The North Carolina Museum of Art - Re-opened in April, 2010, the NCMOA is a $140 million dollar museum. Yes, $140 million. Having spent some time recently at the National Museum in London, the Louvre, and the Orsey....Raleigh is on the map, and then some.

Also, as a former volunteer Chair and Vice Chair for the Greensboro United Arts Council, I love art. I can't do art, but I love it. If I were to make trip plans, I'd go to Raleigh over all the above, with the exception of the Orsay (the Orsay is the gold standard for the world). I'd pick Raleigh 2nd, primarily because of the museum itself. While the artwork in the museum is stunning, the way the building is situated (all one story, the Orsay is 7 stories, ouch!) and the fact that there aren't 500 people waiting in line are two of the reasons I'd choose Raleigh.

Of course, the cost is obviously cheaper than flying to Paris. No other museum (outside of NYC) comes close to this one (the Metropolitan Museum of Art is nothing to sneeze at). If you haven't been, haven't joined, and haven't participated in this experience, please set time aside to do so. Simply a cornicopia of scenic indulgence. I mean who would ever be comparing a museum to the Orsey, the Met, and such.

While I was there I overheard people speaking in German, another family speaking in French, welcome to the world's 2nd best overall museum. The only disappointment was that there were no Van Goghs. I also went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam...which, for me was huge. I prefer Van Gogh to Monet. So, if you do too, you'd better book your trip. Lastly, check out www.bikearoundraleigh.com if you want to do an all day picnic - bike ride - museum trip. Raleigh was smart enough to put bike paths close to the museum. Absolutely stunning. A feast for the senses. Don't under-estimate the experience, bring some hankies.

http://ncartmuseum.org/interim/home.php