Attraction of the Week: The World’s Only Aluminum Tree Museum

Since moving to Asheville, I have been exploring a lot of the quaint small towns around WNC. I love shopping and dining local on Brevard’s old fashioned Main Street, especially around the holidays. If your visit falls during the month of December, I recommend a visit to the annual Aluminum Tree exhibit at the Transylvania Heritage Museum.

I love everything Christmas so I was really excited to find out that this museum existed after moving here. This place is quite unusual as it features a dazzling collection of vintage trees. Anyone seeking something to do a bit out of the ordinary should definitely add a visit to this eclectic museum to their itinerary. I love checking out quirky holiday traditions across the US, so this was an easy bucket list contender for me. Best of all, there is no admission fee!

History of aluminum trees

These flashy trees were all the rage from the late 50’s through the late 60’s. In 1958, Modern Coatings in Chicago produced the first aluminum tree. The first mass produced trees were made in Manitowoc, Wisconsin by the Aluminum Specialty Company. If you ever find yourself traveling to Wisconsin over the holidays, you will definitely want to add Evergleams on Eighth to your holiday bucket list. This festive old-fashioned event features over 60 sparkling store windows, each decked out with the same vintage trees which first debuted in the city long ago.

Some jokingly claim that the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” ruined the industry. As we all remember, Charlie Brown forgoes the aluminum tree in favor of a barren (“Charlie brown”), yet nonetheless, real Christmas tree. This article details the history of the aluminum tree if you want to read up further.

These trees – appropriately called Evergleam trees – were produced for 12 years. They came in various sizes and colors (silver, pink, gold) and typically sold for under 25 bucks. Back then, modern and cool described these trees. Because they looked modern and strange, they were often called “Space Age Christmas trees.” Today, they appeal to those seeking out the retro and kitsch.

Everything old becomes new again as they say. In the past few years, these trees have been gaining popularity once again. Nostalgia combined with an increasing concern for the environment have given these trees new life. They can be quite pricey, however, Amazon, eBay, and yard sales are your best bets for finding a great tree, at a great price.

The Museum

This unique museum is located just outside of downtown. According to the museum website, the idea began in 1991 when a friend gave owner Steven Jackson an aluminum tree he found in a dump. Jackson threw a party where he asked guests to bring their “most aesthetically challenged” ornaments.

By 1998, Jackson owned 7 of these trees. Friends continued to find trees at flea markets, as well as some long forgotten in old attics. Eventually, the number necessitated the need for a larger space, hence the birth of the museum. Today, the museum displays over 2 dozen trees. We had a great time talking with staff about the history of the museum and the trees on display.

For anyone who grew up when these trees were all the rage, this museum should be a real treat. Visiting will surely bring back nostalgia of Christmases past. Many people who are environmentalists actually prefer them as you can use them year after year.

If you look through old pics online of living rooms during this time period, you have to admit there is a certain classy appeal. As for me, I actually love both real and fake trees and display both throughout my house.

The Collection

While browsing around the museum, I felt like I was temporarily transported back in time. With an Elvis Presley, Barbie, and Beatles tree, you may just feel as if you have taken a time machine back to the 60’s. The museum is quite small and will not take more than 10 minutes or so to walk through.

I grew up listening to the Beatles as my mom was a major fan, so I appreciated the effort put into this display. I like how they added the memorabilia in the background to create a scene.

I have always been a big Elvis fan so this was another of my favorites. On a side note, his Christmas record is fantastic.

The pastel Barbie tree brings back a lot of memories. I love the old time Barbies in the background.

A few fun throwbacks to the past…

Location, hours, & additional details

The museum is located inside the historical Transylvania Heritage Museum located at 189 W. Main Street. The exhibit runs from November until January. Admission and parking are both free. Donations are appreciated. Note – there is a small gift shop featuring crafts and gifts by local artists. For, more info on the museum, please visit the museum website.

2025 Dates: Nov. 13th-Jan 17th, from Noon to 4pm. Thursday-Saturdays online.

Where to eat: If you are looking for a great place to eat before your visit, I recommend treating yourself to steamed bagel sandwich at Sully’s. This unique cafe originally opened in Greenville but fortunately expanded into a few other cities. They are awesome (but messy) and I recommend the Green Vegas!

More holiday fun in Brevard

Heart of the Season: Annual Main Street event (taking place before Thanksgiving) to kick off the holiday season. Various galleries and restaurants offer special deals.

Holiday window decorating competition: Local businesses compete for awards. You can vote for your favorite during the Light up the Night Holiday Stroll.

Downtown Holiday Stroll: This festive night of events includes the annual tree lighting, live music, food trucks, and voting for best storefront window. In addition, many stores and restaurants are open later than usual.

Don’t forget the beautiful waterfalls

There are lots of waterfalls to explore in this area. Transylvania County (which Brevard is located in) is home to more than 200, plus the Blue Ridge parkway is just a short drive away. I’ve hiked to a lot of amazing waterfalls since moving here. Here’s my guide to my favorite easy picks just to get you started.