Art & Culture

Whether you’re a cinephile or an art enthusiast, this charming port city will captivate you with its arts scene. You won’t want to miss this exciting line-up of events and festivals year-round, including the NC Black Film Festival, Wilmington Jewish Film Festival and Cucalorus Festival — one of MovieMaker’s 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee for 2023.

Be inspired by an array of art galleries, historic museums and performance halls in the Wilmington area.  Whether it’s galleries like New Elements Gallery or cultural gathering places like the Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, NC offers something for everyone. Cape Fear Museum, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington Railroad Museum and an abundance of  historic tours also offer fun and educational ways to explore the past — no matter what age you are.

A cultural hotspot for lovers of the performing arts, Wilmington, NC boasts renowned  theatres and venues such as Thalian Hall. With its rich history and stunning architecture, Thalian Hall is one the oldest, most beautiful theaters in America, offering everything from musicals to comedy shows to performances from the Wilmington  Symphony Orchestra. The Wilson Center and Kenan Auditorium at UNCW are also must-see destinations, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse range of performances by local and international musicians and artists, including the North Carolina Symphony.