North Carolina Museum of Art in Durham

Most of the indoor exhibits are closed for a couple of months, which was a bit of a bummer until I realized how many amazing art experiences there are OUTSIDE. Some are immediately around the buildings but others are along the trails on the 100 plus acre campus.Even tho I didn’t get to see what I expected, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and recommend it!! These photos are just a small sampling of what I saw.

Uodate: added more pictures from a recent viait.Perfect place for an impromptu wedding. Picked a knoll right next to the outdoor huge circles and said our vows amidst all the walkers, joggers, cyclists, families and kids enjoying a brisk sunny afternoon. Plenty of parking which is a huge plus

A quiet place to reflect on the creations of some of the most talented people in the world free of charge. Everyone has different interpretations of artwork so that is what makes it so interesting to go there with a friend. Some truly astonishing sculptures, oil paintings, pottery, and craftsmanship here. They have contemporary, historical, educational, and special events sections. Even the outdoors portion is neat the way it is designed with outlandishly shaped sculptures scattered around and the grounds are well kept. The move nights here that they do outdoors like Back to the Future are a fun activity for all that you can do a picnic with!

Of all the gems that North Carolina has this may just top the list!!! The outdoor exhibits are stunning! The grounds are spectacular! The traveling exhibit are always intriguing and beautiful. The museum store is so amazing and is filled with fun souvenirs. Not to mention the restaurant which has some delightful options. overall, you can spend a good half day here and have a wonderful time with the family.

I gave 3 stars 🌟 because the west building is undergoing renovation so nothing to see their and the east building had some exhibits closed off. We were told October 8th everything will be 100% open and available to see. All else was great, the outdoor exhibits was amazing, the grounds was clean.

Came for a pop up art sale and walked around the gardens and trails. Inside they were undergoing a lot of renovations so we didn’t get to see much but the trails are great. We were able to make it out to the big bridge over 440 and back within an hour. Spent maybe 1.5-2 hours total here.

My girlfriend and I were at the NC Museum of Art for Stephanie Mills with special guest Will Downing! They both put a wonderful concert last night. Museum staff did a great job with managing the concert. I also purchased the best popcorn at the concession stand! 😊 I will come back to visit. It looks like there have been a few updates to museum too. Look out for special events at the NC Museum of Art!

As a North Carolinian, I’m really proud of NCMA. I’m lucky to live so close to it. It has a great walking trail and park. In the silver building there is a permanent collection that is free to all that has some interesting works, even a Monet. I highly recommend the annual “Art of the Bloom” floral exhibit and competition. The brown building has the special exhibit that requires tickets. Some really interesting works of art have been shown in recent years like Frida Kahlo’s. The cafe does a special menu for these collections that reflects the culture of the artists. I would recommend becoming a member of the museum.

This place is free? I just dont understand how this huge place is free for all to enjoy. Amazing grounds, fun sculptures, interactive art,nature beautifully maintained, extensive walking trails... I could go on about the unique gem that this place is, but instead I say go see for yourself.All the amenities too, free parking, access to a cafe, bicycle rental, great places to relax and take a break.The only thing that it might be worth knowing before going is if you mainly want to stay indoors call before you go, on our particular visit the west building was closed and the east building has a large number of exhibits getting redone, so if you plan was not to be outside and walking around talking it all in you may not have enjoyed it as much as there would be limited things to see.

Visited a couple of weeks ago. The museum has a great art walking trail (be careful, gets hot in the summer). The museum was still between exhibits while I visited, but the curation is really good, in my opinion. And the potential of the collection is impressive. One wing is still closed, so looking forward to seeing that. All in all, a worthy destination, if you are in the RTP area.

After experiencing many of this country’s best art galleries and museums, I can honestly say that the North Carolina Museum of Art has a selection that can complete with them all. This is by far one of my favorite museums with an incredibly diverse range of artists, mediums, styles, and time periods. Their permanent exhibit includes sculpture and 2D pieces from antiquity to present day. With a multitude of rooms and outdoor exhibits to explore, this can easily become a full-day experience. This is one I am happy to return to each year! 🤩Pro tip ~~~ I might advise to avoid Saturdays if at all possible, as the crowd may make your experience less enjoyable.

Last minute decision to visit Raleigh & we heard from a reliable source that the museums are a must! They are currently upgrading and under construction. The very Lovely & sweet, Ashley Evans greeted us as we walked in & answered all of our questions. She told us the Philips Collection opens October 8.We loved the Botticelli.We plan on returning to see all of the wonderful updates.

Spent all of my time outside and it was gorgeous 🥰 I didn’t know the galleries were closed but I’m thankful that they were cause I got to see so many beautiful things 🥰

Love this place!! What an awesome place to relax and take in some fantastic art exhibits year-round! When the heat in North Carolina gets a little bit unbearable we find the museum a great place to cool off and enjoy a very pleasant and wonderful environment.

Beautiful, awesome and wonderful place! I’m very impressed and recommend this museum, one of the best I has been the opportunity for visiting. The art collection is super cute! If you are traveling to Raleigh or if you are living in this area don’t lost time and come to enjoy this site.!

Great visit! I always love coming to the NC Museum of Art! Its free and clean. You will have to buy tickets for the special exhibits. It was a shame the West Building will be closed till October. But the renovations sound amazing. I cant wait to go back when it reopens. The outside was amazing as always. Theyd installed a few new areas since the last time Id been. Its a truly lovely museum and everyone with a chance should check it out!

Art is in every corner, from the trail to the inside of the buildings, NCMA has a lot to show.It is so relaxing to sit by the chairs, have some lunch and watch the scenery, one of my favorite activities to do.

There are so many wonderful things to experience at NCMA. Walking trails, beautiful gardens teaming with flowers & amazing art, large open fields for your next gather or quiet picnic. Outdoor events such as concerts and family friendly movies take place throughout the season. And these are the experiences on the outside of the building-inside is full of amazing art to discover or rediscover. So bring your family to experience an wonderful treasure and maybe introduce them to their next favorite artist. Who knows they could have art hanging on the walls some day.Oh- and they have OTTERS in the pond! ☺️

Love this museum! Great special events and exhibits. The outdoor area is really nice to walk around. Cafe is nice.

This is one of my favorites museums in the USA. It has everything and have new exhibitions all year round. I have visited this place 3 times in 6 months and there is always something new, this last time was sculptures by Auguste Rodin which took me by surprise cause two months ago I went to museum Soumaya in Mexico City and they have a great number of his pieces. There is always something you can enjoy from this place, it might be the museum, the trails, the cafeteria, the garden, the pond…etc It’s very versatile.

My son and love spending afternoons wondering through the museum...sometimes we never make it inside. Great outdoor areas to explore and see nature

This is a Raleigh treasure. I don’t think people know how great it is. Peaceful, beautiful, serene. Great for photos, art, and a peaceful outing. The cafe is nice too. I went there during the week and almost no one was there, it was amazing. There is one section that is inappropriate, but I was able to look past it. It’s free!! Take advantage of it if you live in Raleigh.

The East Building has a room that is great for a professional development training! Beautiful grounds and exhibits that are free to view and paid featured exhibits as well. The grounds has beautiful sculptures as well as walking trails.

Ive been coming here to walk the trails and view exhibits since 2009. Very peaceful during the weekdays. The park and museum are always clean.I brought my 6yo son for his first visit a couple weeks back and he absolutely loved it! He would have stayed all day if we could. We visited the museum first, then took our time exploring the park. We stopped by the Cloud Chamber and pretended to be Hobbits for a bit.**I recommend visiting the CLOUD CHAMBER around NOON when the sun is directly overhead as the tree tops project their shadows nicely inside the chamber!!we plan to come back for many more adventures.Thank you NCMOMA!

We love the museum, the grounds are well kept and clean..love the sculptures. great place for our recent puppy reunion!

Mentally and emotionally stimulating.The exhibits are worth the price of admission. They really put you in a Killmonger mood.Surprisingly fun way to spend an afternoon with friends.Nice way to get your steps in as well.Family-friendly.

The entire experience at this museum was exceptional!Outdoor areas are great, very peaceful and lots of sculptures. There is a lot of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.There are multiple nature trails as well as the outdoor exhibits, they are very relaxing and you can rent a bike. We also had lunch at the cafe and would recommend.The indoor exhibits are simply amazing! There is something for everyone, from Renaissance portraits to the ancient Egyptian collection to the Roman mosaic to the modern art. There is so much to look at and I would have spent a whole week there wandering around. There is also an interactive area that is fun for little and big kids, and even adults.Everything about this museum is great, and I would definitely recommend this for any art lover.

Phenomenal experience. A great balance of classical and contemporary art, definitely something for everyone. Free entry to almost all of the gallery. Beautiful scenery and interesting outdoor installations. World class museum.

What a nice community resource! The grounds are lovely. This is both an indoor and outdoor experience. The West Building has the permanent collection, and its very decent with a few big names (Raphael, Monet, Rodin). Loved that everything is free. Lots of outdoor space designated for events and short walks/hikes.

The museum of art was such a nice experience. The art was beautiful and everything was so clean and organized. I really enjoyed it and it’s easy on the pockets because it’s free! They also have a side where they sell snacks and coffee and have lots of seating if anyone needs to take a break. The museum has so many artifacts and totally recommend visiting if you’re in the area!!

Excellent venue - indoors and out.Much to see and experience.Caring, excited, and informed staff.NARN/ROAM reciprocal museum.Great art viewing inside and out.My group looks forward to a return visit!

I visited the museum during the Art in Bloom event. I had a timed ticket, good for one hour. Art in Bloom displays the stunning creativity of floral designers who interpret works of art in the Museum collection. It is an annual event.

I love going here to walk around in nice weather and its also great for photoshoots! I also came to see the Art In Bloom exhibition and it was so gorgeous ✨

Art in Bloom? Wow, it was amazing. I had a great time today. So grateful to see such passion and creativity put into these floral artists today! They turned the Museum into a fragrant work of art. Im so glad I went on this first day. Theres nothing like fresh flowers in a room that smell so good. I wanted to take one home😅🤭 🌹🌸🌼🌻🌺🌿🌷 definitely will be going again next year. #NCMAbloom #PNCartinbloom A must- go take a look. You wont be disappointed

Its hard to beat free, especially when it comes in the form of a luxury experience. Its easily one of the best free art museums Ive ever seen! However, be prepared; security will follow you around at some point. All the buildings represent an eclectic arrangement of art from across the world. There are plenty of collections/activities for children as well. The park is excellent for walkers, bikers, and art enthusiasts alike. Sadly, a majority of the exhibits in the main building were being curated or temporarily closed. With that said, the other facilities and parks are fantastic!

Easily one of the most incredible museums I’ve ever been to! Top 5 for sure. Such a hidden gem. Really thoughtful curation, juxtaposing contemporary & classical art with interesting text. Gorgeous space. Epic permanent collection.

Went here originally a couple years ago shortly after moving to Raleigh. Had an awesome time both inside the museum and outside on the trails/walkways.Went back again today and had a great time outside and in the gift shop. Beautiful art, nice open walkways, and friendly staff.

Must see art museum in Raleigh. Admission is free and there are many wonderful works of art to see. Paintings, contemporary and renaissance, sculptures, earthenware, and outdoor installations. Absolutely beautiful works that are well taken care and displayed in a clean and modern setting.

Great space to walk outdoors among huge pieces of art and sculptures. Rolling hills. Small pond. Outdoor auditorium. Lots of people. Some owners had their dogs off their leashes which was dangerous considering the large crowds.

Nothing can compare to the grounds at the Ann and Jim Goodnight park at the Raleigh Art Museum. Between the stunning landscape and the statues that are scattered among the trails it is truly a breathtaking experience.For more Raleigh recommendations follow @raleighunlocked for more hidden gems.

Absolutely loved the museum and the museum park. The park has a few miles of trails, guiding you around various sculptures and installations which were interesting and remarkable. Then, the museum itself is such a little jewel box. So many different types of beautiful art in such a small space. I especially enjoyed the African art exhibit and the Rodin Court, but it was all very well curated. If you are in the Raleigh area, definitely recommend.

I drove here from Atlanta GA just to go to the Mucha exhibit. The exhibit was amazing and the rest of the museum had some great artwork. They have a cool sculpture park as well. This is definitely a museum I would visit again.

I was very pleased to find so many art in Raleigh, it makes me feel happy to come to a place where people is interested in creating community trough art and it seems like the government also encourage and support this, it’s very full filling. The museum was good and big, go with time if you want to truly enjoy it. It’s free so is very accessible for everybody!

I spent almost 3 hours here after thinking I’d only spend 30 minutes. Similarly to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: it’s free, there’s 2 buildings to explore, & it surpassed all of my expectations!I spent about 45 minutes in the East building where there was contemporary art & artwork made by local+state students. I spent the rest of the time at the West building & walking around their outdoor park to look at some isolated sculptures.The West building had artwork & statues that spanned from many different parts of the world. Everything from Egyptian artifacts (the black-topped ceramic jar was the oldest artifact at the museum from over 6,000 years agoto paintings from Ancient Greece & Rome.Definitely worth checking out & give yourself at least a spare hour or 2 to explore!

Great place with lots of free art to view, plus optional paid exhibits. Very nice outdoor area with walkways as well. I would have given 5 stars except that they arent really enforcing any social distancing at this point (January 2022). I attended the Alfonse Mucha exhibit and there was a lot of crowding just inside the entrance, making it difficult to avoid getting close to others. I expected a better system to be in place by this point.

Really enjoyed the Alphonse Mucha art nouveau exhibit. The museum is very family friendly. The day we visited the weather was nice and there were several families with young children enjoying the fountains and picnic tables by the entrance. The Museum Park is popular but not too crowded.

This was the first time a concert was held here and I was part of it, Yay! It was the "Black Nativity" play. It was a wonderful break in a Saturday afternoon. The performances were really good. The songs had the audience singing along and praising. It was a personal time of reflecting on the reason for the season. They expected 200 people and received over 1500 attendees. Raleigh we need more of these free events that corporate sponsors support. I love these type of events. They should be held every year, become a part of the week events/activities leading up to the big day and they will quickly become part of family traditions. Traditions strengthen the family and makes the core of our communities more bonded and stronger. Please consider doing more.Merry Christmas!

Great museum, but even better outdoor park/property. Awesome trails and beautiful sculptures. Dog & kid friendly. Always a lot of photographers around doing photoshoots as well which is cool to see.

I had a great time, there are many trails to go walking or biking on. There is art in unexpected places and its quite interesting. Its a great outdoor activity and there are even tables and chairs in some spots. Also bike racks to lock up your bike if you want to walk. If you dont have a bike you can rent a Citrix bike near the parking lot and trail entrance.

Beautifully done and free! The best deal in NC is this museum and the natural science museum in downtown. Perfect for a day of strolling. We enjoyed everything and I was impressed with the food they serve in the cafe. We ate outside and strolled through the outdoor area as well. My 3 year old loved it