North Carolina Museum of Art

The basics

The North Carolina Museum of Art is made up of two buildings, the East and the West, and Museum Park. Each of these spaces showcases elements of the museum’s collection; although free to view, special exhibits, classes, and other events do require a separate paid admission. A variety of guided and self-guided tours are available, most of which are also free.

Things to know before you go

• Strollers are available for rent, but stroller access may be restricted in some areas.
• There are interactive family events and age-appropriate tours listed on the website.
• One café is located in each of the museum’s two buildings.
• The Museum Park has nearly 5 miles (8 kilometers) of trails with bike share rentals available.

How to get there

The North Carolina Museum of Art is located at 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh. The only public transportation option is the GoRaleigh bus route 27, though rideshares and taxis are also available. You could also drive a car from downtown Raleigh, taking Hillsborough Street west, then Blue Ridge Road north to the NCMA entrance.

When to get there

The North Carolina Museum of Art’s operating hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday only, though the Museum Park and Welcome Center are open daily from dawn until dusk. Many visitors see both buildings and the park within 1-3 hours, though you should allot more time if you’re joining any of the guided tours, generally ranging from 30 to 90 minutes.

Find more free museums around Raleigh

The North Carolina Museum of Art’s free admission isn’t a rare occurrence in Raleigh. The city has many free attractions for visitors, including some that feature art elements. Artspace is a visual art center where you can speak to artists and take classes, while the Page-Walker Arts & History Center in the Cary Heritage Museum and the African American Cultural Center’s Cultural Art Gallery also feature local works of art.