Raleigh, North Carolina — Attractions
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has recreated a series of natural environments, complete with living animals and a 20-foot-high (6m) waterfall, through which visitors can walk and discover North Carolina's diverse geography, geology, plants and animals. The museum is also home to Willo, a 66-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, the only one in the world with a fossilized heart. Other dinosaurs are also on display, as is one of the world's finest great whale skeletons. The Afro Café serves tasty breakfasts and lunches.
- Region/City Name
- Raleigh
- Address
- 11 W. Jones St
- Phone Number
- (919) 733 7450
- Website
- www.naturalsciences.org
- Hours
- Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm
- Admission
- Free, although some special exhibits may require fees
Artspace
Artspace is a pioneering visual arts center that allows the public to become part of the creative process. As the heart of Raleigh's arts community, Artspace stages countless challenging and award-winning exhibitions, workshops, outreach programs and public events each year. Its unique open studio environment enables artists to collaborate with one another and with visitors. Today, it is the second-largest open studio space in the country.
- Region/City Name
- Raleigh
- Address
- 201 E. Davie St
- Phone Number
- (919) 821 2787
- Website
- www.artspacenc.org
- Hours
- Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
- Admission
- Free
North Carolina Museum of Art
The collection at the North Carolina Museum of Art spans 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to present day. Ancient pieces include Greek and Roman sculptures and vases, but it is the European collection that is internationally celebrated. This includes significant works from the Renaissance through impressionism periods by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Monet. American art, however, is certainly not neglected. The museum has a range of 18th and 19th century American works as well as modern art by major contemporary artists. The museum shop offers books, posters and other art-related merchandise, while the Blue Ridge restaurant, overlooking the lush grounds scattered with sculptures, serves delicious lunches.
- Region/City Name
- Raleigh
- Address
- 2110 Blue Ridge Rd
- Phone Number
- (919) 839 6262
- Website
- www.ncartmuseum.org
- Hours
- Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday 9am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 9pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm
- Admission
- Free, although some special exhibits require fees
