Explore 4 of the best free art galleries and exhibits in the Triangle

Created with the sole purpose of promoting a liberating and beautiful environment, art galleries and exhibits are an amazing way to enjoy high-crafted artistic works. The Triangle has no shortage of such places, each allowing viewers to enjoy the spaces and their work.

Here is a list of the top galleries and exhibits you need to visit. This list was compiled with the help of WRAL’s 2022 Voters' Choice Awards results as well as Google reviews.

1. North Carolina Museum of Art

Believing in the transformative power of art, the North Carolina Museum of Art seeks to create a sense of community and belongingness within its galleries. Their collection galleries contain work that spans from the present to over 5,000 years ago. The works represent people across the country and draw from all cultural and unique identities. The museum shows the connectivity of nature and art through their art pieces and programming, both of which are free for the public to visit.

Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

Hours of Operation:

East Building and West Building Galleries
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and some holidays

Museum Store and Exhibition Store
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

NCMA Café
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

East Café
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Museum Park and Welcome Center
Park open daily, including holidays, from dawn to dusk

2. Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

Since opening in 2005, the Nasher Museum of Art has brought together and presented leading exhibitions that travel across the nation. The museum is dedicated to building a renowned collection of contemporary art spanning across all cultures, ethnicities, and identities. Their collections heavily focus on shedding light to the works of historically underrepresented and excluded artists. Along with its excellent collections of art, the museum also hosts events, lectures, and gallery talks.

Address: 2001 Campus Drive, Durham

Hours of Operation (Summer hours):

Thursday: Closed nights until Aug. 18

Monday: Closed

Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

3. 21c Museum Hotel Durham

As a unique spot in downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel acts as both a home to over 10,500 square feet of contemporary art and event spaces, and a full-service boutique hotel. The historic building has been reframed to host curated art exhibitions and site-specific installations that speak to the evershifting contemporary culture. It is a riveting and discussion-provoking experience for individuals to view art as a reflection of their own city and society.

Address: 111 Corcoran Street, Durham

Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours

4. Ackland Art Museum

At The Ackland Art Museum, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in an array of arts and bring a voice to their worldly questions. As the University of North Carolina’s museum, it is host to over 17,000 permanent works of art across cultures and artistic styles. It is also home to over a dozen nation-wide exhibitions annually. Along with its art pieces, the museum offers a multitude of programs and resources to aid visitors in their immersion of the collections and exhibitions. Individuals of all ages will find themselves stimulated and inspired by the unique art.

Address: 101 S. Columbia St, Chapel Hill

Hours of Operation:

Mon-Tue: Closed

Wed-Sat: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sun: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The second Friday of each month: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.