Jump To:
The City of Raleigh Museum is located on Fayetteville Street, Raleigh's "Main Street" and the center of downtown.
City of Raleigh Museum
Raleigh Parks has temporarily closed some facilities. For more information, click on the red COVID-19 Alert banner above.
Updated: Sep 11, 2020
Overview
Housed in a historic former hardware store, the museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of North Carolina's capital city while envisioning its future. The museum curates temporary and permanent exhibits about the city's people, places, and resources, maintains a collection of approximately 5,000 artifacts, and offers educational programming and tours. Visit Friends of CORmuseum for information on supporting the museum.
Field Trips and Educational Programs
We strive to make history come alive! Our goal is to provide a variety of hands-on programs that will engage students, and get them excited about their local history. Our programs use local historic sites, artifacts, and photographs. Many of our programs correspond to exhibits currently on display at the museum. Some programs will have recommended grade levels, and some can be adapted to multiple grade levels. These programs can be a fun and unique way to meet NC Standard Course of Study goals in Social Studies, English, African-American Studies, and Art.
If you are interested in registering your class for a program, follow these steps:
- Take a look at our program offerings and their corresponding essential standard.
- Fill out all necessary information on the Education Program Request Form and make sure it is correct.
- Choose 3 programs to fill out your day. Programs are offered Tuesday - Friday.
- Have a few dates in mind, as your initial date may be taken!
- Wait for us to confirm your trip and details!
Exhibits
Joseph Winters: The Music Maker explores the life of one of the city’s earliest African American policemen who also brought musical legends including James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles to perform in Raleigh. The exhibit, which features facts about Winters’ life and some of the legendary artists who entertained Raleigh audiences, will run through February 2021.
The People's Politics: Local Democracy in Raleigh. How does local government affect you? Does your opinion matter? Can you make a difference? The City of Raleigh Museum will explore these questions in its newest exhibit. This exhibit tells the story of city government and democracy at a local level, from the election of Raleigh's first mayor in 1795 to issues facing current and future mayors. Using research from city council minutes and artifacts from the museum's collection, this interactive exhibit highlights the citizen role in law-making, giving visitors the opportunity to examine significants decisions from Raleigh's past, and cast their vote on current challenges facing citizens and leaders of our growing city.
Raleigh's City Flag: Lost and Found. Did you know Raleigh is one of only 450 cities with a flag? How did the flag come into existence? Who designed it and what does it mean? Come learn the story behind one of Raleigh's most visible symbols. This exhibit tells the story of the long journey of the city's most iconic emblem.
From Plantation to Park: The Story of Dix Hill is a joint venture with the Dix Park Conservancy, explores the long history and future of Raleigh’s newest park. From Plantation to Park explores four perspectives on the land known as Dix Hill.
Hello! We are Raleigh: Our capital city has such a vibrant and colorful history that we can't wait to share with you. The objects, photos, and stories in the exhibit show you where we came from, reveal how we lived, and tell us who we are today. The City of Raleigh Museum invites you to discover the deep roots of the "City of Oaks" and share in its future. Together, we are Raleigh.
Rentals
The City of Raleigh Museum's lobby, first floor gallery and lower-level classroom are available for functions such as weddings, cocktail parties, buffet receptions, fundraisers, seminars, and workshops.
Amenities include:
- Beautiful historic former storefront with original floors, tall ceilings, and unique architectural details
- Central downtown location
- Tables and chairs included in rental
- Restrooms and small kitchen on lower level
- On street parking and conveniently located parking decks.
Lobby Gallery and A.J. Fletcher Foundation Gallery
The Lobby Gallery and A.J. Fletcher Foundation Gallery, which may be rented separately or together, make an ideal backdrop to celebrate important milestones. The gallery can accommodate standing buffet receptions for up to 150 guests or 100 seated. The lobby can accommodate standing receptions for up to 100 guests or 80 seated.
Woman’s Club of Raleigh Classroom (Lower Level)
The Woman’s Club of Raleigh Classroom provides a comfortable environment for business meetings, seminars, or workshops. The classroom can accommodate up to 50 guests.
Museum Rental
The museum is available for rent outside business hours, which are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
For further information, contact Lynda Fuller or call 919-996-2220 to discuss availability of the museum on your desired date.
