The Cameron Art Museum (CAM) is located in Wilmington, NC. The museum has a free parking lot, but there is an admission fee if you are not a member or do not have museum reciprocity. The building itself is 42,000 square feet and features a neat architectural design. Charles Gwathmey designed it so that natural light floods into the space, which is a really nice touch. CAM houses a beautiful permanent collection and frequently rotates its exhibits, so each visit offers something new. The first painting I saw during this visit was by Elliott Daingerfield, whom I was already familiar with from the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Female artists are also heavily displayed here, well above the national 11% average seen in most museums. Mary Cassatt, Minnie Evans, Maud Gatewood, Judy Chicago, Elizabeth Darrow, and Fritzi Huber are just a few of the prominent names I remember seeing. The Andy Warhol: Silver Clouds room installation was absolutely mesmerizing. I didn't expect to like it and almost didn't go inside. It seemed a bit weird with the large, pillow-like metallic balloons floating around, but once I was actually inside the room, I didn't want to leave. It was incredibly peaceful watching them float and move, and just standing there being gently tapped by them as they drifted was a truly unique experience. While I wasn't quite as crazy about the other exhibit, "Fresh Air" inflatable sculptures exhibition, they were large and made for a quick stop. But that is the beauty of art--some works deeply appeal to you, and others not so much. Outside the building, there are nature trails and a sculpture park to explore. The museum grounds are historically located where the Civil War Battle of Forks Road took place. There is a monument called "Boundless" by artist Stephen Hayes to honor the US Colored Troops who fought on this exact property. This installation sits just a few steps away from the parking lot, so make sure to check it out before you head inside or after your visit. The CAM Café is also located right inside the museum layout, as well as an excellent gallery gift shop with locally made items. read more

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This is an amazing art museum! We visited the Andy Warhol exhibit, "Silver Clouds," along with the Jonathan Green exhibit and the inflatable sculptures. The outdoor sculptures were fun to look for, and we finally spotted the last one as we were leaving in the car. read more

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I really enjoyed this museum. The staff was so nice and friendly. Everything was explained to us...price, exhibits, food, and other great information. The art was displayed very nicely throughout the gallery. I really enjoyed viewing the art and reading a little bit about each piece. There were pieces that were displayed outside as well. This was my 2nd time visiting and will continue to visit each time that I am in Wilmington. read more

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Outstanding museum with large selection of North Carolina and international artists. Displays are excellent. Special exhibit with a glass artist was featured. Cafe and sculpture garden were outstanding. Staff were very helpful! Most highly recommended! read more

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I had a wonderful vegan lunch in the cafe! It was a work of art, in itself; the hummus platter. I took a new resident there, & showed her the work of well known local artists Minnie Evans & Claude Lowell. read more

Cameron Art Museum - Tomato basil Quiche - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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There is great art to be found outside of New York and Washington. The Cameron proves it! Mary Cassatt, Ellsworth Kelly, Joan Miró, Marc Chagall and others. I recognized an Alexander Calder mobile as well. There were some temporary exhibits that were interesting. i had no idea that there was such artistry and talent involved in making duck decoys. Yes, that's a thing. And the "Flying School" (Ecol d'aviation) was pretty neat with the motor driven sounds and umbrellas. [Review 18875 overall - 3360 in North Carolina - 2398 of 2022.] read more

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This was the second time I visited this modern art museum; my DH's first. We were with friends and had brunch before checking out the various art work. It's not a huge museum but there was plenty to see. I'm not into a lot of modern art, but there were some things I really liked. I was most interested in Minnie Evan's work. I didn't know anything about her and read about her after I got home. She was born in Long Creek, NC and passed away in Wilmington. This, for me, makes seeing her work more special - a local artist! Her work is quite colorful but also quite strange and unique. Google her, as I'm sure you will find her history very interesting. I saw paintings by Miro, Warhol, and Dali. There were other works on display, some that were weird. There's a dark room that had umbrellas that were attached to accordion type machines that opened and closed the umbrellas, along with really weird music. In one room there were some beautiful Mardi Gras costumes. Also on display were duck decoys. The one thing we didn't like about the place was the lack of information or story about the artists that were featured (such as Minnie Evans). Or did we miss seeing the information? This is definitely a place I'll return to, as I want to learn more about different artists; and maybe I'll become a member. read more

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A perfect rainy Sunday at this lovely place! They have a diverse selection of unique art work. I'll admit, upon entering the main art showcase room; my visual senses were immediately overwhelmed...beautiful art was everywhere! A small and quaint gem in Whilmington that every art lover will appreciate! read more

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What a gem we have in this beautiful museum! They have great exhibits here and even live music. They offer military discounts which is wonderful. It only takes about an hour to walk through the exhibits inside, and save time to walk outside at their traveling art displays. I went to see Mary Cassatt's paintings but found so much more here! During our visit, they had the sculpture of The United States Colored Troops from the Civil War and I could have spent an hour just looking at the details of it. Simply amazing! I used to teach about this and there's a few photos I would use, and seeing it in sculpture form was an experience. They also had part of the AIDS quilt on display and having been a teenager during that time, I vividly remember that terrible time in our lives. Seeing them gave me chills. Anyway! We are so fortunate to have this museum here and I will be returning! read more

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Yes, I am "that guy". The unsophisticated goober who doesn't appreciate modern art. There are some things here that are really cool, and many others that make you think "WTF am I looking at?". This is not a large museum but they do have a lot of art on display. If I remember correctly, there are three or four wings of the building. In the middle of the building they have a dining area that sells food. Don't miss the art outside, also with the walking trails. The entry price for non-members wasn't bad. Just over $10 a person when we went. The museum does take Apply Pay. Now to the art. Like I said in the beginning, I am not a huge fan of modern art. Some of the art is very cool. However others had me thinking, "I hope they didn't pay money for this.". Example, a ~ 20 foot long display of white business shirts, with an iron at one end. What the hell was that? A picture of a circle inside a square. So modern art isn't for everyone. There are enough interesting pieces to come see at least once. If you are into modern art then you will love this place. read more

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Cute small art museum and sculpture garden. There are three main exhibit rooms. An exceptional rotating art show. We enjoyed all the exhibits learning about new cultures. The cafe offered goof brunch food. Reservations definitely needed. The gift shop had fun artsy items to buy. We saw the Minnie Evans Gate house in the sculpture garden. A must-see for all. read more

Cameron Art Museum - Print in the gate house - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

If you are a student please go here!!! It's completely free!!! Everyone who works here is so nice and so lovely! They all were so helpful and encouraged us to come back while we were checking in! They kept on giving us recommendations and sharing cute little stories with us when we were looking at the gift shop. Truly warmed my heart! When I went, they exhibition they were showing was art submitted by the community so each piece of art had a story attached to it and it was an experience that exposed me to so many beautiful pieces and was inspiring to witness in person. I wished it was larger because they only had one room open when I went but I think they added some more pieces since I went a couple months back. They also had an outdoor section that I did not get to view due to it raining but I will definitely be coming back to see their new collection and can't wait for their future exhibitions! read more

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The Cameron is one of Wilmington's best kept secrets. I'm not sure why, but so many people I've spoken to have never visited, and many others don't even know it exists. Today was our fourth visit, but this time it was for brunch. The restaurant is situated in what appears to be the middle of the museum, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It was too cold to take advantage of the outdoor seating, but I made a myself a mental note to return when the weather warms up. We started with traditional mimosas, then moved on to quiche for me and corned beef hash for hubby. Both were excellent...mine bring creamy with the right amount of bacon and cheese, and hubby's was a lighter, fresher version of the corned beef which he enjoyed. The sides of fruit were a welcome treat, with all the offerings being perfectly ripe and sweet. Other menu items included but were not limited to French toast, hamburger, omelette and shrimp and grits. The next time you want a little break from the mundane and you're hungry, feed your tummy and your soul with a visit to Cameron. read more

Cameron Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I attended to free community event on Nov 13th & 14th Celebrating Community + History at Cameron Art Museum at the unveiling of Stephen Hayes's new outdoor public sculpture, "Boundless " which commemorates the heroism of the United States Colored Troops. This amazing sculpture pays tribute to the 1,600 Black Civil War soldiers, some formerly enslaved, who fought on the site where the museum is located and helped liberate Wilmington from the Confederacy and end the war. This 2 day community celebration featured speakers, music, living history, food trucks, family activities, and free admission to the museum. It was my first time here and I thought the staff was nice and knowledgeable, the museum showed diverse works and it was a great experience Also new is a gallery exhibit Voices of Future Past also by Hayes (who is also professor at Duke University in Durham) featuring powerful works like "Five Pounds," which is a series of disembodied hands reaching out of shiny, metallic backgrounds, backgrounds that, on closer inspection, are composed of bullet shells. (Five pounds is the amount of pressure needed to fire a bullet from a gun.) See it now thru March at the museum. While there, we also opted to have Sunday Brunch at their CAM Café. I will leave a separate review for them but I will say if you have time to go your next visit to the museum, reserve for a table and enjoy! read more

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What a shame. Two rooms of cheap woke art. A third room under renovation that one can only hope has some landscapes of the area rendered with talent. It would be so easy these days for a small regional gallery like this to excel. Instead, it's a third-rate rendering of the worst ideas from the big cities. read more

I was visiting Wilmington Beach for work and had some spare time. I found the museum listed as one of the places to visit and I'm so glad I did. I really liked that I could purchase the tickets online. I did a self guided tour of the inside. It was so hot and humid outside that day so I didn't do the rounds out there. When I was leaving I spotted some of the art installations outside and I wish I had walked around a bit more. There's lots of spaces inside to walk around and the galleries have some spots to sit down and admire the art. The museum is smaller but it is still worthy of a visit. Friendly and helpful staff, clean bathroom facilities, a cafe with seating inside and out- if you need a break from the beach I'd say head here! read more

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Everything was wonderful. Love the ambiance. Dining area is bright and airy. Lovely dining area outside when weather is cool!

AMAZING DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION! Wheelchairs and walkers present for those who need them, isles wide enough for their use unlike other museums I've been to. Staff are always excellent when I come, and patrons are respectful. read more

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I visited the museum with my children and we really enjoyed our time. My favorite was the Native American costumes they were hand crafted and so beautiful. It was nice to explore art with my children and do something educational. read more

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The restaurant brunch is delicious and reasonable chef Chip Pridgen is amazing and talented. The special salmon stuffed with crab and topped with bearnaise sauce was delicious. read more

Cameron Art Museum - I - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This is a very nice art museum. The employees are really excited to help. They spent a while telling my daughter and I all about the different exhibits. They give military and student discounts and children under 19 are free. We spent a good hour here walking around. They change the exhibits a few times a year. They have a great restaurant with live music and a cute gift area, too! Beautiful place! read more

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Had such a great time for their educator night. It was a free night for teachers and educators in the area. Free tours, bites, and a drink. The interactive exhibit was so much fun. I could see it being enjoyable for both adults and kids. I loved learning about the artists that became famous in our area of Wilmington. The current exhibit was fun, colorful, and inviting. Thursday's are often half price bottle of wine and live music night and the cafe menu looked great. I will definitely be back! read more

Cameron Art Museum - Cool interactive exhibit! - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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I love museums, and my grandmother (who is the person I went to North Carolina to see) had never been to this one. After a breakfast in Wrightsville Beach during the morning with my aunt and uncle, my grandmother and I made our way to the Cameron Art Museum. The museum is small, but there seem to be three different exhibit spaces. The first exhibit we visited was "Requiem in Glass: Brady's Greenhouse", which was an interesting display of glass plate photo that were reproductions of images from the Civil War era. Everything was designed overall into the shape of a greenhouse. The second exhibit my grandmother and I visited was called "Floating Sculpture: Bruce Barclay Cameron Duck Decoy Collection"...which, admittedly, really wasn't all that interesting. Yes, I get that some may enjoy the artistry or such that goes into duck decoys, but it wasn't really something of interest to my grandmother and I. The last exhibit though? "Corrugated World: James Grashow", was a variety of design work made of cardboard. Corrugated cardboard. My grandmother and I really enjoyed this exhibit, and it was really well designed. The cardboard monkeys and the art piece of the "Great Monkey Project, 2006" were so fun, and the large, dancing people made of cardboard that you could play with an move around? Delightful. I would have enjoyed seeing the outside artwork, but it was a drizzly, chilly, and grey day. I'm hoping I'll be able to visit the museum again during my next trip to the area at the end of August, and then I'll definitely be wanting to check out the outside artwork and the Cam Cafe. read more

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CAM is just a cute museum. It's tiny, but full of surprises. I went on a Saturday with my friend. We were both impressed by the exhibitions: recovery in flight and along the eastern sea road. The also have teamlab digital interactive art. I also heard they also have a nice cafeteria. Would be a nice short tour if you happen to be in town. read more

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Love CAM, such a nice quiet place to stroll around in wilmington. Definitely recommend on a hot day.

Beautiful museum with wonderful exhibitions that are overwhelming! At some point, I will also take advantage of the cafe for brunch and attend on a Thursday evening for open mic. This museum has so much to offer:) read more

Cameron Art Museum offers diverse exhibits including North Carolina artists Being community minded, CAM invites the public to Community Art Days, admission free, with childrens' activities and family entertainment. Jazz concerts and various events presented throughout the year keep the Cameron Art Museum fresh and attuned to the community. read more

Small but it is a nice place. A little pricey for what it is but. I don't mind supporting the arts.

As time progresses on, it seems that the appreciation for the Arts diminishes. This is where I am thankful for the Cameron Art Museum. Today, I visited CAM on a Monday for a private photo shoot and had the opportunity to observe, appreciate and lose myself inside of the Museum, as it was closed to the public. Heather, our event coordinator, was an amazing hostess, as was the entire staff that was working inside. We were allowed private access to the 2020 Illumination Exhibit, where local Artists have submitted their pieces up for public vote and they were incredible!!! I found myself feeling overwhelming peace and serenity the entire time I was working inside. The galleries are spacious, sterile and showcase the pieces well. I love visiting, time moves by too fast when I'm here and I cannot wait to come back each time I leave. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to visit your wonderful Museum, for your hospitality and also for offering our community a true Gem! 5 STARS!! read more

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So cool and so much fun!! Interactive and multimedia exhibits, staff was so so nice and helpful! They Gave us a great rundown of the exhibits at the beginning too which was so helpful!!! read more

I went there for Mother's Day brunch and it was ok. The service was slow and it wasn't the best shrimp and grits! Mimosas were good but that was about it! I don't think it was worth the money! read more

Cameron Art Museum - Shrimp & Grits - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

We had a wonderful meal tonight at the Cameron Art Museum Cafe. It was wonderful. We had appetizers of Brussels sprouts and a beet bruschetta. Both were amazing and delicious!! I had a sweet potato gnocchi which was also extremely tasty. The service with Miles and Alexis is impeccable. I would definitely give the place a try. read more

Tiny, regret spending the money for less than 15 min. One gallery only had one piece. Very friendly employees but not a place to visit for a cost conscious tourist. read more

When I began planning a trip to Wilmington, this was on the list of places to visit. The best part was the State of Art exhibit. The walls were filled with artwork from artists in NC. It wasn't just paintings, there were all kinds of pieces. It reminded me how fortunate we are to have talented people that create beautiful things for us to enjoy. The price is very reasonable. read more

I took my kiddos to CAM on a weekday afternoon and we practically had the whole place to ourselves. The art was stunning and the displays were lovely. The staff were helpful - making sure to give us a flyer depicting all of the museum's upcoming classes and events before we left. We missed out on the Civil War trails and the outdoor sculpture exhibit, but we're planning to return to see them in the near future. read more

A cute, quaint museum full of treasures for the eyes! When we went, they had an F.Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald exhibit, which was pretty educational. Definitely a must-see in Wilmington for art lovers! read more

Cameron Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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I ate at the cafe. It is a bright, contemporary sitting area with great service. The menu is larger than I expected. Christian, one of the chefs, made us a fantastic meal. I had tempura avocado slices with three different dipping sauces and the turkey burger with fries. The meal was filling and delicious. The burger was moist and well-seasoned. Great presentation, as well. I will definitely go back. (Closed on Mondays, though). read more

Cameron Art Museum - Turkey Burger - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Every time I am in Wilmington, I find myself visiting the Cameron Art Museum. Though the museum is not a mammoth like in bigger cities, it is still an amazing place to be. As a reception hall it is #1. The staff is very attentive and very inviting. read more

Though not large, the Cameron Art Museum pushes the envelope and provides a great survey of modern art. In early November, I was thrilled to find a space devoted to "interactive art," - with four large pieces from multi-media artists. What an immersive experience - walking across a piece embedded in the floor, standing in front of screens that reflected and changed one's image, walking through a sound and light piece made up of suspended lucite balls of many sizes...The Cameron has three different exhibit spaces, and makes the most of them. If you're in Wilmington, and want a break from the historic downtown, a trip out to the Cameron is well worth it. The admission is not high (and if you belong to another museum, there just might be reciprocity!). There's a monthly calendar of activities too - take a look at it online before you go. read more

Cameron Art Museum - Entrance to the Cameron - Art Museums Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Omg, why has no one reviewed this absolute gem of an art museum yet?? The Louise Cameron Art Museum, on S. 17th Street, is really quite something! I understand that they have art classes, lectures, concerts, art exhibits and even a cafe. I've been to the museum to see an exhibit and it was wonderful! If you buy a membership you get free admission to a bunch of things, plus a discount in the cafe and a discount in their totally fabulous gift shop. If you haven't been to this museum, GO!! read more