Howdy y’all! As you know by now, I formerly went by museum maddie here at WKNC. Although there was some revamping on my part, my love and adoration for museums has not faded in the least bit. As a wannabe anthropologist/museum-curator, I spend a large chunk of my free time wandering around museums. So, what better to do than to give you my museum recommendations with corresponding songs?! I hope you are able to check out a new spot!
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh)
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences will always have a soft spot in my heart. Beautifully modern, this museum is currently being renovated with a new dinosaur exhibit that should be done in 2023. Noticeable from the streets with a gigantic metal globe. My partner and I recently visited the Exquisite Creatures Exhibit, which showcases the amazing art of Christopher Marley. If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend it!
- Masterpiece by Big Thief
- Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin
- Ride or Die by Hippo Campus
North Carolina Museum of History (Raleigh)
The NC Museum of History is right across the walkway from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. With rotating exhibits, there’s always something new. The main level exhibit about the history of North Carolina goes deeply in depth with artifacts galore. This museum is an absolute dream, and one of my favorites of all times.
- Moon Song by Phoebe Bridgers
- Cimmerian Shade by Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine
- I Think I Like When It Rains by WILLIS
North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh)
The NCMA has two buildings as well as an entire outdoor Museum Park. New work is constantly being showcased, as well as a newer project which puts more modern works next to older works to compare and contrast themes that transcend through time.
- Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens
- April in Paris by Billie Holiday
- Blame by Gabriels
Museum of Life and Science (Durham)
The Museum of Life and Science is interactive and features an expansive outdoor area. The butterfly house and weather machines are two of my favorite things there. Be on the lookout for the dinosaurs outside!
- Not Dead Yet by Lord Huron
- Where’d All the Time Go? by Dr. Dog
- Souvenir by boygenius
North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro)
While I have mixed feelings on zoos (and while they aren’t museums), the NC Zoo works on research and conservation and offers 200 species of animals and 40 different plants. You can also hike around the zoo on trails. I really loved The Desert, a glass dome building housing desert plants and animals, and the Honey Bee Garden. Art is featured around the zoo as well.
- Change by Big Thief
- Wasted by Tomberlin
- Sunblind by Fleet Foxes
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (Charlotte)
A quaint little museum nestled next to the Mint Museum Uptown, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has a small and spectacularly curated collection. Notably is what I believe to be a bronze statue on an outside landing that overlooks the city.
- I Fall In Love Too Easily by Chet Baker
- Bookstore Girl by Charlie Burg
- Once Upon a Dream by Emile Pandolfi
Mint Museum Uptown (Charlotte)
The Mint Museum (Uptown) is a newer visit for me, but it was love at first sight. My partner and I enjoy going to new museums, and The Mint offered an extensive amount of pieces in a beautiful building. We got to see an exhibit there based on borders which was so spectacular and moving.
- The Most Beautiful Thing by Bryno Major
- Painter On His Way To Work On The Road To Tarascon by Clint Mansell
- Dog Years by Maggie Rogers
Discovery Place Museum (Charlotte)
The Discovery Place Museum was my favorite in high school. Although I have not been back in a few years, the memories of the fun interactives have stuck with me through all this time.
- The Wave by Bedouine
- A Mermaid in Lisbon by Patrick Watson and Teresa Salguiero
- Fall, Fall, Fall by Caamp
<3 dj mozzie
