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Raleigh Attractions

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences © Photo courtesy Greater Raleigh CVB/VisitRaleigh.com

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has recreated a series of natural environments, complete with living animals and a 20-foot-high (6m) waterfall, through which visitors can walk and discover North Carolina's diverse geography, geology, plants and animals. The museum is also home to Willo, a 66-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, the only one in the world with a fossilized heart. Other dinosaurs are also on display, as is one of the world's finest great whale skeletons. The Afro Café serves tasty breakfasts and lunches.

Address: 11 W. Jones St; Website: www.naturalsciences.org; Telephone: (919) 733 7450; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Admission: Free, although some special exhibits may require fees

Artspace

Artspace is a pioneering visual arts centre that allows the public to become part of the creative process. As the heart of Raleigh's arts community, Artspace stages countless challenging and award-winning exhibitions, workshops, outreach programs and public events each year. Its unique open studio environment enables artists to collaborate with one another and with visitors. Today, it is the second-largest open studio space in the country.

Address: 201 E. Davie St; Website: www.artspacenc.org; Telephone: (919) 821 2787; Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Admission: Free

North Carolina Museum of Art © Photo courtesy Greater Raleigh CVB/VisitRaleigh.com

North Carolina Museum of Art

The collection at the North Carolina Museum of Art spans 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to present day. Ancient pieces include Greek and Roman sculptures and vases, but it is the European collection that is internationally celebrated. This includes significant works from the Renaissance through impressionism periods by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Monet. American art, however, is certainly not neglected. The museum has a range of 18th and 19th century American works as well as modern art by major contemporary artists. The museum shop offers books, posters and other art-related merchandise, while the Blue Ridge restaurant, overlooking the lush grounds scattered with sculptures, serves delicious lunches.

Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd; Website: www.ncartmuseum.org; Telephone: (919) 839 6262; Opening time: Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday 9am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 9pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm; Admission: Free, although some special exhibits require fees