Kids Club, which includes unlimited free admission, priority registration and discounts on camps and classes, a card and small gift for each child's birthday, and an invitation to the Annual Children's Holiday Party. They also get an ideal "in" with Art Vark, the Jr. Mint Kids Club mascot. Get your Groupon and discuss John Singleton Copley between mouthfuls of pot roast around the family dinner table.

Reviews

Recommended by Frommer's, the Mint Museum also has 4.5 stars from three Citysearchers:

• With the recently added Dalton Wing, this stately museum displays a fine survey of European and American art, as well as the internationally recognized Delhom Collection of porcelain and pottery. – Frommer's
• As a decorative arts lover I was really impressed with their collection of porcelain and such. They also currently have a great cut glass exhibit! The decorative arts section is well curated and presented. – uesgirlie, Citysearch