Location: Durham
Top Things to do in Durham
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Things to do in Durham, North Carolina (NC): The Best Museums
Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Durham County. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population to be 251,893 as of July 1, 2014, making it the 4th-most populous city in North Carolina, and the 78th-most populous city in the United States. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. The US Office of Management and Budget also includes Durham as a part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 2,037,430 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates.
Restaurants in Durham
1. V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
We are the largest privately-held tuba museum in the world! The 300+ instruments in the Collection, currently housed in Durham, North Carolina, represent a cross section of the history and development of the various members of the tuba family, from its inception circa 1830 to the present.
Reviewed By robint580 - New Haven, United States
As someone with no musical background, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Vince has some wonderful stories and clearly loves talking tubas. His enthusiasm is infectious and I'm so glad he took the time to show us around his collection. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Durham!
2. Museum of Life + Science
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 903 reviews
Located just blocks from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top family destinations. Situated on 84-acres, our interactive science park includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits which are safe havens for rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves. Other popular attractions include over 60 species of live animals, Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Into the Mist, Hideaway Woods, and Earth Moves. The Museum of Life and Science is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Reviewed By amyaR2514XT - Herndon, United States
Took my 2 kids on a vague recommendation from a friend. We were going to check out Raleigh and she suggested we do this museum in Durham instead. My kids, 9-year old boy and 12-year old girl, had a wonderful time. At first I thought it was only the inside part but the outside attractions are FANTASTIC! Inside: many hands on science experiments and space exhibits like a moon lander. Outside: train ride, fossil dig, dinosaurs, bears, wolves, lemurs, farm animals, RC sail boats, mist play area, amazing climbing tree houses, butterfly exhibit, etc. We stayed until the last possible minute!
3. Golden Belt
4. Museum of Durham History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
A FREE, 21st-century museum that uses stories about people, places and things to foster curiosity, encourage further inquiry, and promote an understanding of diverse perspectives about the Durham community and its history.
Reviewed By houseofnii - Durham, United States
I happened upon the Durham History Hub one day while walking around downtown. It was a pleasant surprise, I learned so much from the displays and photos. Durham's history runs long and deep, both positive and negative. I'd recommend a visit.
5. Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By GwensGramma - Durham, United States
Just moved to Durham and are getting acquainted with the museums here. First one to visit was the Nasher Museum of Art, a small museum with very interesting rooms featuring the permanent collection or temporary exhibitions. The focus is on representing minority artists who are not usually given much exposure. I was very interested in the Across County Lines: Contemporary Photography from the Piedmont exhibit with photos from 39 artists. We enjoyed a great lunch in the museum cafe as well. Very nice afternoon visit!
6. Liberty Arts
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Liberty Arts is a Durham, NC Arts non-profit organization serving as an incubator in which artists work together to teach, learn and inspire. Come meet and watch artists working in metal, clay, wood, glass and mixed media. Learn about what inspires them, ask about their creative processes, and purchase original work for your collection.
7. Rhine Research Center Museum
8. Eric Kelly Museum
The Eric Kelly Art Museum officially opened on May 4, 1982. The Stancil and Kelley family, which owns and operates the Museum, established in 1979 by Henry Stancil and his daughter Lovella S. Kelley, Eric Kelly's Grandmother, The museum is dedicated to art prodigy Eric Kelly. The Museum is a private museum for collectors only. The Museum only accepts appointments from collectors during the week.
