Museums are a great way to learn more about the history, art and culture of the area and beyond.
New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties are home to more than a dozen museums, showcasing everything from vibrant artistry and historical architecture to the maritime history of the Cape Fear region.
Here's a list of museums located across the area that are worth a visit. Whether you're seeking fun, information, or a family-friendly outing, there's something for everyone to explore.
Cameron Art Museum
Location: 3201 S 17th Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Description: "A diverse and dynamic range of exhibitions that showcase the works of both established and emerging artists from around the world," according to its webpage.
Museum of the Bizarre
Location: 201 South Water Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Summer daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Winter daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Description: Anything "strange, weird, unusual, or a collectible oddity" can be found here, according to its webpage.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Location: 505 Nutt Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Description: Guests can learn more about important figures in railroad history, interact with custom train tables and more.
Bellamy Mansion Museum
Location: 503 Market Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Ticket sales between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
Description: The museum is "dedicated to interpreting the social and architectural history of the Bellamy Mansion and promoting a greater understanding of historic preservation, architectural history and restoration methods in North Carolina," according to its webpage.
Burgwin-Wright Museum House
Location: 224 Market Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Description: One of five colonial sites left in Wilmington, the Burgwin-Wright Museum highlights "unique architectural features and focus on the stories of the people who lived and worked on the property."
Cape Fear Museum
Location: 814 Market Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Description: The museum contains collections related to the history and more of the Cape Fear region.
Latimer House Museum
Location: 126 South Third Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Description: Built in the early 1850s, this home is "a treasured cornerstone of Wilmington’s rich historical legacy," according to the Latimer House webpage.
The Children's Museum of Wilmington
Location: 116 Orange Street, Wilmington.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays during Winter hours.
Description: The Children's Museum of Wilmington provides hands-on interactive exhibits for children up to the age of 10.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
Location: 303 West Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach.
Hours: Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Description: This museum tells "the story of Wrightsville Beach through the years and across a range of experiences," according to its webpage.
North Carolina Military History Museum
Location: 123 Riverfront Road, Kure Beach.
Hours: Varying by month.
Description: This museum features artifacts that highlight North Carolina's military past including uniforms, weapons, and equipment.
Battleship North Carolina
Location: 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington.
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Description: This American battleship served during World War II and has resided across from downtown Wilmington for more than 50 years.
Brunswick County
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Location: 204 East Moore Street, Southport.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Description: The mission of this museum is to "to collect, preserve, and interpret material culture pertinent to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region," according to its webpage.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Location: 21 East 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach.
Hours: Spring hours Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Description: This natural history museum includes a touch tank, life-size animal models, and other environmental exhibits.
Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
Location: 318 East Nash Street, Southport.
Hours: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. from June through August.
Description: Originally built in 1904, according to its webpage, the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum has since been renovated in order to "restore this important piece of Southport history."
Fort Johnston-Southport Museum
Location: 203 East Bay Street, Southport.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Description: This museum and visitor's center showcases the history and culture of Southport.
Sunset Beach Swing Bridge and Museum
Location: 109 Shoreline Drive W., Sunset Beach.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Description: This museum invites guests to look back at when a one-lane swing bridge was once used to get across to the Brunswick town.
Pender County
Penderlea Homestead Museum
Location: 284 Garden Road, Willard.
Hours: Saturday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Description: Learn more about the history of Penderlea Homestead Farms at this museum located in northwest Pender County.
Pender County Museum
Location: 200 West Bridges Street, Burgaw.
Hours: Thursday and Friday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Description: Pender County Museum is preserving history "contains a collection of World War II relics, clothes from decades past, medical antiques and much more," according to Visit NC.
Missiles & More Museum
Location: 720 Channel Boulevard, Topsail Beach.
Hours: Varying by month.
Description: Built in 1946, the building once "was used by the government to assemble missiles for a secret missile operation being conducted on Topsail Island," according to its webpage.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Museums located in Wilmington, NC
