Car enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Porsche exhibition, going on now through Jan. 20, 2014. Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed explores the history and development of the Porsche lineage from the 1930s to present day, helping define it as a premier international vehicle known for style, innovation and artistry.

ImageNorth Carolina Museum of Art’s exhibition accentuates rare automobiles, their innate beauty, aerodynamic design and engineering genius. Visitors can get up close and personal with 22 automobiles, including those owned by Ralph Lauren, Steve McQueen, Miles Collier, Janis Joplin, as well as the one-of-a-kind Panamericana concept car on loan from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

ImagePerhaps the exhibit’s opening panel says it best: “Like no other automotive dynasty, Porsche has a history of familial talent working closely with dedicated engineers, designers, technicians, and racers who continue to push the leading edge of performance technology and design excellence over generations. Porsche cars enthrall and reward all who are fortunate enough to drive them. They continuously compete against the world’s best–and win.”

P1140926If you have family in town for the holidays, take this opportunity to spend some time together exploring the museum’s first-ever design show. Or, if the ladies of the house want to tackle some Black Friday shopping, the gents can enjoy the Porsche displays, timeline and video theater. And if you’re feeling particularly lucky, enter for a chance to win visitRaleigh's Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed Full-Throttle Fun Weekend Sweepstakes. The prize includes two tickets to the exhibition, an official exhibition book and a weekend night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Crabtree.

P1140927The exhibition is on display in the East Building (except for the Joplin car), Meymandi Exhibition Gallery. Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs., 10am-5pm; Fri. 10am-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-5pm. Closed Mon. Tickets are $18 per adult; $15 seniors (65+), military, college students with ID and groups of 10 or more; $12 youth (seven to 18); Free for children six and under, college students with ID on Fri., 5-9pm and members during their first visit. Acoustiguide Audio Tours are available for $5.