Best Museums & Art Galleries in Raleigh, United States
1. North Carolina Museum of Art
Features one of the premier collections in the Southeast with works from antiquity to the present, including notable Impressionist and contemporary art.
- Outdoor Sculpture Park: Boasts a 164-acre park with more than 200 works of art.
- Free Admission: Offers free general admission to visitors.
- Educational Programs: Provides a variety of educational programs for children and adults.
2. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Home to the largest natural history collection in the Southeast with over 10 million specimens.
- Exhibits: Features diverse exhibits, including the Nature Research Center and the North Carolina Sports Museum.
- Planetarium: Includes a state-of-the-art digital planetarium that presents live and pre-recorded shows.
- Outreach Programs: Provides educational outreach programs for schools and community groups.
3. Gregg Museum of Art & Design
Offers a comprehensive collection spanning over 100 years with works in painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, textiles, and craft.
- Interactive Gallery: Features an interactive gallery where visitors can create and engage with art.
- Student Artwork Showcase: Displays artwork created by students at NC State University.
- Free Admission: Provides free admission to visitors.
4. Marbles Kids Museum
An interactive museum designed for children ages 12 and under with exhibits focusing on arts, science, and culture.
- Hands-On Activities: Offers over 20 hands-on exhibits that encourage exploration and learning.
- Special Events: Hosts special events such as camps, birthday parties, and family nights.
- Accessibility: Designed to be accessible for children with disabilities and sensory sensitivity.
5. CAM Raleigh
Focuses on contemporary art through exhibitions, events, and educational programs.
- Changing Exhibits: Presents 6-8 exhibitions annually featuring emerging and established artists.
- Artist Talks: Hosts artist talks, panel discussions, and workshops throughout the year.
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through partnerships with local artists and organizations.
6. Sawmill Art Gallery
Showcases artwork from over 70 regional artists, with a focus on ceramics, glass, metal, and mixed media.
- Workshops & Classes: Offers workshops and classes for adults in various mediums.
- Artist Cooperative: Is an artist-owned cooperative with a rotating exhibition schedule.
- Community Events: Hosts community events such as openings, receptions, and artist talks.
7. Artspace
A multidisciplinary visual and performing arts center that supports emerging artists and provides affordable studio space.
- Studio Spaces: Provides studios for over 100 artists in various mediums.
- Performance Venue: Features a black box theater and performance venue for live performances.
- Art Education: Offers art education classes for adults and children.
8. City of Raleigh Museum
Chronicles the history of Raleigh and Wake County through permanent and temporary exhibits.
- Permanent Exhibits: Features permanent exhibits that showcase the rich history of Raleigh and Wake County.
- Changing Exhibits: Presents changing exhibits that focus on various aspects of local history.
- Research Library: Includes a research library with over 10,000 books and archival materials.
9. Contemporary Art Museum St. Petersburg
Dedicated to contemporary art and presents exhibitions that challenge and engage visitors.
- Changing Exhibits: Presents 4-5 exhibitions per year featuring emerging and established artists.
- Artist Talks & Workshops: Hosts artist talks, workshops, and panel discussions.
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through partnerships with local organizations and schools.
10. The Morean Arts Center
Provides art education classes, workshops, and exhibitions for all ages.
- Art Education: Offers a variety of art education classes and workshops.
- Exhibition Space: Features exhibition space for local, regional, national, and international artists.
- Artist Studios: Provides studio space for working artists.
11. Florida CraftArt
Features fine crafts made by Florida artists in various mediums.
- Fine Crafts Gallery: Showcases a gallery of fine crafts made by Florida artists.
- Art Education: Offers workshops, classes, and demonstrations in various mediums.
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through partnerships with local schools and organizations.
12. The Museum of Fine Arts at Florida State University
Houses a collection of over 19,000 works of art, with a focus on European and American art.
- Permanent Collection: Features a permanent collection of European and American art.
- Changing Exhibits: Presents changing exhibitions throughout the year.
- Art Education: Offers art education programs for all ages.
13. LeMoyne Art Center
Provides exhibitions, classes, and workshops in various mediums.
- Exhibition Space: Features exhibition space for local, regional, national, and international artists.
- Art Education: Offers art education classes and workshops in various mediums.
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through partnerships with local schools and organizations.
14. Gadsden Arts Center & Museum
Showcases permanent collections and changing exhibitions of American art.
- Permanent Collection: Features a permanent collection of American art.
- Changing Exhibits: Presents changing exhibitions throughout the year.
- Art Education: Offers art education programs for all ages.
15. Museum of the South
Focuses on Southern art and culture, with a collection that spans over 300 years.
- Permanent Collection: Features a permanent collection of Southern art and culture.
- Changing Exhibits: Presents changing exhibitions throughout the year.
- Art Education: Offers art education programs for all ages.