North Carolina Museum of Art
If you’re looking for a great family-friendly art museum in the Raleigh, NC area, look no further than the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). Located just a few minutes from downtown Raleigh and the North Carolina State Capitol Building, this impressive institution has something to offer everyone. With over 15 galleries and two art gardens, visitors will be treated to some of the best artwork from every era of human history. The Museum of Art traces its roots back to 1869 when it was founded as a museum dedicated solely to antiquities. In 1976, it became one of the first museums in the United States to build an extension specifically for modern art. With four buildings spread across 50 acres, NCMA offers plenty for even a casual visitor to see. You can visit this amazing destination at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607. Here’s what you need to know about visiting this amazing Raleigh art museum:
Be Sure to Visit the Gardens Before You Leave
The gardens are a lovely place to walk around and get a sense of what the NCMA has to offer. In addition, the gardens are a great place to get some photos of the building with Raleigh in the background. You can also visit the park across the street from the museum to see the Capitol Building. The Raleigh skyline is quite impressive, and this is a great way to take in the city from another perspective. The Raleigh Botanical Garden is the perfect place to visit before you visit the NCMA. The garden has a beautiful Japanese rock garden with a kimono-clad statuary and a koi pond. It also has an English garden with a rose garden, as well as a Chinese garden with fountains, bridges, and an urn garden. If you’re looking for a place with a more natural feel, this is the place to go.
Plan a Custom Tour of NCMA’s Collections
The NCMA is home to a wide variety of art pieces, including everything from paintings and sculpture to photography and video art. It has a special collection of American art and a growing collection of international contemporary art. Visitors can explore each collection in depth with a custom tour of NCMA’s collections. The tour provides an in-depth explanation of each gallery and art piece. It also provides insights into the history of each collection and how it came to be at NCMA. The tours aren’t just for visitors who are interested in art; they’re available for anyone who wants to learn more about the collections. They’re a great resource for seniors who may not be as interested in the museums as they once were.
Take the Kids to See the Museum’s Interactive Exhibits
The NCMA has many interactive exhibits to keep the kids entertained. Kids will love seeing the “Weird, Wild, and Wonderful World of Insects” exhibit, which includes a large insect habitat with more than 1,000 insects. They’ll also love seeing the giant light sculpture “A Seed for the Future” in the First Friday Garden, a summer-long art experience. The NCMA also has a number of hands-on activities for kids, including an exploration of the human body, a chemistry lesson on art materials, and a visit to a silkworm habitat. There are also classes that are designed for families to learn more about art history and the relationship between art and science.
Visit NCMA’s Art Shop for Great Gifts and Prints
The NCMA has a great gift shop with shows, lectures, and workshops on everything from digital art to photography. The shop also sells a variety of gifts and prints, including posters, calendars, journals, and other items. Fans of art will also love the museum’s collection of art prints, which is available online. Museum members can also enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases in the shop, making it an even better place to get art gifts for loved ones and friends. You can also rent works of art for events like weddings and corporate retreats. The NCMA also offers art classes for both children and adults. Classes are available for individuals or as part of a group. You can learn to paint, sculpt, or create art with a variety of different techniques and materials.
Final Thoughts
The North Carolina Museum of Art is an impressive museum with a wide variety of art pieces to explore. Visitors can choose from a variety of collections that include American art, international contemporary art, and more. The museum also offers hands-on art activities, a gift shop, art classes, and more. With so many great things to see, it’s easy to see why the museum is a popular destination for visitors to Raleigh.