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NCCU Art Museum

The NCCU Art Museum Proudly Presents Eric Kelly, III’s Human Landscapes: The Mystery of the Mark

The North Carolina Central University Art Museum is proud to announce a major exhibition celebrating the extraordinary work of NCCU alumnus Eric A.W. Kelly III, founder of Kelly Worldwide Advertising, an advertising and marketing agency. He is also the director of the Eric Kelly III Museum and one of the most transformative abstract expressive artists of our time. Running from Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026, the exhibition, Human Landscapes: The Mystery of the Mark, presents a groundbreaking fusion of color, sound, and emotional storytelling through paintings spanning seven decades of artistic mastery. In this groundbreaking show, Kelly will present some of his early masterpieces from his days at NCCU, leading up to his present style, known as neo-abstract expressive. The image here is Eric Kelly, III’s Unspeakable Joy. 

Through the Lens of Alumnus Alvin Lester

Experience the powerful photography of NCCU Alumnus Alvin Lester in the exhibition "Through the Lens of Alvin Lester," on view at the NCCU Art Museum. Running now through Thursday, October 16, 2025, this compelling collection highlights Lester’s unique ability to capture emotion, place, and perspective through the camera. From candid portraits to striking landscapes, each image invites viewers to see the world through his lens. The exhibition is free and open to the public. This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of one of Alvin Lester’s best friends, Larry "Fuzzy" Lovette (1951–2003).  The image shown here is Alvin Lester's "Viola’s Sports Shop & Grocery." 

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NCCU Art Museum Proudly Presents "New Horizons"

The NCCU Art Museum is proud to announce the "New Horizons" Art and Design Student Exhibition. Join us at the NCCU Art Museum for the 2025 New Horizons Student Exhibition, featuring works from the Art and Design department. This exhibition showcases talents across various disciplines and year levels. From March 23 to April 29, 2025, discover innovative visual stories from tomorrow’s artistic leaders. (This image was created by Mykia Edwards.)

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NCCU Art Museum Highlighting Elizabeth Catlett

The NCCU Art Museum presents a tribute exhibition celebrating Elizabeth Catlett. This exhibition, open to both the NCCU community and the public, runs through Sunday, March 16, 2025. The image shown here is Elizabeth Catlett's "Woman with a Guitar."

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NCCU Art Museum Presents Durham Public Schools' Student Art Exhibition, "Durham's Finest"

The NCCU Art Museum is honored to have presented a collaborative exhibition featuring the works of students from Durham Public Schools. The image shown here was created by Vera Lee, who is in the 7th grade at Githens Middle School. From January 12, 2025, through February 2, 2025, the exhibition highlighted the creativity and ingenuity of these young minds.

NCCU Art Museum Presents the Business of Art and Design: Celebrating Alumnus Tobias Rose

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) was proud to announce a special exhibition featuring the work of NCCU alumnus Tobias Rose, founder of Kompleks Creative, a leading Durham-based design agency. From October 24, 2024, through January 3, 2025, the exhibition showcased Rose’s inspiring journey from student to successful entrepreneur, highlighting his creative contributions to both the local community and the broader design industry.

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Mike Bennett "Visions from Down East" Exhibition at NCCU Art Museum

The NCCU Art Museum was pleased to announce an upcoming exhibition, "Visions from Down East," featuring the work of North Carolina artist, Mike Bennett. The exhibition ran from Friday, August 16, 2024, through Thursday, October 17, 2024.

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Hours of Operation

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday

Admission is free.


North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27707
919-530-6211

About the NCCU Art Museum

Building Cultural Pride by Preserving and Collecting Works of Art

The creation of a museum for North Carolina Central University was a goal in the college's early days.  Founder and President James E. Shepard understood the importance of the fine arts in building cultural pride by preserving and collecting works of art.

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1,300

Pieces in Our Permanent Collection

16

Art Museum Publications

5

Special Exhibits Each Academic Year

About Our Permanent Collection

The museum’s permanent collection contains works by three major 19th-century African-American artists: Robert S. Duncanson, Edward M. Bannister and Henry Ossawa Tanner. The 20th century is represented by significant artists from the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and the WPA period of the 1930s. Among them are Richmond Barthe, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett and Jacob Lawrence

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Exhibition Schedule

Welcome to a museum experience like no other – where curiosity meets inspiration. Embark on a captivating journey through time and culture at our museum, where each exhibit tells a unique story waiting to be explored.

Exhibition Dates 2024-2025

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