Family Attractions

Museums & Galleries

Explore museums and galleries around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill with hands-on exhibits.

Stagville State Historic Site

4.6
(347 reviews)

5828 Old Oxford, Highway, Durham, NC 27712

Historic Stagville, located in Durham, NC, preserves the history of one of North Carolina’s largest plantations in the 19th century, where over 900 enslaved individuals lived and worked. The site includes the Bennehan family house, built in 1799, the Horton Grove slave quarters from 1851, and a barn from 1860. Spanning 165 acres, Stagville offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of slavery in the region through research, preservation, and descendant engagement. The site is free for outdoor self-guided tours, with guided tours available for a small fee.

🚘 Distance: 215.5 miles away

Wake Forest Historical Museum

4.7
(110 reviews)

414 N. Main Street, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

The new museum, located behind the historic Calvin Jones House, combines modern architecture with a nod to the past. The space is designed to resemble a nineteenth-century barn and features high windows, exposed beams, and climate-controlled areas to protect the museum’s valuable exhibits. The museum includes an auditorium, exhibit hall, library, and the Edwin G. Wilson Reception Gallery, named in honor of Wake Forest University Provost Emeritus, Edwin G. Wilson.

🚘 Distance: 218.7 miles away

The Makery

4.9
(51 reviews)

317 E Roosevelt Ave. , Wake Forest, NC, United States, North Carolina

The Makery is a creative space for artists of all skill levels, offering a collaborative studio environment, art classes, workshops, and a curated gallery. The Makery provides resources for individuals to work on their art in a supportive community, with access to various equipment and tools. They offer a range of classes, including pottery, painting, fibers, printmaking, and more, for both adults and children. Additionally, the space hosts exhibitions and events, allowing artists to showcase their work. Membership options are available for those interested in joining the community and utilizing the studio space for their creative projects.

🚘 Distance: 219.0 miles away

Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography

4.3
(6 reviews)

5101 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704

The Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography is located at West Point on the Eno, a 404-acre park in Durham, NC. The museum showcases the historic photography of Hugh Mangum, a Durham photographer active in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore Mangum's portraits, which capture the lives of people in the rural South. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from mid-January to mid-December, with free admission. It is a part of the park's historical offerings, alongside the West Point Mill and other preserved sites.

🚘 Distance: 219.8 miles away

Museum of Life and Science

4.7
(1,807 reviews)

433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham, NC, 27704

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC, features interactive science exhibits, a butterfly conservatory, live animal habitats, and attractions like the Dinosaur Trail and Ellerbe Creek Railway on its 84-acre campus.

🚘 Distance: 222.1 miles away

Duke Homestead

4.6
(360 reviews)

2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, NC 27705

Duke Homestead State Historic Site in Durham, NC, preserves the historic home, farm, and tobacco factory of Washington Duke and his family. The site showcases the early farming life and the beginnings of their tobacco manufacturing business. Visitors can explore historic structures, including a tobacco curing barn, pack house, and the Duke family's home. The museum features exhibits on the history of tobacco farming, manufacturing, and advertising. Guided tours are available, and the site also offers educational programs and field trips. Admission is free, with a small fee for guided tours.

🚘 Distance: 222.2 miles away

Bennett Place

4.7
(477 reviews)

4409 Bennett Memorial Rd., Durham, NC, 27705

Step back in time at Bennett Place, the historic Durham site of the Civil War's largest Confederate surrender in 1865. This meticulously reconstructed farmstead features James Bennett's original home, kitchen, and smokehouse, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Civil War-era Southern farm life. As part of the Civil War Trails and NC Historic Sites, this landmark preserves the pivotal meeting place of Generals Johnston and Sherman.

🚘 Distance: 223.7 miles away

Museum of Durham History

4.6
(134 reviews)

500 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701

The Museum of Durham History offers a deep dive into the city's vibrant history. The museum features a range of exhibits that explore Durham's cultural, social, and economic past, with a special focus on local stories, prominent figures, and historic events. It provides a "Museum Without Walls" experience, where exhibits are displayed in various community spaces. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and on Sundays, offering free admission to visitors. It also hosts events and provides educational resources for students and teachers.

🚘 Distance: 224.3 miles away

21c Museum Hotel Durham

4.3
(2,152 reviews)

111 North Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701

21c Museum Hotel Durham is a unique blend of contemporary art museum and boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown Durham, NC. The museum offers over 10,500 square feet of exhibition space, showcasing rotating contemporary art exhibits that engage visitors with thought-provoking works. The hotel, housed in the historic Hill Building, combines luxurious accommodations with art, offering a distinctive experience for both guests and art lovers. Guests can also enjoy the Counting House restaurant and cultural programming.

🚘 Distance: 224.4 miles away

Nasher Museum of Art

4.6
(863 reviews)

2001 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27705

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a premier cultural institution in Durham, NC, showcasing a rich collection of contemporary and historical art. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions, offering visitors a dynamic experience of visual arts across diverse media and themes. Current and upcoming exhibits include works by renowned artists like Cannupa Hanska Luger and a collection focused on climate and environmental topics. Admission is always free, and the museum provides a welcoming space for students, families, and art enthusiasts. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers educational programs, guided tours, and a cafΓ© for a well-rounded visit.

🚘 Distance: 224.7 miles away

Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice

4.9
(41 reviews)

906 Carroll St, Durham, NC 27701

The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, located in Durham, NC, honors the life and legacy of Pauli Murray, a groundbreaking figure in civil rights, law, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights. The center is housed in Murray's childhood home, a National Historic Landmark, and offers programs that promote justice, equity, and activism through history, arts, and community engagement. The center's educational efforts focus on Pauli Murray's significant contributions to desegregation, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. Visitors can explore exhibits, participate in community dialogues, and attend workshops that connect Murray's work to contemporary social justice issues.

🚘 Distance: 224.9 miles away

Duke Basketball Museum

4.7
(141 reviews)

306 Towerview Rd Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center, Durham, NC 27710

The Duke Basketball Museum, located at Duke University in Durham, NC, is a must-see for basketball fans and visitors. It celebrates the rich history and success of Duke's basketball program, showcasing memorabilia, trophies, and highlights from legendary players and coaches. The museum offers a look at Duke's iconic moments, from championship wins to individual achievements. Visitors can explore the history of the Blue Devils, with interactive exhibits that highlight the team's legacy in college basketball.

🚘 Distance: 225.0 miles away