Attractions

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Ava Gardner Museum
325 E. Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-5830
The Ava Gardner Museum is home to an incredible collection including original scripts, photos, costumes, and personal effects of screen legend Ava Gardner-a true Hollywood "Cinderella" story. Experience her rise from a local country girl to one of Hollywood's film goddesses. Born near Smithfield, Ava's friends and co-stars included Mickey Rooney, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, and Gregory Peck. Her grave site is located in nearby Sunset Memorial Gardens, approximately two miles from the museum. Merchandise is available for purchase. The museum is open daily, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm. Wheelchair accessible, public restrooms. Free parking along street and rear lots. Admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 children ages 3-12.

Clayton Community Center

Johnston County Visitors Bureau

North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC 27607-6494
(919) 839-6262
The North Carolina Museum of Art features the most dynamic permanent collection south of the Potomac and east of the Mississippi rivers.

North Carolina Museum of History
5 East Edenton St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 807-7900
Since its founding in 1902, the North Carolina Museum of History has been an exciting place to explore North Carolina history. The museum encourages visitors to discover the past; to reflect on their own lives and their place in history; and to preserve state, regional, and local history for future generations.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 West Jones St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 733-7450
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest natural history museum in the Southeastern United States.