Preserving Raleigh's past for its future

Visit the City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum) on downtown Raleigh's Fayetteville St. This gem of a museum examines and interprets the history and heritage of our great city with the goal of “preserving Raleigh’s past for its future.”

Located in the historic 1874 Briggs Building, the structure retains many of its original features, including the tin ceiling in the museum gallery. The space is small and gives visitors the opportunity to really spend time with each of the exhibits, up close and personal.

While you’re there you can experience Let Us March On: Journey Towards Civil Rights. This powerful exhibit explores the period between the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s as Raleigh struggled on its difficult journey towards racial equality along with the rest of the country.

COR Museum

Another enlightening exhibit, Our War: Voices of Raleigh’s World War II Veterans, tells the tale of Raleigh residents who went to war and had vastly different experiences in the same conflict. By sharing their stories, these veterans give us a revealing look at what it was like to grow up in '30s/40s Raleigh and leave for war.

R3: Raleigh Then, Raleigh Now, Raleigh Next uncovers 200 years of Raleigh’s history with fascinating artifacts and images. Interactive kiosks provide visitors with a fun and challenging way to explore photographs from Raleigh’s past.

COR Museum

Other exhibits are constantly being updated. Topics covered range from local politics to the history of Raleigh maps to the area’s vibrant Indian community.

Featured exhibits are constantly being updated. Topics covered range from local politics to the area’s vibrant Indian community to the history of Raleigh's music scene. Check out current exhibits, here.

For visitors looking for something uniquely Raleigh to take home, the Museum Store offers a selection of one-of-a-kind Raleigh gifts including items from local artisans. Pick up a mouth-watering piece of Videri Chocolate or a bag of specialty coffee from the Raleigh Coffee Company.

COR Museum

Admission is free, but you are welcome to place a recommended donation of $5 for adults in the donation box located in the gift shop. Group tours available with notice.

Get more details, including museum hours, here.

After exploring the COR Museum, head over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of History, just a short walk down Fayetteville St. and past the North Carolina State Capitol. (Both have free admission!)