Our collection galleries span more than 5,000 years, from antiquity to the present, and provides countless cultural experiences for the people of our state and beyond. The Museum Park showcases the connection between art and nature through site-specific works of art and notable programming. Both are free to visit.

Mission: To illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation

Vision: A knowledgeable and empowered society, making decisions informed by science

The state’s museum devoted to science and nature, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in central Raleigh is the largest institution of its kind in the Southeastern United States and, with over a million visitors a year, the state’s most visited museum. Its 300,000 square-foot downtown campus is augmented by Prairie Ridge Ecostation and satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville and Contentnea Creek. Together, they provide a variety of curriculum-focused classes onsite, offsite, outdoors and online for pre-kindergarten through graduate students across the state.

Acres 500 (Lake is 150 acres)

Lake Johnson has a paved greenway and natural surface trails, fishing, public programs (including paddling, sailing, & environmental education), indoor facility & shelter rentals, and a swimming pool.

NC's fresh & locally grown...from produce to plants, shops, restaurants, arts & crafts...year-round at the State Farmers Market.

The best film, food and drink all in one seat.

Taverna Agora is an authentic Greek kitchen & bar where friends & family enjoy good wine, eat wonderfully prepared, simple food and relax.

The restaurant is reminiscent of gathering places found in Greece, with old world flavors and rustic roots. However, Taverna Agora expands beyond the traditional agora with a some modern flair, including hand-crafted cocktails, a gourmet marketplace and Sunday brunch.

Transfer Co. is Raleigh's Food Hall, Market, and Gathering Place in Downtown Raleigh.

Housed in the historic Carolina Coach Garage and Shop, a five minute walk from Fayetteville Street, Transfer Co. offers 50,000+ SF of renovated warehouse and newly built space for food producers, makers, vendors, restaurateurs, their guests, and the local community.

Our mission is to be the gathering place where different communities can connect through food.

Quail Ridge Books is an independent bookstore with a friendly, knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing the best in customer service. Founded in 1984 by Nancy Olson, the store provides a wide variety of carefully selected books, events, discussion groups and town hall meetings. Owner Lisa Poole bought the store in 2013 and is dedicated to keeping it local!