Free Museum Days in the Triangle: Complete Schedule and Tips
The Triangle has an incredible collection of museums, and many of them are either always free or offer regular free admission days. Here is your complete guide to visiting museums in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill without spending a dime on admission.
Always-Free Museums in Raleigh
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences on Jones Street in downtown Raleigh is free every single day. Both buildings (the Nature Exploration Center and the Nature Research Center) are included. This is one of the best natural history museums in the Southeast, and it costs nothing. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Special traveling exhibits sometimes have a fee, but the permanent collection is always free.NC Museum of History
Right next door, the NC Museum of History is also free. Kids love the sports exhibit and the pirate display. The museum is less crowded than Natural Sciences, which is a plus if your kids do not do well in big crowds. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Free parking in the state government deck on weekends.NC Museum of Art
The NC Museum of Art on Blue Ridge Road is free for the permanent collection. The outdoor park is free too, and it is massive with trails, sculptures, and open fields. Special exhibitions have admission fees, but you can spend an entire afternoon in the permanent galleries and the park without paying anything. Open Tuesday through Sunday.CAM Raleigh (Contemporary Art Museum)
CAM Raleigh in the warehouse district is free. The exhibits rotate and tend to be contemporary and interactive, which appeals to older kids and teens. It is a smaller museum, so plan for about 45 minutes to an hour.Always-Free Museums in Durham
Duke University Chapel
Not a museum, but the Duke Chapel is free to visit and architecturally stunning. Kids are impressed by the sheer size and the stained glass windows. Quick visit (20-30 minutes) but worth combining with a walk around Duke's campus.Nasher Museum of Art at Duke (Free days available)
The Nasher Museum at Duke University is free for Durham County residents on the first Sunday of every month and for kids 15 and under at all times. Regular adult admission is about $8. The collection is excellent and the building itself is beautiful.Always-Free Museums in Chapel Hill
Ackland Art Museum at UNC
The Ackland Art Museum is free. It has a thoughtful collection spanning centuries and cultures, and the museum runs regular family programs. It is small enough to visit with young kids without anyone getting overwhelmed. Open Wednesday through Sunday.Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Morehead Planetarium is not free, but it is included here because the science exhibits in the lobby area are free. Planetarium shows run about $8-10 for adults. They offer free programming for kids on select days throughout the year, especially during school breaks.Museums with Free or Discounted Days
Museum of Life and Science (Durham)
The Museum of Life and Science offers free admission on select days throughout the year. Watch their website and social media for announcements. Regular admission is about $20, so catching a free day is a significant savings. The outdoor dinosaur trail and butterfly house are worth the regular price too.Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh)
Marbles offers free admission on the first Friday evening of every month (5-9 PM). It is popular and crowded, but the price is right. Regular admission is $10 per person. If your kids can handle crowds, First Friday at Marbles is a great family outing.Kidzu Children's Museum (Chapel Hill)
Kidzu has occasional free community days and offers reduced admission through library pass programs. Check with your local library to see if they have a Kidzu pass available for checkout. Regular admission is about $14.Library Museum Passes
This is one of the best-kept secrets in the Triangle. Several library systems offer free museum passes that you can check out just like a book.
Wake County Libraries offer passes to select museums including the Museum of Life and Science and occasionally other Triangle venues. Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved online. Check the Wake County library website under "Things to Borrow" for current offerings.
Durham County Libraries also have a museum pass program. Ask at your local branch or check online for availability.
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