All contemporary art museums to visit in North Carolina

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 14 museums in North Carolina. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in North Carolina:

  1. 1

    River Arts District Artists

     Asheville, NC
    Don't judge a book by its cover! This area is full of old warehouses that are being turned into an edgy artsy enclave.
  2. Asheville Art Museum2

    Asheville Art Museum

     Asheville, NC
    The Asheville Art Museum, located in Western North Carolina, is a nonprofit visual art organization. It holds the prestigious accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, which is a testament to its high standards and quality. The museum is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of 20th and 21st century American art, with a special focus on work significant to the cultural heritage of Western North Carolina.
  3. North Carolina Museum of Art3

    North Carolina Museum of Art

     Raleigh, NC
    The North Carolina Museum of Art, which was established in 1947, is situated in Raleigh. The museum officially opened its doors to the public on April 6, 1956. This historical establishment has been a significant part of the city's cultural scene for many decades.
  4. Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center4

    Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center

     Asheville, NC
    Black Mountain College, established in 1933 near Asheville, North Carolina, was a unique institution that placed the study of art at the heart of education. This innovative approach was a novelty in the United States at the time, making the college a significant landmark in the history of American education and art.
  5. Mint Museum Uptown5

    Mint Museum Uptown

     Charlotte, NC
    The Mint Museum is a cultural institution in Charlotte, North Carolina, consisting of two museums: The Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown. Together, these two locations house hundreds of collections that showcase art and design from around the world. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, from ancient artifacts to contemporary works, providing a comprehensive view of global art and design history.
  6. Reynolda House Museum of American Art6

    Reynolda House Museum of American Art

     Winston-Salem, NC
    The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is renowned for its extensive collection of American art, which spans from the colonial period to the present day. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of American art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  7. Nasher Museum of Art7

    Nasher Museum of Art

     Durham, NC
    The Nasher Museum of Art, previously known as the Duke University Museum of Art, is situated on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. This museum is a significant part of the university and offers a rich collection of art for visitors to explore.
  8. Cameron Art Museum8

    Cameron Art Museum

     Wilmington, NC
    In 2001, the museum was relocated to its current location at the intersection of Independence and 17th Streets and was renamed the Cameron Art Museum. The new location allowed for the construction of three exhibition areas, as well as a lecture and reception hall. This expansion has allowed the museum to offer a wider range of exhibits and events to its visitors.
  9. Ackland Art Museum9

    Ackland Art Museum

     Chapel Hill, NC
    The Ackland Art Museum is conveniently located at 101 S. Columbia Street, near the intersection of Franklin Street at the northern edge of the university campus. This central location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike.
  10. Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park10

    Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

     Wilson, NC
    Vollis Simpson, an American 'outsider' folk artist, is renowned for his large kinetic sculptures, known as 'whirligigs'. These unique pieces of art were crafted from salvaged metal, showcasing Simpson's creativity and resourcefulness. Visitors to the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park can witness these impressive structures firsthand, gaining insight into the artist's innovative approach to art.
  11. CamRaleigh – Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh11

    CamRaleigh – Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh

     Raleigh, NC
    The Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, also known as CAM Raleigh, is a multimedia contemporary art gallery located in Raleigh, North Carolina. This museum is a hub for contemporary art and design, offering a unique and ever-changing experience for its visitors.
  12. Hickory Museum of Art12

    Hickory Museum of Art

     Hickory, NC
    The Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) in Hickory, North Carolina, is an art museum that hosts exhibitions, events, and public educational programs. These activities are based on a permanent collection of American art from the 19th to the 21st century. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of American art history, making it a valuable resource for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors.
  13. Weatherspoon Art Museum13

    Weatherspoon Art Museum

     Greensboro, NC
    The Weatherspoon Art Museum, situated at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is recognized as one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the southeast. The museum primarily focuses on American art, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and tourists interested in American art history.
  14. 14

    Southeastern Center For Contemporary Art

     Winston-Salem, NC
    The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, also known as SECCA, is a multimedia contemporary art gallery located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is a place where art enthusiasts can explore a variety of contemporary art forms from artists of regional, national, and international recognition.