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Museums
Often dubbed the“ Smithsonian of the South” for its 20 free attractions, the high quality of Raleigh’ s state museums certainly adds merit to that distinction. Raleigh offers the only interactive museum about the world, along with the region’ s largest natural history museum and art museum with the most comprehensive European art collection in the South.
Cary Heritage Museum V 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary 27513; 919.460.4963; www. townofcary. org Housed in a restored 1868 railroad hotel, the Page-Walker Arts & History Center offers visitors views of regional art in two distinct galleries and insights into the local history in the Cary Heritage Museum. Visit website for a list of current exhibitions and activities. Free admission. Group tours by reservation only. Hours: Mon.- Thurs., 10am-9:30pm; Fri., 10am-5pm; Sat., 10am-1pm. Please call to verify access to galleries and museum, as they are multipurpose spaces.
Contemporary Art Museum V 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh, 27603 919.513.0946 www. cam. ncsu. edu CAM was originally established in 1983 as the City Gallery of Contemporary Art to complement other Raleigh area museums and galleries by presenting solely contemporary art. The name change to CAM came in 1996. In its new home in downtown Raleigh’ s Warehouse District as of April 2011, CAM explores what’ s now and nearing in an always-changing museum experience. Admission and hours: call or visit website.
Marbles Kids Museum V 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh 27601; 919.834.4040; www. marbleskidsmuseum. org Marbles Kids Museum delivers purposeful play in a big way. Children imagine, discover and learn in dozens of interactive exhibits, daily educational programs, field trips, birthday parties, special events... and giant-screen IMAX films, too! Kids connect, communicate, create and learn through extraordinary adventures in play at the museum. $ 5 museum admission; IMAX rates vary. Hours: call or visit website.
North Carolina Museum of Art V 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh 27607; 919.839. NCMA; www. ncartmuseum. org One of the premier visual arts museums in the Southeast, featuring a dramatic new gallery building, home to a world-class collection including more than 30 Rodin sculptures, plus a 164-acre Museum Park. Hosts special exhibitions, family activities, classic film series, lectures and workshops, plus concerts and films in the Museum Park amphitheater. A meal at the museum restaurant and a stop in the museum store complete your visit. Free admission( fee for some exhibitions and programs). Hours: Tues.-Thurs., 10am-5pm; Fri., 10am-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-5pm; visit website for more.
North Carolina Museum of History V
5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh 27601; 919.807.7900; www. ncmuseumofhistory. org Explore North Carolina’ s past and learn about its people. See exhibits highlighting the state’ s military history, decorative arts, sports heroes and more. Special programs include craft demonstrations, music concerts and family events. The museum is a part of the Office of Archives and History, N. C. Department of Cultural Resources. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, is open daily. Free admission. To book group tours( 10 people or more), call 919.807.7950 or 866.724.8687. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun., noon-5pm.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences V
11 W. Jones St., Raleigh 27601; 919.733.7450; 877.462.8724; www. naturalsciences. org The Southeast’ s largest natural history museum offers four floors of exhibits, live animals, a store and Acro Cafe. Highlights include the world’ s most complete Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur; Willo, the first dinosaur discovered with a fossilized heart; a two-story waterfall; and the Living Conservatory buzzing with hummingbirds and butterflies. The museum hosts spectacular new traveling exhibits every year. Hands-on programs daily. Free admission, donations accepted; charge for special exhibits. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9am- 5pm; Sun., noon-5pm.
Raleigh City Museum V 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh 27601; 919.832.3775; www. raleighcitymuseum. org Featuring exhibits that change periodically and focus on the history of the city, the museum is housed in the historic Briggs Building, built in 1874 as a hardware store. The building retains many of its original features, including the tin ceiling in the museum gallery. A gift shop carries unique items associated with Raleigh’ s history. Free admission. Group tours available with advance notice. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10am- 4pm; Sat., 1-4pm.
Wake Forest Museum V 414 N. Main St., Wake Forest 27587; 919.556.2911; www. wakeforestmuseum. org The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the 122-year history of Wake Forest College( now University) prior to its move to Winston-Salem in 1956, and it also exhibits the history of the town of Wake Forest and surrounding region. Exhibits of interest include the history of the medical and law schools, athletics and student life. Free admission. Hours: Tues.- Fri., 10am-noon and 1:30-4:30pm; Sun.( except winter), 3pm-5pm; other times by appointment. Gardens open daily.