Nasher Museum of Art

Museum University art museum with contemporary and global collections

On Duke University’s campus, the Nasher Museum of Art displays contemporary and historical works through rotating exhibitions, lectures and university programmes.

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The Nasher Museum of Art is an art museum on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, established in the mid-2000s and named for collector Raymond Nasher. It serves as Duke’s primary museum for visual art and public programs.

Galleries present changing temporary exhibitions alongside displays drawn from the museum’s collection, with a focus that includes contemporary and global art. Educational programs and campus partnerships are a regular part of the museum’s offerings.

The museum building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and opened in the 2000s following Nasher’s gift to the university. It was created to function as both a teaching museum and a public cultural venue.

The museum sits on Duke University’s West Campus in Durham, close to other academic facilities and campus landmarks such as the Duke Chapel.

  • Location: Located on Duke University's West Campus in Durham, adjacent to academic buildings and campus plazas.
  • Name and building: Building designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and named after collector Raymond Nasher following a major gift.
Nasher Museum of Art
2001 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27705, United States (Duke University)
35.9990, -78.9290
Tue-Sat 10:00am-5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-5:00pm, closed Mondays
Free admission for university students and staff; general admission typically free (check institution pages for special exhibition fees)

How to Get to Nasher Museum of Art #

The Nasher Museum of Art is on Duke University’s West Campus in Durham, North Carolina. It’s accessible via campus shuttles and local bus routes; parking is available in campus lots. From downtown Durham allow 10-15 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Tips for Visiting Nasher Museum of Art #

  • Check the Duke University calendar for public lectures and gallery talks-Nasher-hosted events often coincide with exhibitions and offer deeper insight.
  • The museum's modernist building is compact-allow 60-90 minutes to see the collection and any temporary shows.
  • Parking on campus can be limited during semester-take a campus shuttle or public transit when possible.

Best Time to Visit Nasher Museum of Art #

Visit during the academic year for the fullest schedule of exhibitions and public programs.

Academic year (September-May)
Sep-May · 5-25°C (41-77°F)
Exhibition programming and talks are busiest during the university term.
Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 20-33°C (68-91°F)
Quieter galleries and fewer campus events; check for reduced hours for some programs.

Weather & Climate near Nasher Museum of Art #

Climate

Nasher Museum of Art's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1142 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 10°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 13°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 27°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 33°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

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