THE 10 BEST Winston Salem Museums
Museums in Winston Salem
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Category types
Museums
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18 places sorted by traveler favorites
Speciality Museums • History Museums
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Art Galleries
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Art Galleries • Art Museums
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Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
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What travelers are saying
- bolildKings Mountain, NC140 contributionsBeautiful house and grounds made for a pleasant few hours. If the weather had been nice, would have walked the grounds. Interesting history of the Reynolds family and lots of American art, pottery and ceramics are presented. Spoiler of the 5th star was a rather rude staff member. There was a barrier rope on a hallway on the second floor. At the other end of the hall it looked like visitors walking around. The door to the right had a sign on it that said “Step Down.” I turned the doorknob thinking the doorway led to the end of the hallway. It was locked. As I was turning away, a staff member opened the door and scolded me saying “a closed door normally means do not enter.” I explained that we had read a sign on the door but she was already closing it in my face. Would have been a totally lovely visit if I had not been spoken to like a naughty schoolgirl!Written March 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NCteacher486Winston Salem, NC18 contributionsAs a local grandmother and a retired teacher, I’ve been entertaining both resident and visiting grandchildren with trips to our children’s museum since 2013. While the museum staff have kept many features intact, others have been updated and improved over time. There is something to engage each child this far, from a 15-month old toddler to a 9 year old. We’ve participated in story time in the library and gave a birthday party. The ones who lived here for a few years enjoyed summer activities and day camps. There are a variety of costumes and accessories for dress ups, a cottage with a kitchen, a quiet room to rock baby dolls, several fairy tale settings, a Krispy Kreme donut shop, a grocery store and a veterinarian’s Office. There is an arts and crafts area as well as activities engaging large muscles. Sadly, many children become overstimulated and simply race around from area to area, distracted by every new sight. My concern is the lack of attendants in the various areas to engage the children in more in-depth explorations. Well worth a visit of several hours. Bring your own snacks as there are only vending machines with high fat, salt and sugary items.Written October 10, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John1 contributionI was amazed of all the things this exhibits has. It's a combination of several exhibits and lots of hands on experiences.
I was bit disappointed with the 'laser' light show I was expecting something Planetarium related (planets, stars, etc) than a light show.
But overall i would come back with 4 of my kids again.Written January 21, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - East_Coast_FoodieAnderson, SC352 contributionsWe appreciated that there are three separate price points to buy tickets to tour Old Salem. We were only interested in the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts at $10 each. The local Moravian exhibit downstairs did not exist when I visited three years ago and is an excellent addition.
We were disappointed to see two areas of the museum are closed off behind glass doors and are only available on private tours conducted at 11am and 2pm … for an additional $20 per person. However, we were told everything seen on those tours can be viewed on-line …. now I just need to make to time to visit the website.Written October 19, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Pat CRichmond, VA9 contributionsAlways amazing and thought-provoking art on display. Hadn't been in about 10 years, but it had its usual high quality art. Should be on the must-see list for every visit to Winston-Salem.Written February 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Timothy DCenterport, NY47 contributionsThis is a small museum with a fairly high entrance fee given the size, but for racing NASCAR fans, you get to be up close and personal with quite a few famous cars. The museum is set up well, with story boards about famous cars and drivers of an earlier generation of drivers (the last Winston Cup ran in 2003). Most of the hoods are locked down so you don't get to see all the engines and I understand that some cars don't have the engines still installed. That took away some of the interest for me, but I enjoyed to museum and would recommend to out of town visitors staying in the downtown area.Written October 17, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steve CCashiers, NC161 contributionsI already rated this in Old Salem. If you appreciate antiques, especially Southern, you have to visit. The have the best exhibit of Southern antique furniture available. Guide did an excellent job.Written December 6, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FC TWinston Salem, NC12 contributionsAlways worth a visit! Juried artists/artwork of high quality. Very friendly and helpful staff, great place to find unique gifts as well as beautiful things for your home. Stop downtown for lunch at Sweet Potatoes, visit Piedmont Craftsman just up the street, then wander down to Mast General Store for a fun afternoon!Written September 3, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas ALancaster, S.C., United States5 contributionsThis is an excellent mid-range eatery and scenery! The personnel were awesome as well as the atmosphere. The view was excellent and I would recommend to anyone!Written November 3, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Eng-LibNorth Carolina140 contributionsThe museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs throughout the year. Most of the subjects have wide appeal, while others are narrow in scope. Many interesting programs are presented during Historic Preservation Week in May of each year. This is not a "collection" museum, so the only exhibits for viewing relate to the current theme of the programs or there are a few historical videos that run constantly. There are photos on the walls for viewing.Written July 7, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- robinm848Succasunna, NJ68 contributionsEnjoyed the exhibits that were curated by students of Wake Forest. Understand it is moving to a larger space, and look forward to my next visit!Written March 15, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- paperstarfish110 contributionsThis gallery had a great mix of pieces for varied tastes. There is a lot to look at in a relatively small space and the people working there were helpful. There are a lot of other shops to see and great restaurants nearby.Written March 13, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- sophiedog6123Winston Salem, NC221 contributionsit is a great place to go to. Educational and fun at the same time. It is kept clean and the staff is nice. There is something for everyone there.Written September 13, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RobHigh Point, NC68 contributionsIf you’re traveling through Winston-Salem, be sure to visit DADA (Downtown Arts District Association) around the Trade Street area! There you’ll find some great art galleries featuring the works of North Carolina artists and craftsmen as well as delicious eateries and coffee shops. I recommend the fried chicken dinner at Miss Ora’s Kitchen on Trade Street - so good!
If you are into collecting small art souvenirs from ART-O-MAT (refurbished vending machines), you’ll find them located in many galleries in the area. For only $5 you can take home an original artwork from a local or state artist - such a clever idea that originated in Winston-Salem over twenty years ago and has gone nationwide!
DADA hosts a gallery hop on the first Friday of every month from 7-10 pm. Be sure to make a stop by the Piedmont Craftsmen’s Gallery, Gallery VI, Delurk Gallery, The Red Dog Gallery, and Visual Index, just to name a few exceptional businesses. The Artworks Gallery on the corner of Trade and Sixth Street has many working artists studios which were fun to visit. The Delurk Gallery, which was my favorite gallery, features revolving monthly exhibitions of its members as well as nationally recognized artists. I was lucky to discover a great exhibit of surreal work by two amazing artists, Tim French and Marc Roche. If you are into the arts, check out what Winston-Salem has to offer!Written May 11, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ToyBox4 contributionsThe AppleLady is a true treasure. She's a delightful artist and storyteller. Her art and stories are captivating. I just bought her new book "Middle Children are Special". The young or the young at heart will enjoy the arts, crafts and stories alike.Written September 15, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Winston Salem
- These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in Winston Salem:See more museums for kids in Winston Salem on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking museums in Winston Salem:See more museums for groups in Winston Salem on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in Winston Salem:
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
- Children's Museum of Winston-Salem
- Kaleideum North
- Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA)
- Winston Cup Museum & Special Event Center