North Carolina Museum of Art — Attraction in Raleigh

3/14/2024 The flower arrangement exhibition commences its ticket sales in February annually, with the exhibition itself blossoming into action come March. Take today, 3/14/2024, marking the inaugural day of this floral showcase. Perhaps it even unfurled its petals yesterday. Just the day before last, I ventured to the North Carolina Museum of Art, camera in hand, eager to capture preliminary sketches. Alas, technical troubles left me with no pictorial spoils, yet I witnessed a steady stream of individuals adorning the entrance with floral artistry. Serendipitously, an early departure from work today led me to a packed parking lot, piquing my curiosity about the event drawing such a crowd, predominantly seniors. It was the flower exhibition that blossomed into realization. Inquiring about the nature of the blooms from the ticket inspector—an elderly lady—I learned that amidst the artificial, some were indeed genuine. When questioned about complimentary access, she informed me that not only was there a fee, but all tickets had been claimed. This sparks curiosity; given the ephemeral beauty of real flowers and their inherently brief display life, why not open the doors wider and allow more visitors to partake in this transient splendor? Life's fleeting nature mirrors that of these botanical wonders. By next February, some of today's visitors may no longer be with us. Moreover, many may depart without ever grasping the true essence of this...

The North Carolina Museum of Art is an outstanding cultural destination that blends art, nature, and community. The permanent collection is beautifully curated, offering a wide range of works from European classics and African art to modern and contemporary pieces. Each gallery is spacious, thoughtfully arranged, and enhanced with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

The museum park is equally impressive, with miles of walking and biking trails accented by large-scale outdoor sculptures. It provides a unique opportunity to enjoy art in a natural setting, making the museum experience extend beyond the building itself.

Staff and volunteers are consistently friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming, which adds to the overall positive experience. Another highlight is that admission to the permanent collection is free, making the museum highly accessible to the public while still offering high-quality exhibitions and events.

Overall, the North Carolina Museum of Art sets a high standard for museums in the region. It is a place where art and community intersect in a meaningful way, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting or living in...

Gorgeous place! We usually go there to walk outside and there is lots of space to spread out from other people. What I especially love is that the grass is all natural (not an urban desert like many people’s lawns) and they have wild flowers planted throughout the area. Not only the wild environment looks absolutely stunning but it also supports bees and other insects. If you look closely, the grass has wild clover mixed in which is a native flower and feeds rabbits and other wildlife plus it’s drought resistant and stays green all summer long. It doesn’t grow long so you don’t have to mow as often if at all. We need more (or all) lawns to be natural to support our wildlife. Plus it’s healthier for people too.

Another great thing - the NC Museum of Art is dog-friendly! There is a creek in the woods so dogs can quench their thirst there if you forgot water. I recommend all people who are travelling and need a place to stop and stretch their legs and give a break to their dogs/kids to stop at this place! Take advantage of this beautiful place and don’t forget to take pictures!

Love this place! Breathe fresh air...