11 Must-Visit Museums In Winston-Salem for History, Art, and Family Fun

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Think Winston-Salem is just tobacco and textiles? Think again. This vibrant North Carolina city is home to a surprisingly rich collection of museums, each one offering a unique window into local history, innovation, and creativity. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or just looking for something new to explore, the museums in Winston-Salem deliver everything from hands-on science exhibits to 18th-century villages, classic cars, and contemporary art.

In this guide, you’ll find the best museums in Winston-Salem, complete with hours, admission info, and local tips, so you can make the most of your visit, no matter your interest or itinerary.

The 10 Best Museums in Winston-Salem – From Cowboys to Contemporary Art

Winston-Salem is a city where tradition meets innovation, and its museum scene reflects that perfectly. Whether you’re in the mood for hands-on science, American masterpieces, frontier legends, or architectural oddities, these ten standout museums offer something for every kind of explorer.

From the quirky and unexpected to the refined and thought-provoking, here are the 10 best museums in Winston-Salem you won’t want to miss.

Historical Landmarks & Architecture

Step back in time with Winston-Salem’s most iconic historical landmarks and architectural wonders. These sites reveal the city’s layered past and cultural richness, from the earliest European settlements to meticulously preserved Victorian mansions.

Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about North Carolina’s roots, these destinations offer immersive, educational experiences you won’t want to miss.

Be sure to stop and see the two historical landmarks along your route:

1. The Old Salem Teapot, 400S. Main Street, Winston-Salem, near Old Salem.
2. The Last Shell Oil Company Clamshell Station, 1111E. Sprague Street, Winston-Salem. It’s not operational, but it’s well worth a look.

1. Bethabara Park – First European Settlement in the Area

• Address: 2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-924-8191
• Website

Bethabara Park is the site of the first European settlement in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, established by Moravian settlers in 1754. Today, the park spans 183 acres and offers a rich blend of history, archaeology, and natural beauty. It’s an ideal destination for anyone interested in early American life, religious history, or simply a scenic place to walk and learn.

Why visit: Wander through the reconstructed 1753 Moravian village and gardens, then enjoy a peaceful riverside picnic by the restored cemetery and spring house.

5 Must-See Attractions at Bethabara Park

Bethabara is more than just a historic site. It’s a living museum. Visitors can explore:

1. Visitor Center – When open, the Visitor Center features an introductory video that provides historical context about the park. Inside, you’ll also find a gift shop offering handcrafted goods made by regional artisans. These items reflect trades once practiced in Bethabara during the late 1700s.
2. Historic Structures and Tours – Guided tours are available for two restored buildings: the Gemeinhaus Church and the Log House. These tours offer insights into Moravian daily life and religious practices.
3. Archaeological Sites – There are more than 40 stabilized archaeological ruins throughout the park. Many are labeled with interpretive signage to help visitors understand their significance.
4. Gardens – The park maintains several gardens, including a recreated community garden and a medicinal herb garden, modeled after those used in the 18th century.
5. Trails and Wildlife – With miles of walking paths, wetlands, and birdwatching opportunities, the park is also a peaceful escape for nature lovers.

Hours and Admission

Here’s what to know before you go!

Visitor Center

• Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
• Closed Mondays, Easter, Juneteenth, Thanksgiving Day, and from mid-December through April 1. Weekend hours are observed from January through March.

Park Grounds

• Open daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk
• Admission to the park grounds is free

Guided Tours

• $4 for adults
• $1 for students and children over age 3

Insider Tip: For the best experience, plan your visit in spring or fall. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and explore the trails beyond the historic core; you’ll likely spot native birds and other wildlife.

2. Körner’s Folly – A Home Like No Other

• Address: 413 S. Main Street, Kernersville, NC
• Phone: 336-996-7922
• Website

Körner’s Folly is one of the most unique house museums in America. The home was built in 1880 by artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner. With its maze-like layout, narrow staircases, and eclectic décor, the home was originally created as a living portfolio to showcase Körner’s interior design work. Today, it stands as a bizarre and beautiful monument to Victorian creativity.

5 Fascinating Features That Make Körner’s Folly One-of-a-Kind

1. 22 Eclectic Rooms – Wander through elaborately decorated rooms—each with different ceiling heights, ornamental woodwork, and personal design flair.
2. Theater on the Third Floor – See the Cupid’s Park Theater, a small stage originally built for children’s performances—the first of its kind in a private home.
3. Original Furniture and Murals – View many original pieces and hand-painted wall murals that give you a true sense of the home’s artistic personality.
4. Self-Guided Tours – Take your time exploring with informational placards in each room. No reservation is required.
5. Scavenger Hunts and Holiday Magic – Kids can request a scavenger hunt activity, and in December, the entire house is decorated for the holidays—one of the most magical times to visit.

Hours and Admission

• Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
• (Last admission at 3:00 pm)

Tickets

• Adults: $12 + tax
• Children (ages 6–18): $6 + tax
• Under 6: Free
• Purchase online or at Aunt Dealy’s Cottage next to the parking lot
• Group guided tours available by reservation

Visitor Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and avoid heels—stairs are steep, and doorways are narrow. Most visitors take 60–90 minutes to tour the whole house. Though beautiful to visit all year, Körner’s Folly is incredible at Christmas time when decorated for the holidays.

3. Old Salem Museums and Gardens – Step Into 18th-Century Life

• Address: Old Salem Visitor Center 900 Old Salem Rd,. Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-721-7350
• Website

Old Salem is a meticulously preserved historic Moravian settlement where you can experience 18th- and 19th-century life through architecture, gardens, trades, and reenactments. This walkable historic district blends immersive history with hands-on learning and Southern charm.

5 Immersive Experiences That Bring Old Salem to Life

Open Wednesday–Saturday year-round (closed January and holidays)

1. Living History – Interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional trades like blacksmithing, baking, pottery, and joinery across restored buildings.
2. Ticketed Buildings and Exhibits – Access key historical buildings like the Single Brothers’ House, St. Philips African Moravian Church, Doctor’s House, and the Boy’s School with an All-In-One or 2-Stop ticket.
3. Winkler Bakery and Muddy Creek Café – Enjoy fresh-baked Moravian sugar cake at Winkler’s Bakery (no ticket needed) or grab lunch at the charming on-site café.
4. Frank L. Horton Museum Center – Don’t miss this gallery space included with your ticket, which houses the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), which features furniture, ceramics, needlework, and more.
5. Special Events and Seasonal Decor – Holiday candlelight tours, spring garden events, and fall harvest celebrations make each visit unique.

Hours and Admission

Tickets are required for entry to most of the buildings in Old Salem, including Timothy Volger Gun Shop, St. Philips African Moravian Church, Blum House Joinery, Potter’s workshop at T. Bagge, Single Brother’s House, Boy’s School, Miksch Hosue and Gardens, Doctor’s House, Seed Saving Lab. Winkler’s Bakery and Muddy Creek Cafe do not require tickets.

All-In-One Ticket (Feb–Nov):

• $27 Adults
• $13 Students or Children (undergraduate students must show ID)
• Free for children under 3

All-In-One Tickets allow visitors a self-guided tour of all open venues in the Historic Town of Salem with the hands-on learning experience of living history and historic trade demonstrations and access to the self-guided galleries in the Frank L. Horton Museum Center (including The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts).

2-Stop Ticket (Feb–Nov):

• $18 Adults
• $9 Students or Children
• Free for children under 3

2-Stop tickets allow visitors access to two ticketed venues, including the Frank L. Horton Museum Center. Tickets are available online or on-site at the Visitor Center and the Frank L. Horton Museum Center.

Visitor Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend at least half a day. The experience is immersive and works best when you allow time to explore multiple buildings, enjoy the gardens, and talk with interpreters.

Shotgun House In Happy Hill

• Address: 716 Humphrey Street, Winston-Salem, NC
• Contact: info@triadculturalarts.org
• Website

Built over 120 years ago, the historic Shotgun House, a designated Legacy Site, is now open to the public for tours following a 15-year restoration effort. It stands as a rare and powerful reminder of the early African American experience in Winston-Salem. The restored home features exhibits that explore the everyday lives of its former residents and the broader story of Happy Hill and Black Winston-Salem.

Interesting Facts About The Shotgun House

• These houses speak of the Black experience in the South and are a symbol of Black American Freedom
• They are very narrow, one room wide and up to three rooms deep; one room leads into the other
• Inexpensive to build, the architectural design came from Yorubaland, West Africa
• The homes have a gabled front porch to allow for entertainment and interacting with neighbors
• The name, shotgun, comes from the Yoruba word “to-gun,” which means where people gather
• The homes built on Happy Hill in Winston-Salem were all shotgun houses and formed the city’s first planned black community. Only two houses remain

Hours and Admission

• Open: Tours are available on Saturdays, July 19 through September 27, from 11am to 3pm. Tours can also be scheduled on Wednesday through Friday by appointment
• Admission: Adults – $10, Youth – $3, Children under 5 years old are free with accompanying adults

Visitor Tip: The Shotgun House is part of a growing list of immersive cultural experiences organized by Triad Cultural Arts, which also offers Black Heritage Tours throughout Winston-Salem, illuminating the city’s rich and often overlooked Black history. See the Triad Cultural Arts website for more information.

Unique & Niche Museums

Not all museums fit into neat categories, and that’s exactly what makes these next few so memorable. From vintage vehicles to cowboy legends, Winston-Salem is home to a variety of offbeat and one-of-a-kind collections that reflect the city’s quirky, creative spirit. These museums may be a little unexpected, but they offer some of the most engaging and personal stories you’ll find anywhere.

4. Cowboy Museum – A Tribute to the Golden Age of the Wild West

• Address: 807 Wrights Farm Road, Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-816-4589

If you’re a fan of classic Westerns, saddle up because the Cowboy Museum is like stepping straight into a saloon from TV’s golden age. Created from the personal collection of lifelong enthusiast Richard Evans, this museum is a labor of love and a shrine to the stars and stories that shaped the American West in film and television.

What You’ll Find Inside

The museum spans four fully themed rooms packed with Western memorabilia. Each space is filled with:

1. Framed autographs and photos from beloved actors like John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Clayton Moore (a.k.a. The Lone Ranger)
2. Life-size figures of iconic cowboys from the silver screen
3. Original movie posters, vintage signage, props, and promotional displays from the golden age of Westerns
4. TV and film screenings in a cozy viewing area where you can sit back and relive classic Western episodes and movies

Best of all, Richard Evans himself is often on hand, ready to share behind-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, and fan insights about the cowboy legends he’s spent decades honoring.

Hours and Admission

• Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Admission: Free

Visitor Tip: Take your time; there’s far more to see than meets the eye first. Each room is filled wall-to-wall with fascinating details and tributes. And don’t be shy about chatting with Mr. Evans. His stories are half the magic. This museum isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s one of the only private cowboy film collections of its kind in the Southeast, and it has drawn interest from historians and film buffs alike.

Hours and Admission

• Closed Thursday and Sunday
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 9 am-4 pm
• Free Admission

3 Myths About the Wild West – Hollywood vs. History

While you’re soaking in the cowboy memorabilia at the Cowboy Museum, take a moment to explore the real stories behind the silver screen myths. Many of the images we associate with the “Wild West” are more fiction than fact, shaped by decades of movies and TV. These surprising insights, shared by reader Jerry Harkey and based on a Historyfacts.com article, challenge what we thought we knew.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. The Hats Weren’t What You Think – Forget the wide-brimmed Stetsons. In reality, most cowboys wore derby or bowler hats; they were snug, practical, and far less likely to blow off while riding. Even famous outlaws like Butch Cassidy, Billy the Kid, and Black Bart sported bowlers, not cowboy hats.
2. The West Was Far More Diverse – On-screen, cowboys are almost always white. But history tells a very different story. At least one in four cowboys were Black, many of them formerly enslaved people who found new opportunities in the West. In addition, Mexican vaqueros heavily influenced cowboy culture, introducing techniques and traditions that shaped ranching across the U.S.
3. Cowboy Culture Didn’t Start in the U.S. – The cowboy way of life actually began with Spanish colonists in the Americas. Their style of herding and horsemanship was passed down through generations of Mexican ranchers long before it reached U.S. soil. By the late 1800s, as many as one in three cowboys were Mexican—a fact often overlooked in popular media.

Why It Matters

These myths aren’t just fun trivia. They’re reminders that the real West was more diverse, more complex, and less glamorous than Hollywood ever showed us. The Cowboy Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore both the fantasy and the facts side by side.

5. Kernersville Auto Museum – A Century of Cars in Motion

• Address: 204 Holly Tree Drive, Kernersville, NC
• Phone: 336-414-4072
• Website

Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or just love a dose of nostalgia, the Kernersville Auto Museum delivers a unique showcase of America’s motoring history. With rotating exhibits and an impressive collection that spans over 100 years, this museum bridges generations through automotive design and innovation.

5 Reasons Car Lovers Shouldn’t Miss This Museum

1. Vintage and Classic Cars: View meticulously maintained vehicles from the early 1900s through the muscle car era.
2. Exotic and Rare Models: Catch limited-production and imported cars that aren’t seen every day—even at most car shows.
3. Evolving Exhibits: The museum regularly rotates vehicles, offering something new each visit.
4. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Exhibits are approachable and ideal for visitors of all ages, from kids who love fast cars to grandparents reliving their youth.
5. Community-Oriented Space: Operated as a nonprofit, this museum thrives on donations and community support, making it a labor of love for auto history.

Hours and Admission

• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
• Sunday: 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
• Admission: No fee, but donations are appreciated

Visitor Tip: Ask about special event days—classic car meetups and themed weekends often include guided tours and local food trucks.

Kids & Science

Winston-Salem isn’t just rich in history, it’s also a city where young minds can run wild with curiosity.

6. Kaleideum Children’s Science Museum – Where Learning Meets Wonder for All Ages

• Address: 120 W 3rd Street, Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-767-6730
• Website

Kaleideum blends science, art, and play to create a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for children and families. With interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and programming tailored for every age, this modern children’s science museum is a hub for curiosity and creativity.

4 Ways Kaleideum Brings Learning to Life for Curious Kids

1. Interactive Exhibit Zones – Explore themed areas like By Design, In Motion, Our Nature, and Wonders of Water. Each encourages tactile learning and scientific discovery.
2. Digital Dome Shows – Enjoy immersive experiences in the state-of-the-art digital dome featuring shows about astronomy, biology, and natural wonders.
3. Rooftop Adventure – Get outdoors with a multi-level play area where kids can climb, slide, and explore high above the city.
4. Hands-On Programs – Join in on scheduled activities like Little Innovators, Wonder Lab, and Animal Encounters, led by trained educators.

Membership Perks

Annual memberships offer free admission, exclusive hours, and discounts on camps and events.

Hours and Admission

School Year (After Labor Day–Memorial Day)

• Monday: 9 am-Noon (Members only*)
• Closed Monday
• Tuesday–Friday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Summer Hours (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

• Monday–Friday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Admission

• Adults: $15
• Youth (ages 1–19): $12
• Seniors: $13
• Children under 11 months, Members, and Educators (with valid ID): Free
• EBT Cardholders: $3 per person
• Military: $2 off during the school year
• Special homeschool rates are available

Visitor Tip: The digital dome shows are NOT included in admission and can fill up fast. Get tickets when you arrive and plan around showtimes. See our Kaleideum article for more information.

Art & Culture

For those drawn to creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural expression, Winston-Salem delivers in full color. Known as the “City of Arts and Innovation,” it offers museums that celebrate American art, global heritage, and contemporary voices. Whether you’re looking to explore thought-provoking exhibits or admire centuries-old masterpieces, these cultural gems provide inspiration at every turn.

7. Lam Museum of Anthropology, Wake Forest University – A World of Cultures in One Place

• Address: Wake Forest University, Palmer Residence Hall Carroll Weathers Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-758-5282
• Website

The Lam Museum of Anthropology offers a fascinating look at human history through everyday objects, ceremonial artifacts, and cultural traditions. As North Carolina’s only museum dedicated to global cultures, this university-affiliated space provides a unique educational experience for all ages.

5 Global Insights You’ll Discover at the Lam Museum

1. Global Cultural Exhibits – Explore collections from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Artifacts include ceremonial masks, pottery, textiles, tools, and religious objects.
2. Rotating Exhibitions – Themed exhibits change several times a year, often exploring timely topics such as migration, food, or identity.
3. Hands-On Learning Areas – Kids and students can engage with interactive learning stations that make anthropology approachable and fun.
4. University Ties -Wake Forest students help curate and research exhibits, bringing current academic insight into each display.
5. Small But Insightful – The museum is compact but densely informative—perfect for a quick educational outing or part of a campus visit.

Hours and Admission

• Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 am–4:30 pm
• Closed Sunday & Monday

Admission: Free

• Donations are appreciated and help support educational programming

Visitor Tip: Check the website for public lectures, exhibit openings, and family activity days. It’s a quiet, enriching experience best paired with a visit to Reynolda Gardens nearby.

8. North Carolina Museum Of Art (Formerly SECCA) – Contemporary Art in a Cultural Hotspot

• Address: 750 Marguerite Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-725-1904
• Website

A local hub for creative expression, the North Carolina Museum of Art (formerly SECCA) is dedicated to showcasing the work of regional, national, and international contemporary artists. Its exhibitions push boundaries, inspire thought, and reflect the diverse communities of the Southeast.

5 Ways This Modern Art Museum Redefines Creativity in the South

1. Rotating Contemporary Exhibitions: From digital art to sculpture, photography to performance pieces—each exhibit is carefully curated to spotlight bold artistic voices.
2. Immersive Installations: Large-scale and interactive pieces offer visitors a full sensory experience that challenges traditional art viewing.
3. Performances and Events: Attend live music, artist talks, film screenings, or cultural workshops throughout the year.
4. Artist-Focused Programs: The museum frequently features emerging and underrepresented artists, offering fresh perspectives you won’t find in major institutions.
5. Welcoming Community Space: With a modern design and peaceful ambiance, it’s a relaxing place to reflect, learn, and engage with contemporary culture.

Hours and Admission

• Wednesday & Friday: 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
• Thursday: 1:00 pm–8:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
• Closed Monday, Tuesday, and major holidays
• Admission: Free

Visitor Tip: Visit on Thursday evenings for extended hours and special programming. Many exhibits rotate seasonally, so it’s worth coming back more than once.

9. Reynolda House Museum of American Art – A Masterpiece of Art and Architecture

• Address: 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-758-5150
• Website

Originally the 1917 estate of Katharine and R.J. Reynolds, founders of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art is more than a mansion, it’s a nationally acclaimed museum that merges fine art, architecture, and gardens into one unforgettable experience.

Top 4 Things to Experience at Reynolda House

1. American Art Collection – View an impressive permanent collection featuring works by Mary Cassatt, Grant Wood, Frederic Church, and other iconic American artists.
2. The Historic Estate – Explore 64 beautifully preserved rooms, including formal salons, a squash court, sleeping porches, and an indoor swimming pool—each offering a window into Gilded Age life.
3. Rotating Exhibitions – Catch thoughtfully curated shows that bring new voices and perspectives into conversation with Reynolda’s classic collection.
4. Gardens and Grounds – Stroll through the Reynolda Gardens, open year-round, with walking paths, seasonal blooms, and peaceful greenhouses.

Hours and Admission

• Tuesday–Saturday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
• Sunday: 1:30 pm–4:30 pm
• Closed the month of January and major holidays
• Gardens: Open daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk

Admission

• General: $18
• Free for: Ages 18 and under, WFU faculty/staff/students + guests, veterans, EBT cardholders (plus 3 guests), and Forsyth County library cardholders (passes sponsored by Wells Fargo)

Visitor Tip: Pair your museum visit with lunch or shopping in adjacent Reynolda Village—a charming historic district filled with boutiques and cafés.

A Favorite Local Escape: Art, Nature, and a Donut Stop

Reynolda House is my favorite museum, primarily because it’s so close to where we live. We frequent the exhibits regularly, enjoy a stroll along the naturous grounds, and then head to Dough-Joes for donuts and coffee or Theodore’s for a sandwich and beverage.

– Alex Schenker, Website Co-Founder

10. Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts – Where Visual, Performing, and Community Arts Converge

• Address: 251 N Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC
• Phone: 336-725-8916
• Website

Located in the heart of downtown, the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts is more than just a museum—it’s a thriving hub for visual and performing arts. Home to the Sawtooth School for Visual Art, Hanesbrands Theatre, and rotating exhibits in the Main Gallery, it offers a dynamic experience for art lovers, performers, and curious visitors alike.

5 Ways Milton Rhodes Center Connects You to Winston-Salem’s Creative Pulse

1. Gallery Exhibitions – Explore regularly rotating art shows featuring local, regional, and national artists in a beautifully curated, contemporary space. Many exhibits are free and open to the public.
2. Hanesbrands Theatre Performances – Catch a live performance—from stage plays and spoken word to indie films, dance shows, and concerts. The theater is intimate and professionally equipped, hosting both touring acts and local productions.
3. Art Workshops and Classes – Through the Sawtooth School for Visual Art, the center offers hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, woodworking, glass, and more, which are available for both adults and children.
4. Public Events and Festivals – Milton Rhodes regularly hosts gallery openings, First Friday events, cultural festivals, and artist talks—making it one of the city’s most active cultural venues.
5. Creative Community Atmosphere – Whether you’re attending a performance or browsing a gallery, the center cultivates a welcoming, open atmosphere that celebrates Winston-Salem’s identity as the City of Arts and Innovation.

Hours and Admission

Gallery hours and theater events vary—visit the website for current exhibit and performance schedules. Admission to galleries is typically free. Event tickets are priced per performance.

Visitor Tip: Visit during First Friday Gallery Hop evenings when the center is buzzing with activity, open studios, and new exhibit openings, often with refreshments and live music.

Keep the Curiosity Going: Explore The Best Winston-Salem Art Galleries?

Experiencing and learning are for all ages, and we should never stop doing either. A visit to a museum is not only engaging at the moment but opens up a conversation after the visit. Winston-Salem’s vibrant art scene offers plenty more to discover, with local galleries showcasing bold new work, community creativity, and rotating exhibits that change with the seasons. Whether you’re a casual observer or an avid collector, taking the time to visit an art gallery or the Downtown Arts District adds a deeper layer to your cultural experience. You can also get to know local merchants by visiting these vendor markets while out and about.

What museum did you enjoy visiting the most? Let us know in the comments!