Museums are the cultural hubs of our city. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about Winston-Salem or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 13 museums to visit.
History
Old Salem Museums & Gardens, 900 Old Salem Rd. | $13-$27
This historic site boasts several attractions + museums that tell the stories of people — including the Moravian, Black, and Indigenous peoples — of the American South.
Don’t miss: The historic town of Salem, a living history of the 18th-century Moravian settlement.
The Cowboy Museum, 807 Wrights Farm Rd. | Free
Get lost in local Richard Evans’ collection of Western-themed posters, photos, life-size figures, and other memorabilia across four different rooms.
Don’t miss: The sitting area where you can watch almost any Western film you can think of.
Timothy SY Lam Museum of Anthropology, Palmer Hall, 1315 Carroll Weather Dr. | Free
Learn about human societies and cultures stretching from ancient to modern times through immersive exhibits, with all-ages, hands-on activities that rotate throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The artifact of the month, where pieces from collections are highlighted for their significance.
Körner’s Folly, 412 S. Main St., Kernersville | $6-$12
This 22-room Victorian mansion built in 1880 was home to artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner and was originally used to display his interior design portfolio. Visitors can check out the original furnishings, artwork, carved woodwork, hand-laid tile, and more.
Don’t miss: Special events throughout the year like the Fall Vintage Market, Oktoberfest, and the Folly Flower Show.
Historic Bethabara Park, 2147 Bethabara Rd. | $0-$4
This living museum is where German-speaking Moravians founded the first European settlement in the Piedmont in 1753. You can walk the grounds and explore restored original buildings or choose a guided tour for a more detailed look at how settlers lived.
Don’t miss: Weekly hands-on history demonstrations showcase how people in the 18th century did everything from making furniture to getting medical care.
MUSE Winston-Salem, 226 S. Liberty St. | Free
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. It has artifacts and archives dedicated to the area’s struggles and triumphs, and frequently hosts pop-up exhibits and other events around the city to collect perspectives and keep the conversations going.
Don’t miss: The museum’s Facebook and Instagram for fun facts and upcoming events.
Kernersville Auto Museum, 204 Holly Tree Dr., Kernersville | Free
Whether you remember being behind the wheel of vintage roadsters or want to share an appreciation for automobiles with younger generations, you can get up close to a variety of American, English, French, and German classic cars and learn about 100+ of automotive history.
Don’t miss: Cruise down memory lane with a look at this bright blue 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air sport coupe.
Kids
Kaleideum, 120 W. 3rd St. | $3-$15, Memberships available
This interactive arts and science museum has three levels of play to promote experiential learning. Hands-on exhibits like the Wonders of Water blend technology with arts and mathematics to give kids plenty of ways to explore the world around them.
Don’t miss: Digital dome + laser shows set to popular music and Kaleideum After Dark, which allows adults to experience the museum after hours.
Arts
Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Rd. | Free
The art gallery and cultural center in East Winston-Salem works to stimulate interest and increase awareness about African American artists. It also owns the copyright to two murals by Dr. John Biggers that are on display in the atrium of the O’Kelly Library at Winston-Salem State University.
Don’t miss: The center’s annual Community Day features artists, vendors, activities, and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Rd. | $18, Memberships available
Browse a collection of world-renowned American art featuring works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and more throughout a 34,000-sqft historic home. Then, take a walk through the gardens and stop by the village of shops and restaurants.
Don’t miss: “Smith and Libby: Two Rings, Seven Months, One Bullet” on view in the East Bedroom Sleeping Porch presents archival material surrounding the still-unsolved death of Reynolds heir Zachary Smith Reynolds.
North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem, 750 Marguerite Dr. | $6-$8, Memberships available
Formerly known as the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, the modern art museum is an affiliate of the North Carolina Museum of Art. It showcases regional working artists in large-scale, indoor/outdoor settings.
Don’t miss: Events like House Hangs and Fireside at Hanes House, the English-style country home built by industrialist James G. Hanes.
Triad Cultural Arts Center, Inc., 1922 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. | Free
The center is dedicated to offering culturally immersive experiences that preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of Black Americans. Many of its festivals, tours, and special events are held around the city.
Don’t miss: Book an African American Heritage Tour to get a look at homes and neighborhoods, churches, markers, and other significant sites around Winston-Salem.
Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, 924 S. Main St. | $15-$75
Started by two pioneering antiques dealers and collectors in the 1960s, this museum is dedicated to the appreciation of domestic objects made in the South. You’ll see things like pre-Civil War era pottery, rare 18th- and 19th-century maps, and Piedmont-made furniture.
Don’t miss: Opt in for a two-hour connoisseur tour to get a guided visit of the museum that can be tailored to your interests.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
- Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
