Museums are a great way to learn more about the history, art and culture of the area and beyond.
New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties are home to more than a dozen museums, showcasing everything from vibrant artistry and historical architecture to the maritime history of the Cape Fear region.
Here's a list of museums located across the area that are worth a visit. Whether you're seeking fun, information, or a family-friendly outing, there's something for everyone to explore.
Cameron Art Museum
Location: 3201 S 17th Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Description: "A diverse and dynamic range of exhibitions that showcase the works of both established and emerging artists from around the world," according to its webpage .
Museum of the Bizarre
Location: 201 South Water Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Summer daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Winter daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Description: Anything "strange, weird, unusual, or a collectible oddity" can be found here, according to its webpage .
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Location: 505 Nutt Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Description: Guests can learn more about important figures in railroad history, interact with custom train tables and more.
Bellamy Mansion Museum
Location: 503 Market Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Ticket sales between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
Description: The museum is "dedicated to interpreting the social and architectural history of the Bellamy Mansion and promoting a greater understanding of historic preservation, architectural history and restoration methods in North Carolina," according to its webpage .
Burgwin-Wright Museum House
Location: 224 Market Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Description: One of five colonial sites left in Wilmington, the Burgwin-Wright Museum highlights "unique architectural features and focus on the stories of the people who lived and worked on the property."
Cape Fear Museum
Location: 814 Market Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Description: The museum contains collections related to the history and more of the Cape Fear region.
Latimer House Museum
Location: 126 South Third Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Description: Built in the early 1850s, this home is "a treasured cornerstone of Wilmington’s rich historical legacy," according to the Latimer House webpage .
The Children's Museum of Wilmington
Location: 116 Orange Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays during Winter hours.
Description: The Children's Mu seum o f Wilmington provides hands-on interactive exhibits for children up to the age of 10.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
Location: 303 West Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach.
Hours: Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Description: This museum tells "the story of Wrightsville Beach through the years and across a range of experiences," according to its webpage.
North Carolina Military History Museum
Location: 123 Riverfront Road, Kure Beach.
Hours: Varying by month.
Description: This museum features artifacts that highlight North Carolina's military past including uniforms, weapons, and equipment.
Battleship North Carolina
Location: 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington.
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Description: This American battleship served during World War II and has resided across from downtown Wilmington for more than 50 years.
Brunswick County
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Location: 204 East Moore Street, Southport.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Description: The mission of this museum is to "to collect, preserve, and interpret material culture pertinent to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region," according to its webpage .
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Location: 21 East 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach.
Hours: Spring hours Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Description: This natural history museum includes a touch tank, life-size animal models, and other environmental exhibits.
Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
Location: 318 East Nash Street, Southport.
Hours: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. from June through August.
Description: Originally built in 1904, according to its webpage, the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum has since been renovated in order to "restore this important piece of Southport history."
Fort Johnston-Southport Museum
Location: 203 East Bay Street, Southport.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Description: This museum and visitor's center showcases the history and culture of Southport.
Sunset Beach Swing Bridge and Museum
Location: 109 Shoreline Drive W., Sunset Beach.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Description: This museum invites guests to look back at when a one-lane swing bridge was once used to get across to the Brunswick town.
Pender County
Penderlea Homestead Museum
Location: 284 Garden Road, Willard.
Hours: Saturday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Description: Learn more about the history of Penderlea Homestead Farms at this museum located in northwest Pender County.
Pender County Museum
Location: 200 West Bridges Street, Burgaw.
Hours: Thursday and Friday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Description: Pender County Museum is preserving history "contains a collection of World War II relics, clothes from decades past, medical antiques and much more," according to Visit NC.
Missiles & More Museum
Location: 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach.
Hours: Varying by month.
Description: Built in 1946, the building once "was used by the government to assemble missiles for a secret missile operation being conducted on Topsail Island," according to its webpage.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: From the bizarre to boating, here are museums to explore in the Wilmington area
Most Popular
Comments / 0