Preserving Raleigh's past for its future
Visit the City of Raleigh Museum (COR Museum) on downtown Raleigh's Fayetteville Street. 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 Hello! We are Raleigh. The exhibit features objects, photographs and stories that show you where we came from, reveal how we lived and tell us who we are today. Discover the deep roots of the City of Oaks and share in its future.
Another enlightening exhibit, The People’s Politics - Local Democracy in Raleigh, asks the questions: How does local government affect you? Does your opinion matter? Can you make a difference? This exhibit tells the story of City government and democracy at a local level, from the election of Raleigh’s first mayor in 1795 to issues facing current and future mayors. Visitors have the opportunity to examine significant decisions from Raleigh’s past and cast their vote on current challenges facing citizens and leaders of our growing City.
Additional rotating exhibits are constantly being updated. Topics covered feature the many different people, places, communities and stories that make our city special.
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. The store features a selection of postcards, stickers, T-shirts, mugs, local history books and more. Make the Museum Store your destination for unique Raleigh-related items!
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. Information about field trips can be found here.
Get more details, including museum hours, here.
After exploring the COR Museum, head over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina State Capitol, just a short walk down Fayetteville Street (both have free admission!).
