Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art (of course!). Hands down the finest art museum in the South where works from the masters including Rodin and Monet and O’Keefe hang out, along with thousands of others. It’s a living, breathing art spectacular with permanent and special collections, classes of all kinds, concerts, movies and even a restaurant.
Kids (and adults) also love the outdoor 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park (the country’s largest art park) where art and nature dance gloriously together. And it’s all free (including parking) except for special exhibitions and programs.
Enjoy The Downtown Raleigh Murals Tour and Public Art as you walk around Downtown Raleigh (two Onboarding actions in one!). Bonus Onboarding points if you post a photo from your DTR adventure – that’s a little act of city connection. (You might also want to follow raleighmuralsprojecton Insta.)
Attend a Downtown Raleigh First Friday. From 6-9 pm on the first Friday of each month, Downtown Raleigh art galleries, local shops and restaurants stay open late to welcome art lovers and others who just like having a good time. Typically features live music as well to add to the festive atmosphere. Free with some restaurants and shops offering discounts on purchases.
ArtCurious Podcast: So you thought art history was boring – ha! It’s actually “unexpected, slightly odd and strangely wonderful” according to Jennifer Dasal, the creator and host of this intriguing, “oh no they didn’t!” art podcast. (Jennifer is also North Carolina Museum of Art’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.)