MenuCity of Raleigh Museum
Historical Resources and Museum Program
The City of Raleigh Museum is located on Fayetteville Street, Raleigh's "Main Street" and the center of downtown.
Housed in a historic former hardware store, the museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of North Carolina's capital city while envisioning its future. The museum curates temporary and permanent exhibits about the city's people, places, and resources, maintains a collection of approximately 5,000 artifacts, and offers educational programming
and tours. You can also visit the webpage for the COR museums friend's group www.raleighcitymuseum.org.
Location
220 Fayetteville Street Raleigh, NC 27601 | Get Directions
Phone: 919-996-2220
Site Features & Hours
Hours
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission
Adults: $5 | Seniors: $3 | Youth: $3
Children 6 and under are free
Features
- Walking Tours of Fayetteville Street (See Events section for details)
- School Programs
- Exhibits
- Accessible
- Gift Shop
- Special Events
- Volunteer Program
- Membership
History
Opened in 1865, the hardware store thrived and soon outgrew its original building. Completed in 1874, a new building was erected on the same site and was heralded as "the tallest building in east Carolina and Raleigh’s first skyscraper." In 1994, after 120 years downtown, the hardware business was relocated. Three years later, the A.J. Fletcher Foundation and Preservation North Carolina teamed together to acquire and rehabilitate the structure. The City of Raleigh Museum occupies the first and lower levels of the building.
Rentals
The City of Raleigh Museum's lobby, first floor gallery and lower level classroom are available for functions such as rehearsal dinners, buffet receptions, fundraisers, seminars, and workshops.
- Restrooms and a kitchen are located on the lower level for your convenience
- Furnishings (chairs and tables) are available for a small fee
- Parking is available in the Moore Square and Alexander Square pay parking decks or on-street throughout downtown. Parking is free on weekends.
Lobby/Main Gallery (1st Floor)
Availability dependent upon the Museum's public schedule. An ideal backdrop to events that celebrate important milestones, such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or civic functions. Gallery can accommodate standing buffet receptions for up to 150 guests.
Classroom (Lower Level)
Provides a comfortable environment for business meetings, seminars or workshops. Classroom can accommodate up to 50 guests.
Rental Forms
Download Rental Packet (contains rates, fees, deposits and space information)
Download General Information Form
For further information, contact Assistant Director, Kimberly Puryear to discuss availability of the Museum on your desired date.
Events & Exhibits
Ongoing:
Fayetteville Street Walking Tour: Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Included with $5.00 admission to Museum. Call 919-996-2220 for availability. Break out your walking shoes for this fun exploration of downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street, Raleigh's main street. On this walking tour you will learn about the State Capitol fire, the Skyscraper Wars of 1991, the Governor's Mansion mystery, and many other interesting stories of Raleigh's past. There are roughly eight blocks of walking in this tour. Wear comfortable shoes. Weather permitting.
June 1st 6-10pm
Time Warp Party: The Time Warp event is the COR Museum Friend's biggest fundraiser with monies going towards exhibits, events, and programs. This is the COR Museum's 20th anniversary; this year's party will take you back to the 1990s when the museum was created. Mark your calendars and support us by enjoying a special night of celebration, including cocktails, hors D'oeuvres, and a silent auction.
July 4th Exhibit Opening
One Building Many Stories: The City of Raleigh Museum housed in the historic Briggs Hardware building, Raleigh's first skyscraper, will open an exhibit featuring the building itself, arguably one of the museum's greatest artifacts. As Fayetteville Street's oldest structure it housed many different individuals and businesses with many differnt stories from the Museum of Natural Science to the YMCA. Celebrations will continue with a lecture July 13th and Family Day July 27th. Call for details 919-996-2220.
Upcoming Raleigh Reads:
Books come alive with a presentation connecting with Raleigh's past, followed by various visits from authors and readings, finishing with crafts and snacks. Topics cover everything from the Civil Rights Movement to medicine and music. This program meets the first Saturday of every month starting in September, and covers one book a month. Participants are encouraged to check out monthly books from the reading list and complete the book before the program. Please call ahead and pre-register 919-996-2220.
Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering at the COR Museum please contact Assistant Director Kimberly Puryear and visit the Volunteer Page for the Historic Resources and Museum Program.
Membership
As a member you will help revitalize and preserve North Carolina's history. You will also enjoy cross program perks at the City of Raleigh Museum, The Raleigh Trolley, Mordecai Historic Park, Borden, Tucker, and Pope House Museum.
There are many perks:
· Free admission to select site and museum events
· Free admission for select tours
· Free admission to select lectures
· Free admission to Mordecai Historic Park
· Free admission to City of Raleigh Museum
· 10% gift shop discount at Mordecai and City Museum
· 10% discount on all site rentals
· The Raleigh Register Program Newsletter
Complete a membership pledge and return it with your payment to:
Friends of COR Museum
220 Fayetteville Street, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27601
