North Carolina Museum of Art

Although I don't mean to be curmudgeonly, this building is simply an abomination. This building is to house North Carolina's art collection - some truly beautiful and priceless works, an impressive collection to say the least - and it comes across as a budget building. It was, apparently, sufficient to 'expand' the museum by building a pre-fab warehouse with plexiglas ovals in the ceiling. The natural light in the building is cast at very odd angles and shapes, creating uneven lighting throughout, casting shapes and shadows across paintings, leaving many in the dark. This building was (in plans & renderings), and is (in implementation), an embarrassment to this state, a failure for the collection it contains. It is, in totality, a stark and soulless building, that demonstrates even more poignantly than the old building, that this state does not take art as something in which it is willing to invest. It is an afterthought. After visiting and spending a couple of hours looking around, I see all the familiar paintings and sculptures, but feel depressed with every one. They will be trapped in this architectural embarrassment for a long, long time. We have all been sentenced to live with this abomination until someone decides that an investment in actual museum architecture, in heavy building materials, good lighting, interesting environments, gardens, windows, etc., is both worthwhile and necessary for housing a treasured collection. Housing it in a bargain-basement container like this is a clear indication of the value that the community places on that collection. It's a tattoo of shame we as a community and a state are going to have to live with for many years to come, showing how we as a state place less emphasis on this part of our culture than almost any other state or city in the nation. That's our message, loud and clear, and that will continue to be our message until this building is torn down (or converted to self-storage units), and an actual art museum is built. The one positive comment I can offer, and offer sincerely, is that this building is so stark, soulless and from most angles purely ugly, that it is one of the few constructions that could, by contrast, force one to appreciate and enjoy the old building as a masterpiece by contrast. Cons: New Building more

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! more

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 more

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. more

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." more

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 more

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 more

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

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 more