North Carolina Museum Of Art Reviews

If you’re an art lover or simply appreciate the visual arts, be sure to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. Begin with a delicious lunch at the museum’s Iris Restaurant before you start your tour of the permanent collection and traveling exhibits. You’ll be impressed with a wide variety of artifacts from ancient civilizations, including Egyptian mummies, Greek and Roman statuary, and Judaic metalwork. I found the European paintings and sculptures from the medieval and gothic periods to be quite mesmerizing and truly enjoyed the Rodin and Impressionist exhibits. The modern and contemporary exhibits were amazing and the outdoor sculpture gardens surrounding the museum allowed a great escape for children to burn off energy. Children will also enjoy the Audubon exhibit in which the artist’s paintings come to life in a special video screening room with cool sound effects! The museum is free and open to the public.

This exhibit includes 30 of O’Keeffee’s works and 20 American artist’s works that were in response to her themes & artistic influence. The display of these works was totally amazing. The use of 3D video in surround in a small theater room tied her New Mexico home and landscape to her works on display. The 30 works were well curated & the labels were very helpful. This is a must see exhibit at the museum there through January 20, 2019. The museum and grounds admission is free. Unfortunately it was raining the day we visited so we were unable to walk the grounds trails to take in the Sculpture gardens.

Lots of things to do, extremely beautiful museum experience with ever-changing exhibitions. A great place to spend the day, including lunch in their restaurant. Also have great evening performances outside in their amphitheater including movies under the stars.

Enjoyed the art museum very much. I was very surprised to find a whole room full of Rodin sculptures; a favorite artist of mine.Something for everyone here.

The enterance was confusing but once in the volunteers and staff were so welcoming. I was surprised about the extensive contemporary collection. There is an electronic interactive exhibit that wowed adults and kids. The sourounding Park is massive with hiking trails. City folk need that kind of museum and park. Great place for wedding photos.

The Art Museum is amazing inside and out. The artwork and designs along the walking trails are amazing. Beautiful gardens. Nice paths. Outdoor movies. A great place to visit.

Great for couples, solos, families, groups. Enjoy inside and Outside exhibits and art. Even picnic outside.

Wow! I love a free museum, where they accept donations and make art available for all! The campus of this museum looks huge w/ many walking/biking paths w/ huge sculpture dotting the landscape. While I was there in the winter, the day was beautiful. If I had more time and energy, I would definitely try out the paths.

The museum covers the broad scope of art, for thousands of years. I appreciated the entire range of art, w/ Christian art of the early centuries, Greek/Roman sculptures, international art, American art and the Rodin collection.

I was totally looking forward to the Audubon book collection. While they have 4 of the huge books, only 4 illustrations can be viewed at a time. I so wish I had been able to see more. I understand they turn the pictures quarterly, so I will have to stop by again. I was hoping to see some of the more colorful illustrations, but I guess I will have to wait until next time. (It would be nice if the cases w/ those books were a wee bit lower or if their were small step stools so the illustrations can be seen more clearly by those under 6' tall).

The best way for me to share my visit is w/ my photos. Please check them out.

We had friends visit from up North and decided to take him to the art museum for an afternoon, we we're pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of each exhibit and piece of art shown. There is plenty to see and you can certainly spend hours there if you so desire. plenty of parking and admission is free what more could you ask for, it was a day worth remembering and our friends certainly enjoyed it, I would definitely recommend it.

Wonderful museum, large and varied collection, well presented. Free admission, opens at 10 am, beautiful parklike setting, trails, for walking biking running, just wonderful.

Unfortunately the day I visited, the museum closed early due to potential bad weather in the area. So I only saw about half of the things on display. They have a large African art section, a temporary Egyptian mummy exhibition and a great collection of European art. Sadly, although European art is my favorite, I didn’t get to see much of it due to getting kicked out early. They have a Dutch masters exhibition which is great. They also have several Monet paintings. My biggest gripe is that they don’t sell postcards of the art in the gift shop. One of my favorite things to do is get postcards of my favorite pieces in the museum so I can look at them again later. Every other museum has these so I thought it was weird that they didn’t. I also am so used to postcards that I didn’t take any photos of my favorite paintings as I presumed I could buy one in the gift shop.

Outstanding atmosphere and professionalism. Nice place to have a calming relaxing visual experience.

Very nice collection of artwork in Downtown Raleigh. Great way to spend the afternoon. Plenty of parking nearby, which is very reasonably priced or free.

This place was AMAZING! The interactive art show was spectacular -- this was in May 2018 -- and if all their shows are this good, you need to go there if you love museums, art, and sculpture.

I'm not really into art museum but I did go here for my daughter and I can truly say that I enjoyed the display and what this museum had to offer.

I love this place because it takes me away from reality and into the world of visual excitement. I have taken my grandchildren (one at a time). Each one will discuss the various pieces at her/his own level. It's a perfect spot to encourage thinking.

The outdoor space is spacious and the beautiful water lily was beautiful. My teenage son and I enjoyed strolling around the outdoor sculptures. We ran into a turtle on the trail. What a great surprise. The indoor area shows a variety of art collection. Highly recommend their Iris Cafe. The food is superb and the service is excellent.

my wife and I just love going to this museum. We can make a full day or part of one just enjoying the wonderful displays and top it of with one of the best cafe lattes or have a delicious meal in their first class restaurant. Cant beat the price!

We visited on an October "Members Only" Thursday evening. The curation has definitely improved. We were happy to see the changes in the curation of the collection in the newer main building, especially in the juxtaposition of art from different eras, styles, and countries, and the moving of a lot of more contemporary art to the main building. We were also impressed with the many focus groupings in the older exhibition building. We loved the way they are managing the pandemic with one-way arrows to guide you through the collections, face mask requirement, timed entry, and large spaces with no seating.

A good collection, two outstanding buildings, wonderful grounds, and woke curators. That sums up this gem on the outskirts of Raleigh. Two beautiful galleries utilize the space perfectly to display a very good (not great) collection of art from around the world. The museum is surrounded by a huge sculpture park perfect for strolling. Our only complaint was the (predictably) woke descriptions rendered by the museum staff. One example should suffice. In the exhibit of wonderful Audobon prints, we are treated to labeling that informs us that the artist was really a cretin who lived in his time period in which slavery was legal. Pleeeese. We did not come to the museum to receive a political lecture but to enjoy the wonderful works on display and to learn about them. This aside, the NCMOA is well worth your time when visiting Raleigh

We only saw the West Wing. It takes over an hour to see most exhibits in the West Wing. The other wing is in a separate building across the grounds.

My favorite exhibits were the Judaica (very well curated), some of the European paintings, a few of the modern paintings and the outdoor Rodin garden.

Many of the paintings were dark (not my favorites); I found few paintings or items that elicited a smile. I would say this is generally a very adult collection.

Excellent gift shop; I bought several items I haven't seen elsewhere.

Highly recommended to go with the family, as a couple or alone. Must visit in Raleigh. Modern and simple building but that meets all the requirements for a good museum. The exhibitions and outdoor pieces as well as the gardens are very beautiful, this tour is free, parking is also free and there is a permanent collection which can be visited for free, with those you will have enough to have a good time, The only collections The ones who have to be paid are the itinerant ones. It has good coffee

This is the second time we have visited this museum when visiting our son who lives in Durham. The special exhibit - "You are here" is really cool & even our son who is not a big museum person enjoyed it. The wooded parkland surrounding the property is WONDERFUL, interspersed with sculpture. You could spend hours walking along the paths, pausing & enjoying how the sculptures interact with nature. Don't miss this museum!

Firstly it should be noted that this museum is free unlike many. No parking fees, no fees for the toilets. Nothing. Much appreciated. Second, the diversity of art here is quite good. Bronze and marble statues, impressionist art, baroque art, etc. Honestly they have a little of everything. Highly recommended to visit.

Enjoyed this museum. Had a great mix of works from contemporary to classics. Very nice "campus" as well to walk around and enjoy the outdoor installations.

Visited for the first time the permanent collection and gardens.
Beautiful grounds and exhibitions
Great atmosphere
Highly reccomended

They have expanded the museum which was way over due! It was a very pleasant experience! Also, a nice cafe!

Very excited visit, paints and sculptures from 1400-1900. This is a place to learn, enjoy and grow intellectually. Nice spacious rooms. Excellent experience.

In addition to the art inside the museum, there's plenty outside too! This is one of our favorite places to walk our dogs. There are soft trails through the woods, gravel paths, paved paths, greenways...all of them are well maintained and doggy friendly. It's a great place for any fitness level. Oh yeah, and there are also massive art installations. Enjoy!

Had a corporate event there and the entire space and setting just sets the stage for a productive program...

Very peaceful adult get away. Although older children enjoy this too. I wouldn't really suggest young children who's attention span wouldn't allow you to enjoy.

Great little art museum. Nice mix of classical, modern and sculpture. Large outdoor sculpture park with nice paved walkways and some pieces for kids to play on. If weather permits plan on spending a few hours outside walking the paths. Two gallery buildings, first one is an older, 70's brutalist concrete building full of mostly African art with many classrooms and activities for kids. Second one is a more modern, sleek, well lit facility with classical European and American works, decorative arts and some modern. Café and shop in new building also. Art museum and grounds are free but they may have special exhibits with entrance fees. Looks like they have summer concerts some evenings, Lyle Lovett was there the evening that I was there but I had to catch a flight at the nearby airport.

When the shut-down began, NCMA asked users to submit their favorite piece of art (or exhibit) that they had visited in the past. Each week since then, I've received an email entitled, "NCMA from Home" featuring an art installation recommended by a past visitor. The email discusses the artwork from a holistic view and even provides "kid appropriate" activities surrounding the piece. What a great way to help us relieve stress and keep us engaged with the museum. An added bonus? The walking trails are still open on museum grounds and the outdoor art is still available to view.

My husband & I go to this museum every few years - usually for one of the special exhibits. This weekend we planned for the "Beyond: Georgia O'Keefe & Contemporary Art" exhibit. We had a nice time - especially enjoyed an immersive room experience with Georgia O'Keefe's voice and a video of her home in New Mexico. We enjoyed some of the other contemporary artists more than others. We had a nice surprise seeing the Candida Höfer in Mexico (special photography exhibit) & went through part of the Permanent Collection during our visit. The only downside is that we felt they allowed too many people into the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit at once to the point that you were bumping against people. I would consider going on a weekday if your schedule permits.

Loved the Scott Avett INVISIBLE exhibit and the Freda Kahlo. The grounds were lovely.

I do think that 20 a person for the exhibit seemed a little pricey.

I visited again during the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit. I was reminded how much I loved her art when I was in college. The video experiences in the exhibit were narrated by the artist herself. The museum also has an impressive permenant collection of art through the ages.

We through have been to this museum before, even though we live in another city. But the trip is so well worth it. The collection is very large, and is housed in modern, beautiful buildings, built with skylights to illuminate the works of art with natural lighting. It runs through Africa and on to European and American art. The large collection of 14th-20th century European paintings is glorious, and the very large collection of Rodin sculptures is beautifully displayed, both inside and outside the museum. You can try to rush through the entire collection, or you can pick your favorites to see in depth. You simply have to promise yourself to return over and over again.

Awesome free museum. Looking for something both indoor and outdoor then this is the place. So much fun history as well as gorgeous grounds filled with art to get lost in. Make sure to take a few hours as there are two buildings plus the outdoors to walk through. The Café is great too with reasonably priced food and coffee

More than meets the eye here and at the cost of $0, a wonderful treat for the afternoon. I suspect there is some rotation of pieces judging from the traveler photos, but the permanent collection is extensive and is a pretty good survey of periods, cultures, etc. Is it major city level - no, but it punches above its weight. I've read some of the reviews below criticizing the PC aspect of this place - some validity there; but then the whole of NC museum-dom seems to have gone overboard in the post-2020 world of highlighting if not abjectly remonstrating society for various wrongs and ills inflicted on pick a suffering class, but mostly African Americans oppression highlighted here. Never fear, their uniquely brilliant contributions are celebrated as well. More traditional works are displayed as well. Don't take it all too seriously; the building is comfortable and spacious and you can either navigate around to what interests you or take in the whole experience. Plenty of outdoor sculpture, but seeing it is a real hike at 90 degrees - not a lot of shade along the way either.

PROS:

*Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit
*164 acres of activity, inside and out
*Walking trails
*Auguste Rodin exhibit and sculpture garden
*Sip Bar

CONS:

*Limited Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit
*Iris Restaurant (extremely limited hours, very noisy, prices don't match fare offered, and now located in the West Building; I much preferred the original location, and the charming ambience, of the East Building)
*Gift Shop (diaappointing, and limited items offered)

Great collection, great exhibits, beautifully done, wonderful restaurant(Iris) and a spectacular art park...

The artwork and the facility at NCMA are beautiful. Also, to visit the museum (not specific art shows) is free. My only complaint is that some of the staff are not very welcoming - somewhat reserved and not outwardly helpful, which would've been nice, since it's a very large facility and can be confusing for new visitors.

This was our second visit to the NCMA. We love it. Make sure you go in both buildings. Even if there is not a special exhibit in the smaller building there is much to see there. This is a great stop on a hot day or you just feel like some quiet time with beautiful paintings and sculptures. It's a must see if you are in the area!

We are so lucky to have such a remarkable art museum in our area. There are 2 buildings filled with all styles of art. The lectures that they offer are remarkable.
There restaurant Iris, has a great selection of food and drink.

We visited the museum on a whim and were very happy we did. Expansive property to roam and galleries display a wide range of art and made for a wonderful afternoon with our family.

A little pricey for the Okeefe exhibit but outstanding exhibit. Museum gave a military discount, thank you. A peaceful afternoon and thoroughly enjoyable

We planned a visit on a hot day. The parking lot is spacious. There is a sloping cement walk down to the buildings. There are a number of security and docent workers when we entered. It has a large amount of galleries. It is quiet and peaceful. They have printed information and a docent walk also. It was a great visit!

Quaint little cafe at the West Building at the Museum. Varied menu, nice choices. Attentive wait staff.
I highly recommend

Friends and I traveled from PA specifically to see the 'You Are Here' exhibit, which was wonderful and exactly what we had hoped it would be. Instead of focusing on that exhibit specifically, however, I want to say what a wonderful overall space this entire museum is - both indoors and out. It's rare to see a museum with so much dedicated outdoor space available to them, and this museum really takes advantage of it. The way the grounds are laid out made me wish I could come back with running shoes, see a concert at the pavilion, relax by the pond, and see an outdoor movie. Despite the hot afternoon sun the day we visited, we just had to walk the grounds after our visit, and I'm so glad we did. There's so much to see.

The two buildings (East and West) are both modern, nicely laid out for crowds to explore without walking all over each other, and are bright and airy. The food selection is fantastic, as well, and we were able to have a healthy and filling lunch for a great price (and to be able to sit outside in the shaded courtyard was a bonus).

It's not often I would say that I went out of my way to leave the state specifically just for a museum, but I'm really glad we decided to visit here, and can't wait to come back!

Not a complaint from anyone in our group. Everyone was happy with this choice. A great place to visit, especially on a hot afternoon.

Am amazing collection of the old and new, from classics to the latest installment from Scott Avett, INVISIBLE. Gorgeous setting, exceptional facility and art that will inspire you, humble you and perhaps ignite new passions.

While staying nearby, we ventured for lunch and to tour the museum. We were pleased with the open venue and excellent presentation of the collection. The regular collection is free to see, and there are charges for special exhibits. We regret that we did not have time to see the special exhibit or to wander the grounds to view the sculputures, so recommend you plan plenty of time to visit this museum. There is excellent art by noted painters and sculptures, but also captivating art by less well known artists. Overall this is one of the better art museums we have enjoyed in the US or Europe.

This is a wonderful art museum. Great experience for families, friends, couples or solo. It's easy to navigate and pretty spacious. Every gallery offered something new.

I really enjoyed walking around the trails outside which includes art pieces throughout also.

If you are a resident or just visiting, its a great place to explore and again it's free.

We attended with teen children and thoroughly enjoyed the gorgeous temperatures for February. The art inside was a beautiful atmosphere but I recommend taking a hike to observe the outdoor art. There are maps and trails with distances available. It’s a great place to let kiddos of all ages run and play, don’t forget the dogs are welcome too!

If you are an art lover, or you just want to see something different, visit the North Carolina Museum of Art. They have 2 buildings and walking trails. Not much to say other than you will enjoy this. Bring a date or the whole family.

The art collection not to big, however it has very beautifull pieces. From paintings to sculptures, spaces for picnics in the park and music concerts. Great place to introduce children the appreciation to the arts. The experience starts in the parking lot.
No ticket entrance fee, rather is a donation to keep the maintenance of the place.

Nice exhibits, with paintings and sculpture. Had fun walking the grounds and exploring. Staff is friendly. Little cafe for decent food and drinks. Fun venue for a date, or for a weekend afternoon.

The Museum Park was outstanding and busy on a Labor Day when most of the main attractions were closed. Don't miss the Rodans!

Great art museum in Raleigh. It was raining, and so we were unable to view much of the sculpture gardens. However, the East and West buildings were outstanding. Although not much to look at from the outside, both galleries were lovely and accessible spaces. Other than special collections, everything was free, and there were also free lockers near the restrooms at the entrance to the West building. The collection was organized well in both buildings. We arrived early, toured the West Building first and enjoyed a morning coffee and snacks in the West cafe before heading over to the East building.

There are a number of interactive displays in the East building and we really enjoyed the quilting exhibit. We eventually ended up at the East building cafe for lunch where we enjoyed the soup of the day, a hearty and delicious split pea. Museum staff were all super friendly and I hope to return to tour the outdoor space the next time I'm in the area. In total, with a coffee and lunch break, we were there for a total of around 5 hours, which didn't feel rushed for us.

I'm a working contemporary artist. I'm always inspired after leaving this facility. In some of the galleries, there are wonderful padded benches where you can linger, enjoy the art around you along with the solitude & peace.

Went to see the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit. I’m from out of town and did not expect such a wonderful museum to explore. Great sit down lunch— make reservations. This is a must to add for a visit or weekend in Raleigh.

We went on a very impressive (free) tour of the permanent collections. The docent was really knowledgeable; my only complaint is that we didn't get to see enough on the tour, so we stayed and saw everything on our own! The Monet is my most favorite piece in the museum!

We had a great afternoon at the NCMA. There happened to be a flamingo guitar trio performing at the restaurant/bar area. We ordered drinks and had a great time listening. The art exhibits were decent. We like the garden sculptures but it was a hot day so we did not go around the whole garden. Well, next time.

Great museum, It has two buildings with indoor exhibits and outdoor trails with art along the way. Enjoyed the hands on activity area. We went on one of the free tours given, and found it very interesting learning more about the art than what you just see.

The museum is closed on Mondays. Our family explored the outdoor contemporary art park. The primary paths are paved and handicap accessible. There is water fountains throughout the park. The trail that leads to the cloud chamber aka " the Hobbit hole," is hard packed dirt with intersprinkling of roots. The chamber was closed for repairs, but you can still appreciate the outside. There is slight steps up past the exhibit. The park has several benches scattered throughout the trails. The path though paved has some steeper grades. Trees line several trails and provide nice shady reprieves. The art work is interspersed on several trails. The only bugs that were problematic was the biting flies. The flies do draw blood.

Visited this place while in Raleigh. The sculptures are interesting and different. They are very intriguing and fun to explore. We enjoyed a nice walk around the park on a dry summer day. Stop by and enjoy!

Recently expanded the African collection over to the new building they have their paid exhibits in. Didn’t realize it but you can see the African collection without having to pay. Nice selection of their permanent collection on display in the other building. They have added a sculpture garden since I was last there. I’m used to seeing full sized Rodin’s so it’s a bit depressing to see a table top sized The Thinker, but again, it’s a lovely museum for NC. You’ll love seeing some of the modern works.

Seems like one of the top things to do in Raleigh, very busy on the weekend but the building are massive so your not on top of other people. The two buildings house different types of art which we liked and seemed like a lot of the displays were newer than what you would see at the big city museums.

Admission to the museum of art is free, and we went to see the Audubon exhibit in the east building, expecting to see a number of his prints hanging from the walls. Instead, we got to see 4 original bound volumes of his work. Each one was opened and turned to a beautiful plate this is not only an artistic work, but a most important historical series of paintings. The African exhibit was very nice as well. The west building has galleries of great art from Egyptian times and Rome, and the great masters of Europe. The Catholic religious art was stunning in both its beauty and in its not-so-subtle message of religious salvation. This complex is a world-class art museum.

There are two buildings to walk through. The art work is extremely varied, from porcupine quill african designs to video representations to Egyptian bowls to Flemish paintings. It is free to enter and though if you are lookig for big names in art you may be disappointed (there is a Miró) there is plenty to see.
There is an interactive weaving and design section in the African part that my children enjoyed.
Taka a picnic to eat outside at the tables or even on the grass behind the museums. There are also concerts.

Visiting in late June on a hot day. The trails are very well groomed and the nature is well marked. Be sure to bring some blank paper as there are etching tablets throughout the garden.
There was not much in bloom but I would imagine it is beautiful when it is. A great outdoor walk. The indoor museum was closed so be sure to check the actual website for hours.

I love the museum. I recently took some visitors from Canada and they really enjoyed it. I was a little disappointed with the Georgia OKeefe exhibit - there were more pictures from other artists than from her, and we paid to see her. Even with that slight negative, I will keep going!

This is not the biggest art museum but is has a fine collection of art and many special exhibits. The Art in Bloom in the spring is wonderful. The Iris is a very good restaurant within the museum and they have a great gift shop.

A very nice collection with a wide variety of styles included. A new feature since the last time we visited is the occasional blend of styles within the galleries--interesting!

We especially appreciate the wooden floors, and the sculpture garden looks great. Permanent collection is free. Visiting exhibitions may not be.

The visit exceeded my expectations. The museum is large enough to be worthwhile, but not so overwhelming like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Philadelphia Museum. We visited on a Sunday afternoon, and it was surprisingly not that crowded. The outside grounds are spacious and an enjoyable walk.

It's easy to park, a very nice main museum with art and restaurant, next to it it is a sculpture museum that you can take photo and video also has a nice coffee shop. you may walk around the museum, it's beautiful. It's across the street from the state fair. It's free.

Cannot recommend enough - from easy parking to access to two areas of art along with art throughout the outdoor area! Such cool pieces and an amazing setup and design for the art displays. We didn't access the restaurant but there is one surrounded by awesome art as well. Don't pass up this opportunity - great for all ages!

Very nice art museum. Lots of great pieces put together in a very informative and pleasingly aesthetic way

First visit. We were mightily impressed by the collection and the venue. Started planning a longer visit as soon as we left.

We only had time to thoroughly explore one of the two buildings and I look forward to going back -- to wander the first building again AND the second building. Free, no pressure to make a donation larger than you're comfortable with....and a nice gift shop, too, with friendly staff. Worth the walk from the (free) parking lot.

I was in town for a educational weekend. The museum had good reviews so I popped in. I am not an art person but I do feel like I can appreciate great Art. This art is amazing and most anyone would appreciate its beauty.
They had like music and cocktails and even a restaurant.

My husband and I love museums so, while in Raleigh, I decided to go. The museum had some wonderful exhibits and photos depicting NC history. It was really busy and some of the rooms were really cramped. They had exhibits for everything from the Civil War to sports. I learned a lot about my state and was happy to see how far we've come. If ever in Raleigh, the NC Museum of History is a must-see and it's free.

Please stop by the gift shop!

Wonderful exhibits.....loved the Roman, Greek and Egyptian displays! Great cross section of art, historical objects and other beautiful handcrafted personal items. The restaurant was too busy but have eaten there before. Ashley manages the Iris and the menu is terrific!! Highly recommended it.

If the weather is good, plan to walk the outside paths of various lengths. Hilly terrain and interesting installments make the museum park fun. The museum regularly hosts stellar special exhibits. The gift store features gifts for kids and adults.

All of the museums in NC are free so when you are bored with a free afternoon, heading over to spend some time with culture isn't a bad thing.
While there are few recognizable pieces what they have are gorgeous.
Plenty of parking with a really nice museum restaurant.

Fantastic museum. Indoors and out. The collection of art is mesmerizing, thought provoking and even whimsical. The outdoor art collection is great for travelers looking to stretch their legs, you could walk for miles. Clean and welcoming

This is a first class art museum. It is a really nice set up with the art is well displayed. They had an African art display which was really well done. I highly recommend for any one who likes art.

In particular I went to see the Frieda Kahlo Exhibition as I am a huge fan of her work. The exhibit was beautifully curated as it contained not only many of her well-known works but also photos of her contemporaries, typical clothing as well as ceramics.

Visit to the museum was definitely worth every minute. Besides the indoor exhibits, the outdoor exhibits provided enjoyable walking paths. A definite must.

I visited by myself not quite knowing what to expect but was fascinated by the displays. The brief explanations of the artwork were thoughtfully drafted to give very interesting information. And I wanted to spend a fortune in the souvenir shop but held myself back. So glad I went it was a wonderful experience.

I often enjoy going here to see new exhibits or just to relax and unwind. The museum offers many different activities

Great selection of art & artifices from various time periods - I was surprised to see an extensive display of Italian renaissance art so beautifully presented. American art was well represented & I loved the display of specifically female artists depicting female subjects.

Highly recommend for all age groups & the parklands are beautiful to stay & hangout.

Could not go in do to the COVID 19 but did enjoy the wonderful art in the park and the great walking experience. Beautiful place to stroll or have a picnic lunch on the grass. I cannot wait to go back and visit the museum.

Entertaining walk, enjoyable throughout even if u step outside and catch the trails very cool for all ages

Took an elderly friend here for the Mucha Art Nouveau exhibit and was pleased at the handicap accessibility. A beautiful place to spend a few hours, which includes a nice cafe, outdoor seating and walking trails.

We Enjoy a lot.you can see variety of paintings , arts and sculptures. The park outside of museum is very good also for hiking or small picnic

The motivation for the visit was the Frida Kahlo exhibit, which was excellent. Then we toured the rest of the collection, which is impressive. The placement of art pieces out of their usual environs is very thought-provoking and a great move by the curator. There are lots of periods and styles represented. It's a manageable collection with very different types of food for thought.

My one disappointment was the NCMA merchandise in the museum store. I really wanted to get something since their design is so pretty and for the memories, but found the available items very uninspiring. How about a long-sleeve T-shirt? Or a scarf (bandanas are too small)? Stickers?

They have a very nice collection of Rodin sculptures in open well lighted area. We were also impressed with their Egyptian display. They have a very nice gift shop with creative items for sale. Admission is FREE.

I have been all over the world to many museums. This one has the great mix of nice variety and quality over quantity. They have modern art, they have Monet, they have George Washington portrait. The Jewish art and artifacts exhibit was beautiful. Iris Cafe is good- we came for snack. I recommend coming here and spending time outside walking the pathways. The landscaping is incredible and very peaceful. The large silver tree is cool, too.

is The NCMA has developed from a small unimpressive museum a few decades ago to a first-class art museum with a great permanent collection and fabulous special exhibits. A recent example iis the Frida Kahlo/Diego Rivera exhibit earlier this year. The growth of the museum to add more permanent collections and an outdoor music pavillion for concerts, and the large outdoor walking/hiking areas all add to the attraction of this great museum.

The NC Museum of Art has 30 Rodin sculptures. Some inside and some outside in a lovely (but hot on a sunny day) sculpture garden. These sculptures were cast posthumously by Musee Rodin from Rodin’s original plaster molds or casts newly taken from his plasters. It is worth a visit to see them. Admission to the museum is free except for special exhibitions. Donations are accepted.

This museum does so little advertising and needs to ring its own bell more often. They have a magnificent amount of outdoor space and the museum buildings are spacious too. We really enjoyed a special African art exhibit that was on in May 2019. The museum does not have enough general info about their exhibits for instance- they should have a gigantic amount of info about Black Mountain artists - because they are some of the best known artists in the world. They have some of their art and a big black and white posterish wall piece that says "Black Mountain" but most people walked past not knowing what it was. The Judaic art is terrific but I don;t know much about it and wished to know more. They have a huge Rodin exhibit but very little info. Loved all the art and the museum brunch too. The gift shop is cute but much needed is a book about the museum with explanations.

We have visited Museums all around the country and in major cities and this was a un-expected surprise. It rivals Museums in NYC and other places. It's Statues and European Art collection is extensive and well laid out in the galleries. The grounds are really something. Plan on a half day to see everything that is there. It is free to the public and the buildings and grounds are spotless. Don't miss it! Great play areas for children.

Visited while on a trip to Raleigh with our kids. I liked the mix of art and historical exhibit. Gives you options for different visits.

A wonderful way to spend a hot day. We went early as it was going to be a hot day and we knew several of the Rodin pieces were in an outside courtyard. We went there first and spent the next two hours viewing the rest of the Rodin collection, the Greek collection, the Roman collection, and various other collections of various countries Greece, France, Holland, USA, and others inside that wing. At that point we took a short break for a glass of wine and a wonderful meal at The Iris ( inside the museum open 11:30 til 2:00 Most days .Weekend brunch, Friday dinner). We then went into the modern art wing of the same building which was another delight. Moved on to another building housing African Art, a selection of books with original Audubon bird prints on display as well as an interesting sound/image film with different birds and their calls. There was another temporary show we enjoyed, but a large majority of this building is devoted to interactive education for children.
Overall, we ended up spending a wonderful 4 hours, and due to the heat we made no attempt the many trails in the huge park which contains multiple outside sculptures.

All this with no admission fee, although a donation of at least $3 is requested

The NCMA is a wonderful museum. Not just saying that out of home grown pride, that its also an opinion offered by knowledgeable art lovers from across the country. The collection is somewhat small but this allows a visitor to take it in without be overwhelmed. Special touring exhibits are displayed in a second building, with an admission charge, while the main building is free. If time and weather permit, allow yourself a half hour or so to walk the grounds, which display a wide array of sculpture.

OK, so this museum is free and that is a good deal. I am a big art fan, and I saw a few things that were beautiful and fun. But here is why I give it a low rating - WAY too much political correctness. So many comments near the art on how artists are suppressed or denigrated. If you dropped in on this museum from out of the sky, you would naturally assume 80% of the people in Raleigh are black because that is the percentage of the artists represented! These statements and apologies for the suppression of this race or that color are on the comments near the art. Listen folks, I go to a museum to appreciate and enjoy the art and DO NOT care what color the artist was! I did not go here for a lecture on political correctness!

I like an art museum that surprises me and at NCMA, there's surprise around every corner, in every room, from the installations, art on the walls, restaurant Iris, to the extraordinary cards in the gift shop. Very pleasant and accommodating staff.

I live in NYC and have the most amazing museums so very close to home. I have also seen some of the most famous museums in Europe. This museum is up to par with all of them. It is curated meticulously. So many aspects were perfect, really too many to mention. The light, color, and sound special exhibit "You are here" was spectacular.

Visited this museum and while the indoor section was great, it was the museums outdoor sculptures and grounds that captured my attention. A really beautiful place to visit.

The museum is beautifully set up and very large. You could easily spend several hours here between the inside exhibits and the outside area. It was clean, quiet and a great experience. I will definitely go back next time I’m in the area. It is worth a visit if you love art and history.

We came to Raleigh in part to see the “You are Here” light and sound exhibit. The exhibit was fascinating and did not disappoint. We love this museum. Though I grew up in DC and had the National Gallery and numerous other galleries available, I find NCMA to be a wonderful place. We especially like their large collection of sculptures by Rodin. The only place we have seen more is st the Musée Rodin in Paris!!!

I have attended a charity walk (September 2017), a Community Discussion (including a Fashion Fair Exhibit) and the Ed Camp Conference at this beautiful museum. I have enjoyed each event, especially the charity walk. This museum shares very creative work, in and outside of the museum, and it provides a family-friendly atmosphere!

We went specifically to go to the Art in Bloom which was so very beautiful to walk through and see. We also walked through some of the grounds and love seeing all of the art scattered throughout. Very well kept. We only spent about 2 hours here but could have spent longer.

Rodin exhibit superb. Lots of places to sit and look. I tried to find dogs in the pictures. Especially enjoyed looking at Christian pieces. Sculptures were wondeful. Moving exhibits were fascinating.

This is a nice representative museum with art from different epochs and cultures. It has the only Giotto's altarpiece outside Italy (and in an excellent condition) which is a reason to see it by itself. You can also find there early Raphael, Veronese, and few other well-known names. Luckily, the Kress Foundation donated a number of Renaissance pieces to NCMA. There's a small Judaic collection too. Altogether, this museum will make you happy you went there.

Wow! This art museum is fantastic! Our son is an artist; we are art lovers, so we’ve been to art museums around the world. This one is a strong competitor! The Time is Always Now exhibit was spectacular and the permanent exhibitions had something for everyone. The Rodin collection was impressive. Really well done!

I’ve always been a fan of early Christian icons and this collection did not disappoint. Then, I saw the Nigerian take on the crucifixion and I became ecstatic. What an awesome variety of painting, sculpture and carvings. Didn’t miss the Rodin group nor Judaic masterpieces. Unfortunately my feet started to hurt and she was giving me the “it’s time to go” look. But first we had a delicious lunch at the museum restaurant. Don’t miss it!

This is a beautiful museum, and I am so glad I visited. The NCMA is spacious, easy to get around in, and has many fascinating exhibits. I was especially pleased to see the collection of Jewish ceremonial objects and decorative arts, but there was also a nice assortment of impressionist art, African art, classic works from Europe, Christian iconography, and much more. (There was even a good coffee shop, and the gift shop had some interesting items too.) I come from Boston, so I am accustomed to large and impressive museums; but this one was a pleasant surprise. Even the grounds were attractive, and well-maintained. If you like art museums and you're in the vicinity of Raleigh, there are many good reasons to make a stop at the NCMA!

From the time to get out of your car and follow the curving paths to either the museum buildings or the museum park, you feel like you have gone somewhere special. I love the outdoor park with its thought provoking sculptures and all of the great places to picnic on the grounds. Grab lunch from the cafe or bring it with you anytime the weather is nice. The light and layout of the newer building is so conducive to viewing the museum’s collection of pieces. I love the tall spaces and white walls. I o let wish the older building was as bright. It’s okay at night but feels kind of cavelike during the day. Overall, that is the only thing I would change. This is an amazing museum for any city and very impressive for a smaller city to have something o special!

Has a fee nice pieces but no easily accessed good service. Always full if you don’t have a reservation. It’s rather daunting to out of towners.

Don’t bother. I won’t again.

A lot of different types of art is located in this art museum from African to American to European. The art is housed in two separate buildings. It has a sculpture garden as well. Highly recommend.

This museum had interesting exhibitions - nicely laid out with good explanations. The grounds were also fun to explore.

We very much enjoyed our visit to this museum, with an interesting collection that spans several centuries and types of art. Favorites included the many Rodin sculptures, a few Monets and the entire modern art exhibit. Plan to spend a whole day viewing the permanent collections in the west building, which has a cafe too. The museum also has a variety of docent-led tours that are worth checking out, including a family tour that had young kids completely engaged while we were there. And that’s just the inside exhibits! The museum also has an extensive sculpture collection outdoors too. Definitely a museum that North Carolina folks can be proud of!

I love our state museum! The quality of curated exhibits, in addition to their own collection is second to none. We went for the exhibit, The Beyond: Georgia O'Keefe and Contemporary Art, but was blown away by the photography exhibit, Candida Höfer in Mexico. I am always happy to come to see what the museum has to offer!

NCMA is a beautiful museum with beautiful grounds. The O'Keefe exhibit was kind of a mixed bag. Fairly limited number of O'Keefe's works along with a few good contemporary works and a lot of pretty mediocre material, and some needlessly vulgar. (I didn't notice any of the quilted vaginas in the promotional material). Maybe I was spoiled by the amazing portrait of clouds at the Chicago Art Institute that I grew up with.

The inside of the museum is so peaceful and with such amazing various pieces u can just wonder all day.the outside walkway of art is simply and ideal stroll with your partner. Bring a blanket and camp out w each other w a book or catch up on the hectic week while u both enjoy the sunset together.

My daughter and I loved coming to this museum and gift shop. We are always quiet, calm and respectful.

One time when she was 7, (and pre-9/11) she brought her beloved teddy bear in to see the art work. It was unfortunate that the black security guard obviously followed us and closely watched us... Not from a distance but from just steps away. My daughter held her teddy bear up so it could get a better look at a painting (the painting was roped off, and we were not even close enough to touching it) and the guard yelled at her very sternly, which terrified her. I admonished his approach and apparently he didn't like that.

Upstairs, downstairs, to every exhibit, this guard followed us. We are well-heeled and white, and I was very annoyed with his obvious actions to make us uncomfortable with his silent staring. At one point in an effort to calm my child and make light of the situation, I made a game of it with her (she was obviously worried and quite shaken), and we got on the elevator to lose him, and he took the stairs and was waiting and staring at us when we got off. We left and never went back. Very bizzare security.

Regardless, I won't rate this museum harshly for his actions. It is truly a great space. I may go back one day.

A free museum in the Raleigh area. When you pull in go to the left if you want to go to the museum and right if you want to go to the park area. I found the museum very interesting. They do seem to be in a period of transition. Two different buildings. Free parking. They have a shop and a cafe if you need something to eat or drink. Everyone working there was friendly. You can spend at least a half a day exploring the two buildings.

You have just missed this outstanding event held for the fifth year at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC. Today was the last day of this 4 day event which featured 50 floral designers who each nterpreted a different work of art in the museum. Their works of art are outstanding. in addition there are classes during this event to highlight creating floral designs.
I am writing in hopes that you will mark your calendars for this event in March of next year and make a visit a must!

This is a surprising museum set in a park. It had a visiting exhibition from the Phillips Museum in Washington DC with some very well known artists. The 2nd building had a load of interesting artifacts from around the world. We only had a limited time but would certainly go back. Well worth a visit.

After living here for so long, I took the time to visit the museum, they current have a Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit on display which I found pretty awesome. The museum staff were very helpful and kind. The museum itself is very clean and quiet and you have time to really see you the artifacts. The museum is made up of two buildings each with cafes and gift shops, there’s an amphitheater and a ton of trails for walking and cycling, there’s a bike share station for riders. Great place to pass the afternoon.

We only saw the free collection but it was really nice and a good size (not overwhelming.) The grounds were pretty as well; busier than the inside but a beautiful day and a common place for locals to "play." Would definitely recommend a visit if in the area.

Up front, I'll say that I'm not that into art. However, everyone said to visit this place, so I gave it a go. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

The Good:
--The parking is plentiful and free - both of which are seemingly unheard of in Raleigh, NC.
--The museum is free to get into, but has one of those donation boxes in the middle of the entryway that says the suggested donation is a few dollars a person.
--Each of the eras/categories were grouped together so that you sorta knew what type of art you were looking at. As someone who isnt really into art, I found the much older stuff more interesting, but I'll admit that some of the modern stuff, such as the sandpaper piece, was thought provoking.
--I liked how each of the older pieces had an approximate date of creation.
--You are able to get within inches of each piece to really take a good look at it. You obviously aren't allowed to touch anything, but being able to get close to a couple thousand year old statue, or several hundred year old painting is something else. I really lets you see the detail and sort of forces you to appreciate the craftsmanship.
--There seemed to be free locker storage to store jackets and things.

The Not So Good:
--I wish there were more benches around. In some places, I wanted to just sit and stare at a massive painting or sculpture, but I couldnt because there wasnt a bench nearby. To be, the benches are almost a hallmark all types of museums, but this one seemed to have a lack of them.
--Though some of the information panels were incredibly informative, most of them didnt really include much information at all. Most of them just said "was purchased with money donated by so and so".
--The place is a maze. There doesnt seem to be any rhyme or reason to the layout. You could wander for an hour in a specific section and realize you somehow skipped over/around an entire section within an area. I wish it was more barrier-guided so that you were ensured to see everything (i.e. like a path through the museum).
--There seems to be some sort of cafe within the museum that isnt separated from the art, which means when its busy, all you can hear in the entire museum is the crowd in the cafe.

Overall, it was a good experience and I'd recommend it to anyone who needs some "adult" time or a quiet place to go.

My visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art was a truly enriching experience. The museum's layout is spacious and thoughtfully designed, making it easy to explore the diverse collections at a relaxed pace. From classical pieces to contemporary installations, every gallery offered something unique and thought-provoking.

The outdoor park and trails were a beautiful surprise--perfect for a peaceful stroll surrounded by art and nature. The staff were welcoming and knowledgeable, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. Whether you're and art enthusiast or just looking for a serene and inspiring outing, this museum is a must-visit.

First visit since prior to Covid and it was perfect! There are several new exhibits to view and it is easy to maneuver safely through them all. The guards are always pleasant and helpful with lots of information regarding the exhibits. I particularly enjoyed Good as Gold - showing Senegalese women’s jewelry and the story behind these influential ladies of the Senegal area of Africa. Also not to miss is the Christopher Holt frescoe exhibit of his wall painting in Asheville - very impressive. The exhibit of NC contemporary artists is also worthwhile. Some very creative artists on view. Don’t be concerned about visiting the museum - you will love it and feel safe!

Truly enjoyed visiting this museum. Many beautiful exhibits. Especially enjoyed the contemporary art. Definitely worth visiting.

A very interesting and diversified collection with the added bonus of extensive outdoors art trails. And its pretty much all free of charge. Can easily spend a day or two there

NCMA has some truly amazing collections. From Rodin sculptures to Judaic art. The rotating exhibits like the current O'Keeffe are exceptional as well. Highly recommend for an afternoon out. Be on the lookout for their summer concert series as well. They have done a great job curating local and national touring acts.

I am so pleased to know this 165 acre paradise exists. I found myself in awe, excited and amazed at the collections and the grounds. The curators have thought of everything for everyone... diversity abounds in this museum. What a blessing!

we went thru the buildings but didn't get thru the grounds so plan to go back again this fall when its cooler

This is a decent-sized museum with a lot of priceless treasures that are well curated. If you are a fan of Rodin you will not be disappointed in the large collection of sculptures created from the original casts. They have a few Monet and other impressionist paintings, and a respectable array from multiple other periods as well. I was impressed by their exhibit on Egypt, because although it lacks the mummies found in larger collections hosted in Cairo, London and Chicago, it chose to focus on a tradition the other museums did not - grain mummification. I learned something today! Well worth the visit, it you have at least 3 hours to spare (or else you will feel as if you are running a marathon to see everything).

A must see every time I get to Raleigh! I love the art exhibits at this free state museum. I always see something new and striking! The outdoors are just as great! there are outdoor sculptures and a mirrored labyrinth. You can walk trails and see art sculptures right next to the museum!

My husband and I were there for the Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit, but since we live three hours away, we spent the whole day in the museum including eating in the Iris restaurant. The museum consists of two buildings, and the exhibit is held in the same building that houses a great African art exhibit and children’s friendly activities. The exhibit room was well done, and we really had a good time exploring her works as well as the beyond artworks which showed artists who may be akin to her in style. My favorite part was at the end, children had painted what they saw as an interpretation of Georgia O’Keeffe and I put two pictures of what kindergartners did below. Before we went to the other building and lunch, my husband and I explored the upper gallery which contains children’s activities along with art, and I can’t wait to bring my grandchildren back sometime. The second building houses many beautiful pictures in separate galleries, But my favorite was the Rodin courtyard and garden.

Impressive art museum. Particular standouts are the Judaic art featuring Torah guards and ornaments, spice boxes, tefilin boxes. Also very good selection of Italian Renaissance painting, many Rodin sculptures, 19th century American paintings. Free admission, not too far from downtown.

We went to see Juda and the Black Messiah. I loved that they had security at the entrance and you could see security riding around and employees looking from the building. The setup is nice and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a movie. The museum is top notch!

While my daughter is at Duke today, I decided to tour the city and happened upon this museum. I had wanted to go for years but we are always on such a tight schedule that I never made the trip. It was the best decision ever. Special Mexican and African exhibitors were on display and I was in awe. Every piece more interesting than the last. The ladies up front were most helpful also. And the outside entertainment area makes me want to come back during the summer outdoor series events. I will be back !!!

Great museum! Next time I will plan to spend the entire day instead of only a few hours. Beautiful artwork, sculptures, and a nice gift shop.

If I lived in Raleigh I would visit the museum on a regular basis. The building and grounds are lovely and the exhibits are well worth viewing. I especially love the Rodin exhibit as well as the art in the state of the art light controlled space. Additionally there is a wonderful restaurant and museum shop. A must see in Raleigh.

While you won't the find the wealth of older, larger collections, visitors will find a good representation of a wide variety of art. There are outstanding work by Anselm Kiefer and Josef Alpers as well a small but impressive collection of African art. The gallery devoted to Rodin's work is a must as are the Italian and Dutch galleries.

Sit by the small lake to enjoy nature (heron was in the lake) and people watching. Several opportunities to interact with art and sculptures. We brown bagged a bottle of wine and enjoyed our time.

Wonderful museum in a park like setting with trails and art everywhere. Very diverse and thoughtful collection, all well displayed with space to appreciate each work. Impressive Rodin collection, some wonderful 14th century religious art, 16-17 century altar pieces, and a rich collection of Flemish paintings from the 16-17th centuries were among my favorites. We also went to the East Bldg and was very pleased with the African art collection. Very well curated. Can't say enough about three quality of this museum.

This museum is very complete. It is beautifully divided by each period of time. Great support and knowledge from the personnel.

We only made it through the West building, but we had a great time walking through the Africa exhibit and paintings. It is a beautiful facility and a great way to spend a couple hours- even with teens!

We were pleasantly surprised by the museum. They had a nice, albeit limited, selection of art. Rodin sculptures were interesting and I was impressed by the displays of pre-Renaissance and Renaissance European art. We spent about three hours there and could have spent an hour or two more had it not been closing time. A great way to begin our NC vacation!

It's like a hidden treasure chest of culture and inspiration. It's a place where you can soak in the beauty of art from different times and styles, all nestled in the heart of Raleigh's lush surroundings.

Now, here's the real talk: while wandering through the museum's galleries is like taking a magical journey, there were moments where I wished for a bit more context. Some pieces left me wondering about their stories, and a little more information or interactive displays could really make the experience even more captivating.

So many different exhibits from Rome Egypt Greece etc. multiple rooms with different themes easy parking close to the different buildings

Very much enjoyed displays of an interesting variety, from photography to Rodin to pre-Renaissance paintings to African artifacts and art. I would definitely recommend this museum.

Its galleries feature masterpieces that spanned 5,000 years. Equally impressive were the adjacent164 acres of public art and trails that invite relaxation and reflection as well as world-class musical performances. One exhibit inside featured distinctive Rodin sculptures, many resembling those I admired at the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia, including an outdoor shallow pool graced by the master’s artwork. We witnessed many families enjoying a fine, sunny day. Admission to the East and West Buildings’ permanent collection and Museum Park is free, and an amphitheatre sits near the complimentary parking area.

good place to visit and really fun with my family。
I am going back in winter。I learn from entertainment to help for our nature。我喜欢这个博物馆的设计理念和管理系统。这里的工作人员很友善。户外室内设计都非常不错。尤其是自然的语言。

This was our first time at the NC museum of Art. We should have gone earlier as we came from 2 hours away so we could have checked it out prior to the concert. Great venue, cozy and great seats including on the lawn. We really came to see the Old Crow Medicine Show band after seeing them at the Grand Ole Opry just a week before and being so very impressed. They did not disappoint. We are big fans and they are probably the best concert entertainers/performers/talented musicians we have seen. Would highly recommend them and the NC Museum of Art. No charge for parking was nice.

Thoroughly enjoyed going through the museum. We mostly visited the art galleries and were impressed by their collection. Will definitely return in the future.

I have always been impressed by the staff working at the NCMA. Very knowledgeable and friendly. And there is a great variety of artists, genres, timelines and more. Really loved the vintage automobile show about a year ago as examples of art + design.

From Sculpture to painting, classic to modern, music to movies, the NCMA is one of the best art museums I have ever been to. I spring for the annual membership because it quickly pays for itself. They always have several exhibits I look forward to seeing, and have attended concerts outside and movies on the lawn. I DO miss the Friday night live music (Bring it back!). The outdoor installations and trails are great too.

Founded 70 years ago on a million dollar state appropriation, the NCMA opened its doors to the public 60 years ago. Built a proper building 45 years ago (now called East) then another one a decade ago (West). Half a million people visit a year. The man who made it all, Larry Wheeler, just retired. Has its ancient Egypt and its Monet. Kline and Stella and Kiefer. A well-employed auditorium and Conservation Center and a Theatre in the Park welcoming outdoor concert and film. 30 Rodins and 164 acres, the largest of its kind in the country. $20 million in operating with 200 employees. Among my favorites (besides the aforementioned) are a Canaletto Capriccio, the perfect still life (Valencia Oranges by William J. McCloskey), Thomas Sayre’s Three Rings in the park, and the Patrick Dougherty stick sculpture in the museum restaurant.

We visited the museum for the last day of the exhibit, "Dutch Art in a Global Age" which was excellent. However, we were shocked at the Wiley Portrait of an African American Woman beheading a white person! How can such a flagrant example of racial violence be displayed in a museum with public funding? I wrote to Dr. Hillings, the Director, over a week ago and she has not given me the courtesy of a response! I have been supportive of peaceful actions to improve the civil rights of all Americans throughout my life and was truly shocked to see this portrait on display in a modern-day "progressive" museum. There has been discussion about this painting on the internet since it was installed, but the museum has put a "comments closed" designation on its webpage. They do not want to hear it! How "progressive!"

NCMoA is a Raleigh gem...there's something for everyone, both indoors and outdoors. While substantive, it is not overwhelming. Though I've not yet taken advantage of all as a member, there is a plethora of offerings, from classes, to movies, concerts, special trips and dining. Don't miss NCMoA, whether a resident or a visitor!

Not much to say about the art park. We only visited the outside portion but it was definately a sight to see

Every year, this museum continues to improve and impress visitors. It is a regular stop for my family when we visit Raleigh. For walkers, meander on the grounds to enjoy the outdoor art installations. Indoors, the collections change frequently to stimulate the art enthusiast and exposes the visitor to art pieces usually reserved for large urban centres such as New York or Washington.

This is not a traditional art museum. It is very different. The east side has some painting and sculptures which very were innovatively created. Something unique which we had not before.
The west side was mix of olden art work and some newer artistic sculptures with a different twist,

This was a tiny museum and was undergoing some exhibit changes so we didn't get to see it all. But it was free so we made a donation and went to see what was there. The main exhibit Fault Lines was absolutely amazing! Different examples of how we interact with the environment and how the environment affects our lives and our livelihoods. There were some powerful videos and displays that really made us think about how we take care of our environment. We explored the sculptures that were near the buildings but didn't venture further into the gardens because of the heat. Overall the museum left an impression on us and we would go back again.

The family visited this museum twice during the week and it was clean and well staffed and people were helpful and all exhibits were excellent. This is a free museum and well worth the visit

Just don’t eat there! They have a captured audience, but go elsewhere to eat, food horrible. We went as a group of 15 and everyone was disappointed in their lunch.

We had a great tour provided by a docent (retired lawyer) who obviously loved sharing this place with us. Our tour had to be short for the time allocated for our group but she really made the most of it. The collection could not have been appreciated without her explanations. Do not pass on a chance to visit this gem.

Great,small museum. You won't get overwhelmed here and you'll be able to see the entire museum in one shirt visit. The best part is the amazing collection of Rodin sculptures. There is an entire sculpture garden consisting solely of Rodin.

This place is quite amazing. Very fine collections of European and African art. The major flaw is where is art from North Carolina? North Carolina has a deep history of art ranging from pottery to fine furnature and textiles. I left flabbergasted that a museum of this quality would ignore their own states heritage

Outside of that, please go. Just make sure to ask the front desk where is the North Carolina art located.

Great place to visit!! Relaxing, clean, great exhibits. The grounds are huge and beautiful.
Well worth the trip.

I nonetheless very much enjoyed the associated showing of the wonderful Mexican ( & especially the grand-scaled) photography of German lenswoman Candida Hoffer .... a worthwhile consolation prize for paying to get in to this section ( the entry fee admits to both exhibitions, however the gallery‘s permanent collection is open free ).
Miss O’Keefe is a national icon & whilst there’s a carefully orchestrated & easily accessible “artist-background” here to be absorbed by the visitor... the too few (mostly minor) works of hers on show are disproportionately padded out with that of mostly dubiously worthy contemporaries; for me these may largely be dismissed being shown alongside the founder of American modernism.
The gallery also here missed by a country mile the opportunity to use deeply-toned walls to intensify the viewing experience ..& tie-in with better-known New Mexico dessert period.
& so why was one of the contemporary artist’s still life work being also shown, subjected to the indignity of being nearly visually lost having been hung on a giant blow-up of what looked like an ( unexplained) women’s dress print!

Will someone kindly explain why the previously superb uplit bamboo planting lining the stunning Rodin outdoor sculpture court has been rooted out? This space is weakened considerably & now whilst it is more zen-like sure- it’s far less appealing ..especially now+the perimeter lights are gone too !

I note there’s still NO Public Transport operating to this venue....is this a world first in rotten accessibility planning (sic)?

took my family to visit this museum and it has a lot if interesting things to see. very clean and neat place.

We chose to go here because it was recommended on Trip Advisor and it did not disappoint. It was an eclectic collection that has something for everyone. We really enjoyed wandering the museum ourselves but did note that tours were offered. A great experience and budget friendly since admission was free.

The two buildings have incredible art ranging from modern to Monet and just about everything in between. On weekends there are indoor, classic movies & turning the summer there are family oriented movies outside against the building. Also, there are great outdoor concerts & food truck events too. Okay, I've mentioned some great things but there's so much more... outside you can walk for miles around the gorgeous, green, tree & sculpture paths.

We just moved here from NYC and have been used to the New York Museums (Met, Natural History, etc.) We didn't think that any museum down here would compete, but we were wrong. The indoor/outdoor venue makes it unique, the collections were outstanding, and the personal feeling made it better by far! We found a live band near the Iris Cafe at end of day which was wonderful! We are going to join and take advantage of all the other benefits - movies, shows, etc. Highly recommended!!

First off, I am a local (in between moving over the years), so I have come here numerous times. My visits are always with adult family members, solo trips, or with friends.

This is a very nice museum, and I like the fact that the exhibits change periodically. The good news is admission is free, both for the museum's permanent collection and park, which is a work of art within itself.
While art museums may seem geared for adults, that is not true of the NC Art Museum. There are hiking trails in the park along with sculptures as well as sitting areas.
The permanent collection is full of a variety of wonderful pieces, including but not limited to: Ancient Egyptian, African, Ancient American, American, Jewish, Italian, Classical, Contemporary, Modern, and a collection of 30 pieces by Rodin, including "The Thinker."
The temporary exhibits are always unique and there are always a wide variety of subjects, so there is something for everyone.

A great thing I'd like to point out is that the museum is fully equipped for people with disabilities, including: braille, large print, wheelchair access, hearing impaired, sign language, service animals, and others. There are also wheelchairs to rent inside the museum (manual I believe).

There is a full-service restaurant (Iris), but I have never eat there, it looks very expensive. There is a coffee cafe that also offers teas and cookies, but I have never ordered anything from there either, although it does smell really good.

This museum is definitely worth visiting. Saturdays are probably going to be very busy, but a weekday when your kid(s) is/are not in school would be easier (if you have kids). Even if you don't have kids, it would be easier to go on a weekday.
**Check out the website for a list of special events and also for directions.
This museum has their own parking and parking is free. Also, you can drop off people right at the door, such as people with disabilities.

Visiting from California. Enjoyed the museum for an afternoon but didn't get to see everything. Plan to go back again when in the city. Loved the walking trail with the outdoor art installations which I took in on a separate day.

This free museum is easily accessed and has a wonderful restaurant. The museums has a massive collection as well as an outside art walk.

My cousin and Goddaughter were visiting from Charlotte for the weekend, so we went to the museum, which was our first visit. The buildings do not look very large from the outside, however, once you walk indoors there is so much to see! Several galleries of beautiful artwork, which we all enjoyed. The statues by Rodin were among my favorite.
Be sure to see the butterfly sculpture which is suspended from inside the East Wing (?). This sculpture appears to be a very large cluster of beautiful multi-colored butterflies in flight. After reading the placard, name of the artist, and description, we walked around the sculpture which is suspended above a stairwell. The cluster of butterflies is in the shape of an F-15 fighter jet! Behind the butterflies are several flowers simulating a trail of smoke.
There are also sculptures out of doors along paved walking trails, which we didn't have time for. I will look forward to returning to the museum to finish seeing everything. I would allow at least 4 hours to see everything.

The staff is very rude and unprofessional! If you do not want to be harassed or targeted for any wrong move you make do not waste your time coming. I simply stepped in the wrong place (the exhibit was taped off but hard to see as it was so dark in the museum) and chastised and embarrassed in front of others.

Visited on a rainy day and truly enjoyed the African Art Gallery. We had limited time, but will return on next trip to Raleigh to see the west wing and take a walk on their outside trails.

This exhibit is showing until July of 2018. The museum is free, but there a fee to see this exhibit. I went specifically to see Yayoi Kusama’s Light of Life. Fortunately, for those of you who live in the area, the Light of Life was purchased for the museum and will be available to see after the “You Are Here” exhibit closes. It’s so amazing that I stood in line twice! You are allowed to take photos of most works. The staff is friendly and helpful. There’s free parking and much more to the museum. I highly recommend going on a Friday when the museum is open until 9 pm.

The NCMA is worth the visit, from the extensive outdoor trails with interesting artwork to the two buildings that house both permanent and traveling collections. The site also hosts outdoor movies, concerts, workshops and other events that keep people coming back. On this day, I started off on a trail and found it has easy access to the larger Capital Area Greenway, an added bonus. Since rain was threatening I headed to the East Building. This is where the main permanent collection is housed and home to a gift shop, coffee stand and the Iris cafe. The visitor desk clerk was very helpful and friendly. I was most impressed with the ancient arts collection that included Egyptian mummies and religious artifacts. The Rodin sculptures were also impressive. A newer piece that was the most thought provoking was the sculpture created by the artist using his own body cast. His studio was located in the Twin Towers and he lost his life there on 9/11. Chilling.

If your looking for some really cool pieces of art this is it. Over all really cool museum for adults and teenagers. Not really advisable for little kids thats just my opinion couldnt imagine bringing my toddler. Something that caught my eye was the fact that they had picnic tables truly ideal for a lunch date.

We visited this Museum yesterday to see the Georgia O'Keefee exhibit. We enjoyed her stunning paintings along with the work of some of the artists she influenced. What a remarkable artist! Since the African Art section is housed in the same building, we took the time to see it. The pieces were exquisite and they were from different parts of the continent with their history and culture. We went to the main building and the place was buzzing. The restaurant and gift store were packed and the permanent exhibit, which is free, was a bonus. It was a delightful place to spend a cold afternoon. Because of the cold though, we could not go outside to enjoy the extensive beautiful sculptural pieces on the grounds. I recommend this museum to anyone visiting the Research Triangle. The restaurant closes around 2p.m., so if you want to include lunch in your visit, you need to visit early afternoon.

We returned to the North Carolina Museum of Art for the special Golden Mummies of Egypt Exhibit while we were visiting the area. It was well worth the visit. The exhibit was very well done and very informative and interactive.

I've been to the North Carolina Museum of Art many times over the years. It is a jewel of artistic collections spanning the ages and features pieces by many famous artists. They also feature works by famous guest artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Ansel Adams, Leonardo da Vinci, M.C. Escher, Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera and James John Audubon.
In 2010 the Museum added a $71 million 100,000 square foot expansion gallery while renovating the existing building. There is now a garden which features sculptures by Rodin.
In addition, in 2016 the expansion project elected to expand and transform the museum campus. The project features an elliptical lawn and seating area; contemporary wave gardens with granite paths and seating areas; a parterre area with concrete planters; and a new promenade connecting the park and galleries and public art installations. The outdoor renovation added 164 acres to the Museum, making it one of the largest Art Museums in existence.
The feel of the renovated Museum is welcoming and open, whereas the old building was rather dark. The main Museum is light and airy, with perfect lighting to view exhibits. It flows nicely from gallery to gallery featuring different artists and periods. There are ample benches to sit and study a piece or simply rest while you your way through the elaborate museum.
The Museum also contains a very nice café and gift shop.
If you happen to be in Raleigh, take time to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art. You won't be disappointed.

We enjoyed Dawes in the amphitheater. What a great place! This was our first time here and it will not be our last. The experience was absolutely perfect from the parking, to entering the venue, finding a good spot on the lawn, getting our food, watching the show. Staff was friendly and helpful, grounds were spotless. Perfect, perfect evening.

If you want to see some art and get good exercise, the Raleigh art trail (behind the art museum) is the place to go. The trails go through an open field (along with woodland trails, trails along creeks, and a mixture of paved and natural trails) and depending on the time of year you will also see some beautiful flowers blooming. It offers woodland. On some trails you will encounter steep hills but there are others to choose from that are much flatter. You will probably see some people that are not wearing masks or socially distancing but it's very easy to avoid them.

We spent a few hours at this unique art museum. Access to most of the museum was free.
Our favorites of the indoor art collection were Yayoi Kusama’s Light of Life and the Tuskegee airman by Michael Richards.
The museum has a huge green area behind it with numerous trails for walking or running. There are many works of art scattered on the grounds. It’s a perfect place, as well, for picnics in designated picnic areas and under trees. All in all, the outside area is a terrific place to bring children.

Currently the Alphonse Mucha exhibit is on display at the museum well into the new year. There is quite an array of his poster art work. There is much information on his life and times, his associates and his style. The walls abound in 3-4 foot stylized posters that are sumptuous!. The exhibit is well worth a visit, although there is a charge - you can also enjoy the rest of the museum in this building and the one adjacent to it (which is free).

The best State ( U.S.) art museum that I’ve been to, period. This free art museum has a wide variety of art from multiple periods including some of the biggest names Monet, Giotto, Botticelli and many others. I live 5 miles away so I go as often as possible and because they rotate their extensive collection I usually see something different on every visit.
This museum ranks up there as one of my favorite museums and I’ve been to some of the best, The Louvre, Vatican, The Met, Uffizi amongst others. Now, this museum isn’t up there with those but it was just to let you know that I’ve seen more than a few art museums in my time and this one can definitely hold its own.

Ah what did they do to this once great local museum... I had told visiting family members how great this place was...Two with PHDs. Its was once a place I was proud to show...now it a modern art train wreck...gone are the beautiful hardwood floor..gone is the classic wing and the middle age wing...Replace with whitney model art crap...only thing they forgot to add was crap rap music throughout the museum.
I hate lived to see such a nice place end at the hands from New York New Jersery New Something I'm sure... Leave our Southern Places Alone...we where doing g fine way before you all got here.

This museum is always a worthwhile visit. The permanent displays are great, and there is always a special exhibit of interest. Well done for our city's fine places to visit.

Great state museum with a rotation of interesting art from other locations. A heavy emphasis on "minority awareness" with some apparent bias. The Egyptian collection was good, but a little overpriced.

There are two wings and the outdoor art in landscape setting. The NCMA was greater than I expected with lots of diverse art work. The new wing is a contemporary design, minimalistic, and timeless that allows the art to be the attraction. A good collection of Roudin sculptures and Monet paintings, along with American contemporary artists. Parking is free and there is no entry fee, only asked for donation. Highly recommend to visit this art museum!

I have to say most times that I go to the NCMA it is because of a special show or exhibit. Recently while there I realized I had never just spent the day wandering this beautiful place. I think I have barely scratched the surface with all it has to offer. Well worth the trip and time. Inside and out so much to see and enjoy. Parking is easy and there are always folks around with information and assistance. I am definitely going to spend more time there and see all there is to see.

I liked two installation pieces the best. One was a group of 183 woodfired ceramic columns and the other one was the three ring gyre.

When I moved to Raleigh from New York four years ago, at first I thought this museum cannot be compared with anything in New York. I actually feel pretty surprised about their collections and some of the special events. And it's free!

We are members, but don't go often enough :( - Fairly interesting collections, and the special exhibits are typically pretty good. The features that make this 5 starts IMHO is the museum park - a fantastic space to explore. Also, the concert space is excellent (if you get there early enough!)

Loved it!
This museum is located on a beautiful parcel of land with a wonderful walking path through a sculpture garden.
The museum is free and tickets are needed for the new exhibits.
We enjoyed the museum and then sat for a few minutes and enjoyed a great cup of coffee and then headed outside. I wish I lived close by, because I would love to walk these paths often.

We really enjoyed our family reunion in Raliegh North Carolina this yerar. The people where nice and friendly. We love the Ernie Barnes art exhibit.

Very fun! I have only been to the outdoor portion. There are some great trails and beautiful pieces of art outside. It is a nice place to have a picnic and watch the sunset.

I had an opportunity to have brunch at the museum's restaurant. I had an omelet with grits. The meal was quite superb. Very fresh and everything is hand made on the premises. My aunt ordered a hamburger which she said was equally delicious. If you desire a Sunday brunch in a unique setting, this is the place! After we ate, we viewed the art work in that building. It made for a very nice afternoon!

This museum was amazing. Beautiful buildings and art park and all free to boot. Loved the collection of Judaica and modernism too. Absolutely worth a visit

30 years ago, this Museum was small and not special. But in the last 25 years it has grown to have a phenomenal permanent collection and to get great traveling exhibits. Is a wonderful place. They have any beautiful grounds for great walks and also and Amphitheater for outdoor concerts. The museum is amazing! The special shows are fabulous and should be seen. We've been to top museums all around the world and this one is definitely in the same league. Bravo!

Went to see the Frida exhibit and found many more treasures. We ended up buying annual membership. A special bonus for active folks is the outdoor garden area with all the wonderful trails.

I have visited this museum a few times for events but this time went specifically for biking the trails. You could spend days here and not take everything in - such a beautiful place. I only had a couple of hours and did bike around the trails. Wish I would have had more time to visit the art on display and walk around more.

My wife and I enjoyed ourselves at the company Christmas party this year, because it was at the NC Museum of Art. To my surprise, this venue created the perfect ambiance for an elegant and tasty meal, as well as places for live music, dancing, and conversation. Great place for a party.

Considering that most of the Museum is free access to the public, it is much more expansive than I thought it would be. Covers a good number of eras and regions, with very solid displays.

We've been members for three years and have enjoyed stunning exhibits, outdoor theatre productions and strolling through the art park. NCMA also has a fine restaurant where we have dined and listened to live music with friends.

The NCMA has world class art ( think Rodin) and outstanding shows throughout the year. There is also its outdoor art park with lots of trails and art on view. Its a Raleigh jewel!

Visit to the museum is easy, but for the special exhibitions, reservations recommended before you go. Small directional signs direct you to the beautiful buildings and grounds. Free Parking area is very nice, and easy for handicap accessibility. Staff is extremely helpful with assistance and information.

Tickets can be purchased on-line for special exhibition -- you can carry them on your phone electronically, making it just a swipe when you enter the building. The staff is amazingly helpful even when opening doors and providing directions as well as art commentary.

We went to The Beyond: Georgia O'Keefe and Contemporary Art. Surprisingly broader in scope of contemporary art than I expected, I was a little disappointed the O'Keefe works were brief, but I found the artists works that were inspired by her quite expansive and informative. It was curiously fun to experience the variety of works inspired by O'Keefe. Fortunately, photography is permitted (without flash) so we are able to follow up on our interests.
The professional displays and explanations of the works of others, with O'Keefe quotes printed along the walls gave insight into Georgia's personal and artistic life, so the exhibit made up for the lack of the number of her personal works shown.

This is not my first visit to the NCMA -- it is always delightful to enjoy the permanent collections in Galleries of the main museum area -- American, Italian and Dutch paintings as well as the Rodin statues. (I cannot wait to go back in the summer for the outdoor Rodin patio and to check outdoor performances).

We make it a point to go hungry – the Iris restaurant inside the main Museum building is a delightful Dining Room with casual atmosphere for brunch or lunch -- Reservations would have been helpful, although, the hostess took our phone number and paged us within a half hour for seating. The menu is extraordinary and reasonably priced for the unique cuisine. We had quail on a salad on our previous summer visit, so decided to enjoy duck on Risotto and The salmon always tempts me, but this time I selected the BBQ sandwich with fennel slaw, a superb choice. While I tentatively resisted the sweet potato fries, the greens I ordered lightly tossed with a mustardy vinagrette was a perfect savory companion.
The cappaccino is a perfect finish for me (as I cannot resist the wonderful fragrance of freshly brewed coffee) but my table couldn’t resist the salivating dessert menu – mostly the upside down walnut cake (huge wonderful walnuts were the crust!)

Loved visiting this museum. The exhibits themselves were fascinating (particularly the Bill Viola) and entertaining. Be sure to spend some time walking the very well manicured grounds. Absolutely beautiful!

Beautiful museum. Lovely grounds. Great place to walk around outdoors. Unfortunately the one building ( there are 2) which housed the bulk of the exhibits and artwork that we wanted to see was closed for cleaning/renovation until mid October. We were sorely disappointed as we are from out of state and won’t be returning to NC for quite sometime. The museum is free ( donations recommended and appreciated) and it is an incredibly clean, well maintained facility. Even the rest rooms were spotless! Worth a visit but check beforehand to make sure both buildings are open.

NCMA is the jewel of the south. They have a very broad permanent collection of art. They have daily docent tours that are perfect for out of town visitors or locals improving their experience. In addition, the 163 acre park with its trails for walkers and bikers alike can't be beat. The museum is a must visit!

We were so impressed with our visit we decided to obtain a senior membership and are now on their mailing list. The museum grounds are awesome, with various works of art on display, there is even a bike trail, folks were bringing their bikes to ride. In the lower level of the museum they had amazing artistic media displays, optics etc. On the main level they had various collections of sculpture and art on display, the Greek/Roman Collection, Renaissance,Medieval to wander around through. Wonderful packed Restaurant, the food looked good, folks were keeping the waiters pretty busy ordering food and drink. This was my Father's Day gift from my wife.

By now I was hoping that the management would be removed from people hating this new look.."the mall look". Please please go back and look at security film and turn Our State Art Museum back to something that looks like a Art Museum!!!
Makes me sick every time I go in this place...I only go hoping the museum has been restored to it's old self...Art normal people consider art...

Lovely museum with interesting exhibits both classical and more contemporary pieces. (No admission fee for regular exhibits.) I think I read the West Wing exhibits would be closing at the end of the month until Oct 2022 so glad I just made it in. There is also a sculpture garden bordering the West Wing that was lovely. The expansive gardens are not to be missed. Great place to picnic or just go for a leisurely stroll. Great stop in Raleigh!

This place is underrated! The website does not do it justice. It is an extensive collection. Even if you just have a passing interest in art, you should go see this place.

Words due not do this museum justice, make sure you look at the photos of this place. They have a vast collection of art from all over the world. They had 400+ acres of outdoor trails with sculptures. Easy to spend a whole day at this place. Best part is it's free except for special exhibits. Donations are accepted and I highly recommend a donation cause it needs to be supported for how great it is.

I consider this museum to be a 5-star attraction when visiting North Carolina. There was a wide range and variety of art on exhibit. I took the guided tour on Sunday afternoon and really enjoyed it. So much to see here, and there is an onsite restaurant as well. Free admission! Worth the trip.... don't miss it.

Nice collection of Rodin sculptures and Flemish art. Some masters. Lots of early Italian. Well laid out in spacious rooms. Free with plenty of parking.

I loved this place. It was simply beautiful tons of staff to answer questions a lot of different art to see and different places to take perfect pictures

Put me in an art museum and you may never find me again!
This was a fantastic way to spend a few hours!!
Excellent exhibits! Good food at the restaurant. Very friendly staff.
I especially liked the dog friendly outdoor exhibits, we walked the paths twice with ours.

went last summer with the family. while the museum is nice it is very spread out. it felt like there was more walking from gallery to gallery, piece to piece, than admiring the contents.

Everyone said this is the place to go for out of town era and so we visited Restaurant for dinner and the service was excellent and the food was cooked to perfection. The restaurant was an experience because it was a barn style place but worth visiting. We had a great birthday cake as well.

The NCMA has a fabulous, varied permanent collection which is always worth visiting. The objective this week was to see the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit and it did not disappoint. There is such a wide variety of styles she explored not to mention her unusual subjects and different perspectives. Be sure to call well ahead for reservations in the wonderful Iris restaurant. The museum is easily accessible from out of town and makes a great day trip. The surrounding park has intriguing sculpture and installations and a place to have your own picnic if the weather is good.

For several years Laura Boyes has selected and introduced movies shown seasonally in the Museum’s Lecture Hall. She is moviediva.com. These movies are usually shown on a weekly basis in the Fall/Winter and early Spring. Formerly they were seen on Friday nights, however, now they are shown on Sunday afternoons at 2pm. Her selections are mostly not mainstream and often older movies, but well done. Check the online NCMA site for upcoming films - you may be surprised and delighted!

We had a great afternoon wandering the museum grounds, and external sculptures, then inside the surprisingly impressive collection spanning early through modern artists. If the weather is nice enough for a garden walk then this is an excellent stop to make. And its free!!!!

Nice collection. It is a bit of searching because it is all mixed up a bit. But there are nice pieces in between. Parking is free. And in sunny weather definitely do the gardens to walk dior with outside pieces too.

Huge, beautiful collections of art from all over the world! Could spend a whole day there just marveling at the collections and grounds.

I've been to other larger art museums that are also free, so this wasn't as good, but glad I stopped. There are still some nice galleries and paintings to look at. I ended up being there for 2 hours and took some time to walk around the nice park. I overall enjoyed my stay, but wouldn't go back unless they had a special gallery I wanted to see.

Recently opened and there through most of January, this exhibit is well worth a visit. It includes O’Keeffe’s works as well as several contemporary artists who were influenced by her work. These works are varied and very interesting. Hofer’s photos are outstanding large shots of interiors of Mexican churches and other buildings. Don’t miss!

Ease of navigating the exhibits. Super gift shop. Great variety of exhibits and information. Clean. Would definitely return.

Modern museum with a wide variety of art. While strolling through the exhibits you feel your tensions washing away. The grounds also have trails that meander through the grounds while viewing outdoor works of art. The museum also features special exhibits, outdoor concerts and movies in the summer. Very family friendly.

Truly a gem of a museum with an outdoor park that has many trails and art work. Great place to visit or to just hang out!

I frequently visit the Museum and attend various events there. I am a Raleigh native and have been going to the NCMA for a long time.
Since the new west wing was built, the Museum has grown considerably.
Love the outdoor sculptures and sitting areas.
I only wish they would have kept the old restaurant in the east building, it was much more quaint and and had a better atmosphere.
I encourage everyone to visit.

Lots of unique things to see here. It could be kind of boring if you don't like art. Give it a try!!

This museum goes on forever!!! There was an Egyptian mummy exhibit this was the only exhibit that had a cost to it however when we went it was on family day and it was free! I would suggest calling ahead of time just to see what the prices are or if it is indeed a family day. There are TWO separate buildings as well as sculptures outside on the grounds so even if you don’t go during the time that the museum is open you can still see plenty of sculptures on the park grounds. This museum is set in a park and it is very impressive!! If you are ever in the area it is must see and it’s free!!

I am always pleased every time I go to the Art Museum. The grounds are pleasant and the types of exhibits are always special and one of a kind. It is a jewel, not so hidden!

Excellent art covering different parts of the world and multiple centuries. The collection was diverse, excellent quality and wonderful to experience.

Staff were very super helpful and passionate about their work.

Entrance is free but, if you wish to, you can leave a donation.

We came recently to see the Monet exhibit, but have visited occasionally over the past few years. The museum underwent a complete overhaul a few years ago and the space has greatly improved. Staff are friendly and helpful. It is easy to spend the whole time there looking at different art work. There is a cafe on site and even an outdoor nature trail for those looking to burn a few more calories.

When we first walked in, we saw a lot of the more modern art, which frankly isn't our thing and weren't too sure how we would feel. The further into the museum we went though, we saw some amazing pieces of history! I especially enjoyed the religious art section and the pottery from Egypt!

The museum and exhibits are good, but the grounds, outdoor sculptures, and walking/running trails are what keep me coming back.

Easy parking and free admission the museum - there was admission to one traveling exhibit. we enjoy our afternoon there

We went to see the new exhibit - To Take Shape and Meaning -highlighting Contemporary American Indian Art. It just opened and will be there until July 28. It is very worthwhile, informative and highlights amazing skills with ceramics, beadwork, weaving, etc. These are works created by 75 contemporary Indigenous artists from US and Canada. Definitely worth a visit!

There is a very large collection of European Art and other exhibits as well. The permanent collection building is free to visit. There are special exhibits that are paid admission. Everything is worth visiting. There is an outdoor part with sculptures as well. Definite must see.

Great place with a large variety of things for whole family.
Movies, live music, great exhibits and free tours going on a schedule.
The great deal is it is free. Except for the special exhibits. Be sure to check the schedule.

We are so fortunate to have such a treasure, so accessible to everyone in our state, and few seem to understand just what an amazing resource this museum is. Some of the greatest art in history is represented, right here in our small community, FREE! And the standing collection is augmented by the kind of visionary leadership that takes what could be "ordinary" to an entirely different level: the temporary exhibits stretch and re-define what "art" is (Porsche, da Vinci, etc.) and the utilization of the grounds as an extended community space (the park, the ampitheatre, access to the Greenway, etc.) transforms our little museum into a hub of life and culture. Oh, and then there is the simple fact that the building itself is a work of art. I have seen art museums all over the world, and this museum is one of the most beautiful and amazing I have ever experienced.

A little jewel of a Museum. Has a wonderful small collection of wide varieties, from European paintings, sculptures, African artifacts, American art, Modern painters and sculptures,Judaic pieces, and much much more. Very well lit, well distributed, excellently maintained, great descriptions. A great experience where you can spend a few hours learning or just admiring. The restaurant is also exceptional while the price is very affordable.
The main building with the exhibits is free. The Special Exhibits in a separate area is charged. There is a wonderful park with beautiful sculptures. We were unable to see it due to cold and rain.
Worth visiting,

We opted to roam around the free part of the museum. Absolutely wonderful. An amazing building, a beautiful park, and a nice selection of pieces to admire and contemplate.

Go for the building alone!

We will go back and pay for the other galleries.

This exhibit was excellent. Florist chose a painting and interpreted into a flora arrangement. All 50+ displays were beautiful and seemed to depict the picture in flowers. In addition, you were able to browse the museum and check out the excellent selection of art. It is definitely a place to visit and plan of spending time in both buildings. I would go back again to see any new exhibit or just spend time admiring the art. Staff was excellent in moving patrons in and around the museum. The shuttle service was excellent and we did not have to wait to be driving to and from the museum.

We went to the museum on the hottest day of the summer so we didn’t do the walk outside. There are 2 buildings filled with a lot of wonderful pieces. All of us enjoyed our time there. They have 3 Monets and one was out. There are benches scattered throughout the museums to rest or reflect. There are 2 places to eat. There is no admission fee. You can donate.

We started our visit early afternoon on the various outside trails combining exercise and trying to decipher some of the art. After a good walk we went inside and were setting aback after we realized what treasures are there on display! A must visit.

Their collections are not that impressive but disturbingly enough the was a sigh saying the were going to be re-imagining the "People's Exhibit" to make it more diverse . I wish I had copied it down because it was stated in the fashion you have come to expect with all marxists where they appropriate themselves as exemplars of everyday people instead of the extremist viewpoint they typically represent. So expect what little there is worth seeing to be replaced with PC schlock and if you live here your paying for it, sorry.

We went to the museum for the first time, ostensibly to see the Frida exhibit. It was very well done. We became members at this time as well.

Rodin collection is fine. Others display items are of the era they represent though not of the quality that one would figure a museum in the state capital would have. The garden area is nice and most likely a wonderful venue to see a concert there. Great area to walk and relax. As to the museum only, its okay. But it's free and that's a plus.

Multi media features: video, recycling, music, crochet, etc. Very easy toget around. Layout was unique.

We went to see the Alphonse Mucha exhibit. It was well displayed and showed his genius well. This museum is well worth the trip but really to do it all justice figure on spending about a whole day there to see it all.

Lots to see in this museum! Plan to spend a morning or afternoon. There is also a very nice cafe’ to lunch in.

This place is huge! Whether you like outdoor sculpture or ancient art or anything in between, this museum is a real treasure trove. While the special exhibits cost (the one running now about Venice is fascinating!), the museum itself is free. I was particularly impressed with the curation and signage in the permanent collections as clearly people are thinking about the conversations we should be having in museums in the 21st century!

Our most recent visit was for the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit, in and of itself a stunning and creative display of her work, and that of other artists inspired by her. The quality of this museum is evident from the moment you drive into the parking lot. From landscape to hardscape to the architecture of the buildings themselves...all interesting. Do yourself s favor and go.

This museum is always worth the visit, but the special O’Keefe exhibit was outstanding! Go soon, as it will be leaving on Jan. 20th.

After experiencing many of this country’s best art galleries and museums, I can honestly say that the North Carolina Museum of Art has a selection that can complete with them all. This is by far one of my favorite museums with an incredibly diverse range of artists, mediums, styles, and time periods. Their permanent exhibit includes sculpture and 2D pieces from antiquity to present day. With a multitude of rooms and outdoor exhibits to explore, this can easily become a full-day experience. This is one I am happy to return to each year! 🤩

Pro tip ~~~ I might advise to avoid Saturdays if at all possible, as the crowd may make your experience less enjoyable.

We just visited the new exhibit of Mummies at the Museum and here are some comments. There were several actual mummy casings which were worthy of viewing, especially the golden upper ones and the unusual ones with paintings of the dead on the face area. The exhibit is worthwhile however, it is difficult to see the writing since it is small and try to visit when it is a more off hour and not so busy. After viewing this exhibit you can still spend time at the other building or viewing other exhibits in this building. On a nice day plan on spending time outside on the lawn area near the above parking area.

We had such a great time. We came to Raleigh specifically to visit the Frida Kahlo exhibit, which did not disappoint!
We were also excited to see Scott Avett’s exhibit, we are long time fans of the Avett Brothers!
But the museum overall was so impressive! We had lunch at the Frida Cafe, the vegan tacos were delicious! Go check it out!

Excellent museum with paintings, art work, and artifacts by various artists and periods from around the world. Often have top of the line traveling exhibits. Also, some outdoor musical performances.

My husband and I have been to many major art museums, and this one is near the top. We were very impressed with the variety of art and the quality of the collection. It was a chilly, damp day, so we did not tour the outdoor area with its sculptures. The quilt exhibit was very interesting and the special exhibit of Indigenous Indian art was outstanding. We spent 5 hours viewing the art, with a nice option for drinks and snack in the East cafe.

This is a large, well organized facility and it's free. They have a wide variety of art genres and something for everyone. They have the largest selection of Rodin sculptures I've ever seen in one place. The Audobon immersion exhibit is something special.

Down here visiting and was able to experience part of this impressive museum. My Cleveland Museum of Art membership card got me exhibition tix for half price. (There is a little symbol on back with an M that earns reciprocity at other museums.) But, i would have happily paid full price for the Kahlo/Rivera exhibit. It was extremely well staged and the information cards where on the mark. Freida Kahlo is fascinating and her story is compelling That was staged in the exhibition hall in the East building. The West building of the North Carolina Museum of Art was, in part at least, built to house a major Rodin collection ... there in a video on the ncart website which shows you what they did ... this was a gallery build to feature a collection and to let visitors experience — in different aspects and lighting — the sculptures. Need more than one visit to appreciate this museum. We spent an hour and a half in the Kahlo/Rivera section and another hour with the Rodin collection. I could have happily stayed much longer.

And while we were there for the special exhibit, we decided to go into the newer building and see what was there--it's surprising! The building looks like a concrete block, but once you're inside, it's suffused with light and feels very open and airy. Beautiful place for much beautiful art, ancient to modern.

This is such a beautiful place to visit. So many great pieces of art and the grounds are beautiful with so many out door features.

Stopped by here on a Friday night and also returned on Saturday afternoon. Free admission which is great. This is a terrific place to walk around and get some culture. Nice art pieces. They had a lot more than I was expecting: modern, old, artifacts, all sorts.
There is a restaurant which we didn't try, but it was busy on Friday night with young, trendy people. Also a great park like area to walk around outside with some outdoor art pieces. A lot to do and see here, all for free. Don't miss it.

Beautiful art exhibits; great gift shop. Museum grounds are fun for all ages. Special exhibits are always worth the price/time/effort.

The museum offers a journey through different art periods. What I preferred was the outside walk which is easy and takes about an hour. It showcases huge works of art and pieces which are worth looking at.

A lovely way to spend a quiet morning in Raleigh. Leave seveal hours to see both the grounds and museums. We had a wonderful light lunch in the NCMA Cafe. I hope the people of Raleigh appreciate what they have.

Small museum but a lot of variety, inside and out. Great place for kids and visitors from out-of-town. Enjoyed the bike trail with art interspersed along the way.

It's a good regional museum with a nice collection of antiquities (especially ancient Egypt) and paintings but it's the most haphazardly structured exhibit I've seen. For some strange reason the curators mixed works of artists from different periods. The European art collection is impressive featuring Giotto, Raphael, Hals, Lievens, French Impressionists, etc.

After a day of sightseeing, our feet only allowed us an hour and a half at the museum. We went through the galleries of our favorite kinds of art in the West building and were well rewarded. It's an amazing facility - and it's free! The galleries were spacious and open. The grounds look amazing as well - walking paths, picnic areas, sculptures, etc.

This Museum is more than just a Museum of Art. The area around the museum is part of the art. There is a huge park next to the museum where you can also see some art work. There are also different concerts, and movie screenings during the summer happening in the park. The regular exception is free to visit. There is enough parking available. The last exhibition I visited was the "Here You Are" which was really good and something different than the usual exhibition. I thought that the price of $15 was a bit high for only 15 pieces of art but I really enjoyed the exhibition.

What a beautiful indoor and outdoor experience offered free (except social exhibits) to all. A diverse collection of art and sculpture in a peaceful setting. Staff was polite and helpful.

This place is definitely one of Raleigh’s best museums. The exhibitions and displays are very nice and from good artists, great location, and well-maintained place. If is certainly worth regular visits if you live in Raleigh.

This is a must if you are in Raleigh, great museum excellent especial exhibitions and an impressive collection. Good restaurant to have lunch. Very enjoyable

It was fantastic! Spacious corridors and very neat! Also invitingly presented ! Absolutely wonderful! Very varied as well

I've visited my fair share of art museums and galleries, but North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the most unique. The museum is not only a collection of artwork, but a celebration of the natural world. The area that encompasses the museum covers many acres of land, with many trails, gardens, sculptures, and native plants. Folks can visit, enjoy the gardens, and spend hours before even entering the exhibit hall. There is also a amphitheater, where special shows and celebrations are shown, as well as films. The exhibits building is probably the most common part of the museum but nonetheless interesting. There is a lot of classical art but the museum's focus is based on the nature art, about improving the environment. If you are palnning a visit, I would suggest a weekday, Saturdays is very crowded. Overall, this is a very unique museum, it is definitely worth a visit, a real gem in North Carolina.

Love this museum and go as often as possible. I love this museum more than any one I have visited in the US. Such a beautiful set up and design. Always exciting exhibits and even my teens love it!!!

While the collection is average for a museum of this size, the presentation is highly ideological. As with many museums these days, the curators believe patrons must be lectured not just about the art on display, but their views about how the world is divided into oppressors and oppressed. So the art has to be classified and evaluated accordingly -- and the museum cards reflect this ideology relentlessly.
But the history and analysis provided is incomplete; unbalanced. For example, on one museum card about slavery (yes, by all means note the inhumanity of this stain on human history), it's noted that the ancient Greeks and Romans had "slave societies" along with "antebellum America." No mention of slavery anywhere else on the planet or in history, as if it was entirely an invention and practice of European and North American oppressors. (See the wiki page titled "Slavery in Africa" for some consciously omitted history.)
Far worse is the Audubon exhibit, which gives a platform to a radical critic and shows very little of Audubon's work.
Best advice to patrons who wish not to be misled (or depressed) is to simply ignore the museum cards. The works you'll see are still somewhat unrepresentative, but you won't regret your visit quite as much.

I live in Raleigh and visit the NC Museum of art frequently. It's never too busy- unless it has a new exhibition. Lots to see there but the real attraction is it's location- it's got a beautiful park with lovely walkways. Be sure to wander around outside.

This is truly a hidden gem. Plenty of beautiful artwork and the staff there was very friendly and helpful.

An amazing gallery. There's a lot to see, places to rest and restaurant. What a collection of amazing works! Thanks for all the contributors and those who support these causes.
Get yourself there if you ca.

The rating is for the Museum. The O'keefe exhibit is good but not great. It was worth going. As has been mentioned there are probably more pictures by other artists. That said, there was a reason for that and it exposed us to some new and interesting artists who display aspects of Georgia's work. Well worth the going and I always enjoy looking at the museum's permanent collection- which is free.

Concert at the NCMA. I am writing this review to alert others to our experience. We attended a concert at the NCMA. We have done this before and had a delightful time. While we enjoyed the music greatly the rest of the experience was not as good. They have changed the rules and you can no longer bring in food from outside the venue. We sent our Jersey Mikes subs back to the car. After finding a spot to sit, we went over to the "snack bar". There was limited choices. I had the chicken salad, it had way to much mayo and no grapes as promised. Also there was a fried chicken sandwich, plain piece of rubbery chicken no toppings, not even a pickle. Shortly after we purchased our food the concession stand ran out of food! The wine selection was canned and expensive. The only one that did not get thrown out was the Butter chardonnay. The beers were warm. The long and short of it is not to eat there but maybe tailgate. They do allow you to bring in sealed bottled water or an empty container for water there. While we have another concert to go to here, after that we might rethink it.