North Carolina Museum of Art - What You Need To Know Before You Go!

nc museum of art

If you’re into different style of art, you want to get to know it better, you’re looking to get introduced to something new and different or are simply looking for something to do with the family, the North Carolina Museum of Art has something special to offer you.

The museum hosts a collection of work that goes back 5,000 years up until the present.  They also host outdoor performances in their unique amphitheater and showcase over 40 galleries in the country’s largest museum park.

Is the museum free to enter?

Yes, admission to the permanent collection if free.  It’s also free to enter the museum park, although to encourage social distancing, the museum is requesting that you reserve free tickets for a no-touch experience.  Tickets can be reserved here.  Also, the museum does not accept cash at the door.

Every year the museum hosts an Art In Bloom presentation, typically in March, where they do charge an admission fee.

How long does it take to go through the NC Museum of Art?

Going through the exhibits can take as long or short as you’d like.  Some guests go through the exhibits within less than an hour and others enjoy looking through the intricacies of each major gallery.  On average, guest spend 2-3 hours between the Da Vinci and Escher exhibits alone, however, the entire visit should take no more than 4 hours.  There is no time limit, so you’re welcome to spend as much time as needed.

Is alcohol allowed inside?

Unless the museum is hosting an event, you cannot possess or consume alcoholic beverages while on the museum grounds.

Do we have to wear masks?

The museum takes COVID-19 and its variants very seriously, as such, they do require that all guests wear a mask inside all buildings, restrooms, and outdoors as well.  This is for the safety and wellbeing of their staff and guests.

Keep in mind that the museum does host events holding a large number of people.  To ensure that the events are as safe as possible for everyone, you may be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event.

Can I bring my dog to the NC Museum of Art?

Yes, pets are allowed but they must be on a secure leash and must be kept under control.  Remember to bring bags so you can clean up after your pets as the museum does not supply bags for you.  Guests who cannot abide by these rules may be asked to remove their pets.

Directions

From Fayetteville

Merge onto I-95 N and continue straight for 31.2 miles

Take exit 81 to merge onto I-40 W toward Raleigh

Continue straight for 29.3 miles

Keep left and stay on I-40 W for almost 10 miles

Use exit 289 toward US-1N for 2.1 miles

Take the Blue Ridge Rd exit

Continue straight to the museum

 

From Wilson

Merge onto NC-1163/Downing St SW for 3.1 miles

Merge onto I-795 N/US-264 W toward Raleigh for 3.4 miles

It will merge into US-264 W – continue straight for 18.2 miles

Road will merge into US-264 W towards Raleigh and continue straight for 17.4 miles

Merge onto I-440 W toward US-1 for 9.8 miles

Exit 4B toward I-40 W toward RDU Int’l Airport

Merge onto Wade Ave for 0.2 miles

Take the Blue Ridge Rd exit toward State Fairgrounds and continue for 0.3 miles

Arrive at the museum

 

Directions from our office

Head NW towards Wake Forest Rd

Make a left onto Wake Forest Rd and go straight for 0.8 miles

Merge from the right onto I-440 W

Continue straight for 5.3 miles

Exit 4B toward I-40 W/RDU Int’l Airport

Merge onto Wade Ave

Take the Blue Ridge Rd exit toward State Fairgrounds and continue for 0.3 miles

Turn right onto Blue Ridge and arrive at the destination