10/15/06

Excellent exhibits inside and out

by mikheaven

I highly recommend the journey to the museum, in summer or winter. We have enjoyed the quiet atmosphere to contemplate an interesting work, have loved the outdoor movies over summer as penguins cross the Antarctic and a storm plays on the horizon. Even trekking through the outdoor trail, both paved and hidden was a fun experience when you didn't know what installation was growing or decomposing around the corner!

To the reviewer who complained he can't take a smoke and a glass of bubbly to the movies, get over it, you're better off in some dingy club if you're after that sort of action. The movies were great, especially the atmosphere and thankfully for the majority of us not prone to addiction we could breathe the cool fresh air.

Recommend: all the museum has to offer.

Not recommend: wingeing patrons.

• Pros: nice seating for picnics, pleasant and surprising walk, interesting exhibits
• Cons: the traffic lights on the way out take a long long time!

This museum draws crowds with world-class traveling exhibitions and a growing permanent collection.

by Contributor

In Short
Unlike the state-funded history and science museums, the NCMA's focus isn't North Carolina-centric. Rising from the anonymity of west Raleigh, the museum boasts works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods; African, New World, Egyptian, Greek and Roman art; significant American painters such as Copley, Homer and O'Keefe; an Oceanic gallery; and an impressive collection of Jewish ceremonial art.

07/07/05

Great museum- warning on the movies

by MonAccount

The museum is *awesome*- we're lucky to have such a complete and world-class museum in the area. The movies *used* to be great- mostly college students and some young families. Now everything is rule-based. Used to be that we'd pack a cooler of hummus, breads, olives, sandwiches, wines & beer. We'd sit under the stars, watch a movie, eat and have some cigarettes. Friends would bring their dogs. Now you can't bring anything but food & non-glass containers and no alcohol. You have to leave to smoke. It used to be so romantic to take a blanket, wine, and your favorite person. Now it's crowded with cranky yuppies, roaming children, and barking guards. Museum: awesome. Movies: don't bother.

• Pros: Museum, Art, Collection
• Cons: Movies

06/02/05

great variety and some amazing pieces!

by TygyrLily

Today has seen my fourth trip to the NCMA. Every time I'm impressed by the artifacts they have, classic pieces and modern art they offer, giving newer artists well deserved space (including local kids! - I love seeing greek statues in one room and a third grader's painting next door, it's inspiring).

Admission is free, so you can't beat that. There's also a great path through the adjacent park. Don't miss the cloud chamber!

Highly recommended.

08/08/03

Disappointing

by jules27560

I was very disappointed when I visited the NC Museum of Art. I expected to view a vast amount of sculptures and paintings, but much of what I found on display were everyday objects used by other cultures. I realize that these objects are considered art by many (and even myself on occasion), but I was hoping to see more "typical art."

09/26/02

Completely Awesome

by breckhev

30 somethings always looking for something cool to do, bring friends, wine, blanket, food...come early, have fun, not expensive...these outside movies should happen more than once a week!

• Pros: cheap, good people-watching, good movies

08/03/02

NCMA is it!

by woodgreen

Dah, are there other museums? Nothing tops NCMA and all for free! I'd pay everytime I go, it's worth it.

• Pros: parking, special exhibits, dining

08/02/02

Movies on the grass

by tpcolson

Nothing beats it! Bring a chair and some beer! It never rains! They control the weather!

07/31/02

All around fun!

by jeanneemaher

I am lucky enough to live only a few miles from this local treasure. From the permanent collection, and rotating exhibits to workshops, gift shops, a coffee bar, concerts, movies and a fabulous restaurant, it's a one-stop fun shop! Who needs the mall?

• Pros: variety, culture, fun