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Explore Art Galleries and Cultural Events in Chapel Hill, Durham and Hillsborough – Your Local Guide
Welcome to the vibrant art communities of Chapel Hill, Durham and Hillsborough. Picture yourself strolling through the charming streets of these towns, discovering galleries and connecting with local artists. This guide is designed to help you navigate some of the key art galleries and immerse yourself in the rich artistic landscape of these interconnected communities. Whether you’re a longtime art enthusiast or newly exploring this world, Chapel Hill, Durham and the surrounding areas offer a rich palette of creative treasures that make our community unique.
Exploring Art in Chapel Hill
Ackland Art Museum
Nestled at the heart of the University of North Carolina, the Ackland Art Museum is a cornerstone of our artistic community. With over 20,000 works, ranging from European masterworks to contemporary Asian art, Ackland showcases the diversity and depth of human creativity. Its collections include premier Asian art, significant European works, 20th century and modern art, and North Carolina pottery.
The Ackland presents approximately 10-12 changing exhibitions a year, with more than half the museum’s gallery space dedicated to special and traveling exhibitions.
Visitor Info:
Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
Second Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Accessibility:
The Ackland Art Museum is wheelchair-accessible, and accessible parking is available nearby. Learn more about its accessibility features.
Explore current exhibitions and events at the Ackland Art Museum.
Carrboro
FRANK Gallery
In the heart of Carrboro, FRANK Gallery brings the local art scene to life as a vibrant hub for creativity and community engagement. The artist cooperative houses diverse artworks, including paintings, photography and sculpture, all crafted by talented local artists. The gallery is renowned for its dynamic range of exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.
Upcoming Event:
June 14, 6 to 9 p.m.
Second Friday Art Walk
Drop into the gallery for their monthly Second Friday reception. They are walking distance to several other participating galleries.
Visitor Info:
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 to 4 p.m.
Accessibility:
FRANK Gallery is fully wheelchair-accessible and offers nearby accessible parking. For detailed accessibility questions or assistance, please call 919.636.4135.
Visit the Frank Gallery website for current exhibitions and events.
The ArtsCenter
The ArtsCenter is dedicated to educating, inspiring and supporting our creative community while fostering an appreciation of art through conversation and collaboration. The work featured in the galleries is contemporary, diverse and varied in medium.
Check out their monthly rotating exhibitions or visit every second Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for exhibition openings and receptions.
Visitor Info:
Hours & Parking:
For up-to-date hours and parking information, please visit their Visitor Info page.
Accessibility: For detailed accessibility information, refer to the Accessibility + Wheelchair Access section on the same page.
For additional details about The ArtsCenter, visit their website.
Artistic Venues in Hillsborough
Eno Arts Mill
The Eno Arts Mill offers a unique combination of artist studios, gallery space and educational facilities. It’s a focal point for artistic collaboration in the region.
Highlight: Artist Studios and Community-Oriented Exhibitions
Visitor Info:
Hours:
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. The artist studios are not open to the public other than during our monthly open studio and gallery receptions. For additional visiting details, check their website.
Accessibility:
Eno Arts Mill is fully accessible and welcoming to all visitors. Accessible parking is available. For more detailed information, visit their accessibility page.
Visit the Eno Arts Mill website for more information.
Hillsborough Gallery of Arts
Nestled in the quaint town of Hillsborough, this gallery is an artist-run cooperative. It showcases an array of contemporary fine arts, reflecting the rich artistic community of the area.
The Gallery’s offerings include painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, photomontage, jewelry, glass, metals, enamel, scratchboard and furniture.
Visitor Info:
Hours:
Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 12 to 4 p.m. and Last Fridays 6 to 9 p.m.
Accessibility:
For detailed accessibility queries or assistance, please call (919) 732-5001.
Visit the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts website for more information.
Durham’s Vibrant Art Scene
Durham Arts Council
The Durham Arts Council is a dynamic space that enriches the local arts scene with its four on- site galleries. It’s a hub for creative expressions and cultural events in Durham.
The Durham Arts Council facilitates visual artists by providing unique and visible exhibition spaces. That’s why shows at the Durham Arts Council are constantly changing and reflecting the community, whether it be teacher-inspired works, a group show or a new artist’s first solo exhibition.
Visitor Info:
Hours & Parking:
For gallery hours and parking information, please visit their website.
Accessibility:
The Durham Arts Council building is fully accessible, featuring ramps, elevators and ADA- compliant restrooms. Accessible parking is available nearby. For more detailed accessibility information, please see the Accessibility section on their Visitor page.
Visit the Durham Arts Council’s website for more information.
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a major center for the arts on Duke’s campus. It features a wide range of contemporary and historical exhibitions, showcasing both local and international artists. Dynamic programs include performing arts events, lectures, gallery talks and social gatherings.
Plan Your Visit:
Hours & Updates:
For the latest on summer hours and any updates due to construction, please visit the Nasher Museum website.
Accessibility:
The Nasher Museum is fully accessible, offering wheelchair access and nearby accessible parking. The Art Cart service is available for assistance from the parking lot to the front entrance; call (919)-684-5135 for this service. For more detailed accessibility information, please visit their accessibility page.
For information on current and upcoming exhibitions, explore the Nasher Museum’s exhibitions page.
Discover Art and Inspiration in Every Corner
We hope this guide inspires you to explore the unique art galleries in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Hillsborough. Whether you’re looking to admire the masterworks of seasoned artists, appreciate the innovations of emerging talents or enjoy a day enriched with culture, these communities have something special waiting for you. So, why not set your GPS and dive into the world of art that thrives right here in our own backyard?