Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Located in the heart of Winston-Salem, this living history museum offers a glimpse into the Moravian settlement of Salem, established in 1766. Wander through meticulously restored buildings, experience hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades and tour the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts on the sprawling grounds. Treat yourself to a Moravian cookie at Winkler Bakery, one of the oldest bakeries in America.

• Hours: Wed–Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: All-in-one tickets: $30 per adult, $16 per student/child and free 0-3 years old or two-stop tickets: $22 per adult, $10 per student/child and free 0-3 years old

Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Step back in time and experience American art and history at the Reynolda House Museum. Housed in the former estate of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds, this museum features a stunning collection of American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The impressive collection of art includes artists Georgia O’Keeffe, Alexander Calder, and Andy Warhol. The sprawling estate also includes beautiful gardens and walking trails. Reynolda Village, a collection of restaurants and local shops, is just a stone’s throw away.

• Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: $18 for adults; 18 and under free. To learn about free admission for adults, click here.

NC Museum of Art - Winston-Salem

Formerly known as SECCA, the North Carolina Museum of Art–Winston-Salem (NCMA) marries the city's industrial with modern art and innovation – quite literally. See the dynamic exhibits of international, national, and regional artists in the modern hall before exploring the attached English Hunt-Style mansion and 32-acre lakefront estate that belonged to James G. Hanes, once the largest supplier of women’s hosiery.

• Hours: Wed, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thu, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri–Sun, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $8 for Adults; Free for Youth (0-17); $6 for Seniors (65+), Military and College Students; Free for Members. Learn more about membership here.

Körner's Folly

Check out the awe-inspiring home of the acclaimed interior designer Jule Gilmer Korner, built in 1990 as a life-size portfolio for clients. The 22-room Victorian mansion features elaborate mosaics, fireplaces, and carved woodwork along with the country’s first in-home movie theatre. Popular events include the Victorian Parlor Series, Spring Vintage Market, and the Spectacular Holidays.

• Hours: Tue–Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Cost: $12 per adult; $6 child (6-18) and free under 6 years old.

Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA)

Don’t miss this cultural treasure in Old Salem. Peruse the incredible collection of fine antiques, ceramics, metalwork, needlework, paintings, and other decorative arts characteristic of the early American South. Pair your trip to MESDA with a ticket to Old Salem Museum and Gardens by purchasing an "All in One" ticket, which grants you access to everything on site at both locations!

• Hours: Wed–Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $15 per adult, $15 per student/child; free entry for children 0-3 years old.
  • The All-In-One ticket for visiting Old Salem and MESDA can be purchased in advance here, or on-site at the Visitor Center or at the Frank L. Horton Museum Center. These tickets are $30 per adult, $16 per student (undergraduate students must show a college ID); free entry for children 0-3 years old.

Kaleideum

Engineer a roller coaster, travel through space, create a custom animation, or discover the rooftop playground all at North Carolina’s premier children’s museum and science center, Kaleideum. The brand-new reimagined space encompasses 30,000 square feet of fun for all ages, blending together concepts from traditional children's museums with the concepts of STEAM and experiential learning. Don't miss exciting exhibits like the Wonders of Water, Our Nature, and the Rooftop Adventure!

• Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat–Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $15 per adult, $12 per child, $13 per senior, free for 11 months and under.
  • Museum admission is free for museum members and educators (with a valid ID). Discounted rates are available for homeschooled children and groups of 10 or more. Click here to learn more.

Lam Museum of Anthropology

Located on the campus of Wake Forest University, the Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology is North Carolina’s only museum dedicated to exploring ancient global cultures, offering a mix of permanent, rotating, and virtual exhibits. It also hosts family-friendly events year-round, highlighted by the annual Day of the Dead exhibit each fall. Admission is free!

• Hours: Tue–Sat, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: Admission free

Kernersville Auto Museum

Car lovers, take note — Kernersville is now home to a hidden gem: the Kernersville Auto Museum. This museum offers a fascinating ride through automotive history with dozens of classic, vintage, and exotic cars. Every vehicle is meticulously restored, fully drivable, and displayed with care, offering a rare look at the engineering and design of different eras. Visitors can also explore the stories behind the cars through detailed placards that highlight each model’s history and legacy.

• Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 2–5 p.m.
• Cost: Admission is free; donations are welcomed.

Uncover Even More to See and Do

Special events regularly occur at all the local museums, from Lakeside concerts at NCMA to Family Workshop at Reynolda to adult-friendly After Dark events at Kaleideum. See what's coming up by checking out our online Events Calendar, and start planning your trip today on our Plan Your Visit page. You can also stay in the loop by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter, What's New in Winston-Salem.