Arts & Cultural Destinations

Ackland Art Museum
The Ackland is UNC’s very own art museum. With strong holdings in East Asian, South Asian, and European art, as well as an always interesting rotation of new exhibitions, the Ackland is well worth a visit. The museum is on campus, easily accessible, and offers free admission. The exhibition for fall 2015 is especially notable: “Testing Testing,” an unprecedented showing of art made since 1960 from the Ackland’s permanent collection.

Morehead Planetarium & Science Center
Located on UNC’s campus in Chapel Hill, Morehead Planetarium is a world class astronomical facility offering spectacular shows in addition to science exhibits and other educational activities. Check out the website for tips about skywatching in Chapel Hill as well!

Coker Arboretum
Next to Morehead Planetarium, the Coker Arboretum is a tranquil garden space, tucked away on UNC’s campus. Originally cultivated in 1903 by Dr. William Chambers Coker, the university’s first Professor of Botany, the Arboretum features a mix of native North Carolinian and East Asian plants for study and aesthetic enjoyment.

UNC Botanical Garden
For more natural beauty, hike down to UNC’s South Campus to visit the Botanical Garden. The garden strives to conserve and display the diverse flora of the southeast.

Hunt Library
Opened in 2013, the James B. Hunt, Jr. Library at North Carolina State University in Raleigh has drawn widespread critical acclaim for its sleek architecture and innovative use of space and interior design. Take a tour to learn more about the building, as well as Hunt’s powerful vision for enhancing collaboration, research, experimentation, and learning in the library.

Duke
Just up the road in Durham, Duke’s campus has several points of interest. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens feature a wide variety of plant life and unique spots to sneak away for a peaceful moment. Accessible from the gardens, the iconic Duke Chapel is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture. Right on campus as well, the Nasher Museum of Art presents a range of artworks from the contemporary to the ancient.