20 Best Architectural Buildings in North Carolina: A Definitive Guide

North Carolina is a state rich in architectural diversity, featuring buildings that range from historic landmarks to modern marvels.

From the coastal plains to the mountain regions, each structure offers a unique glimpse into the state’s cultural and historical fabric.

What makes these buildings stand out is not just their design but the stories they tell about North Carolina’s past and present.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious, exploring these structures provides a fascinating way to experience the state’s artistic and historical heritage.

1. Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest privately owned home in the United States.

Built between 1889 and 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II, the estate spans 8,000 acres.

This Châteauesque-style mansion boasts 250 rooms, making it a significant example of residential architecture.

It is known for its detailed craftsmanship and luxury, featuring grand halls, extensive gardens, and a winery.

The estate remains a popular tourist attraction and historic house museum, showcasing America’s Gilded Age grandeur.

Learn more about the Biltmore Estate.

2. Duke Chapel

Duke Chapel stands at the heart of Duke University’s campus in Durham, North Carolina.

Completed in 1935, it showcases Collegiate Gothic architecture and is one of the most notable buildings in the American South.

This grand chapel can seat about 1,800 people and features a 210-foot-high tower.

The chapel regularly hosts university events and ceremonies, making it a central gathering place.

In 2015-16, a $19.2 million restoration project was undertaken to preserve and enhance its historical and architectural integrity.

For more details, visit the Duke University Chapel.

3. Charlotte’s Bank of America Corporate Center

The Bank of America Corporate Center, standing at 871 feet, is the tallest building in North Carolina.

Completed in 1992, it holds 60 floors.

Designed by César Pelli and HKS Architects, the building is the headquarters of Bank of America.

The building’s granite façade gives it a distinctive look.

Linked to several public spaces, such as Founders Hall and the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, this skyscraper is a key part of the Uptown Charlotte skyline.

4. North Carolina State Capitol

The North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture.

Completed in 1840, it served as the state’s government seat until 1888.

Visitors can explore the historic site featuring massive Doric porticoes and beautifully preserved interiors.

This National Historic Landmark offers self-guided tours during the week and guided tours on Saturdays.

The Capitol building provides a glimpse into North Carolina’s political history and architectural heritage.

Don’t miss the chance to visit this iconic structure.

5. Levine Center for the Arts

Levine Center for the Arts is a key cultural hub located on South Tryon Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was named after Leon Levine, whose foundation provided critical funding.

The center includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, the Knight Theater, and the Mint Museum Uptown.

Opened in 2009, it is a collaborative effort funded by both the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

These venues collectively enhance Charlotte’s cultural landscape, offering diverse artistic experiences and exhibitions.

For more information, visit Levine Center for the Arts.

6. Winston-Salem City Hall

Winston-Salem City Hall is a historic landmark located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The building, designed by the architectural firm Northup and O’Brien, was completed in 1926.

This three-story, U-shaped building showcases Renaissance Revival architecture and stands as the only example of this style in the city. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The address for Winston-Salem City Hall is 101 North Main Street. Today, it remains an important center for local government activities.

7. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This iconic facility has been educating visitors about space and science since it opened in 1949.

The center features the GSK Fulldome Theater, Science Stage, Launch Lab, and various exhibits.

The building also houses the Morehead Observatory and Morehead-Cain Foundation, making it a significant educational hub in North Carolina.

John Motley Morehead III, a notable UNC alum, donated the building, making it a historical and educational treasure.

8. Durham Performing Arts Center

The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is a prominent cultural venue located in Durham, North Carolina.

It opened on November 30, 2008, and is considered the largest performing arts center in the Carolinas.

DPAC hosts over 200 performances annually, including Broadway productions, concerts, comedy events, and family shows.

The center is known for its modern design and excellent acoustics.

The DPAC is located at 123 Vivian Street in downtown Durham. For more information, visit the Durham Performing Arts Center official site.

9. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts is among North Carolina’s historic treasures. Located in Wilmington, it has been a central hub for cultural events since its opening in 1858.

The building features a blend of Classical Revival and Late Victorian design elements. Its striking façade includes a tetrastyle Corinthian portico.

Thalian Hall has hosted a variety of performances and events over the years. It continues to be a vital part of Wilmington’s downtown area.

Discover more about Thalian Hall’s rich history on their official site.

10. R.J. Reynolds Building

The R.J. Reynolds Building in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a 21-story Art Deco skyscraper.

It was completed in 1929 and stands 314 feet tall. This building served as the headquarters of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for many years.

The design of the Reynolds Building inspired the Empire State Building. It won the “Building of the Year” award by the National Association of Architects.

In 2014, the building was sold and went through a $60 million renovation.

Today, it houses The Cardinal Hotel and luxury apartments. Learn more about its history here.

11. Greensboro Historical Museum

The Greensboro Historical Museum is a key landmark in North Carolina. It highlights the city’s rich heritage through exhibits covering history, culture, and significant events.

Located in downtown Greensboro, the museum showcases artifacts and documents that bring the past to life.

The museum’s architecture reflects a blend of historic and modern design elements, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Visitors can explore galleries featuring local stories and important historical figures, offering a comprehensive look at Greensboro’s evolution.

12. Battleship North Carolina

The USS North Carolina is a historic battleship located in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Launched in 1940, it was as tall as a 15-story building and weighed 35,000 tons.

During World War II, it participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific theater, earning 15 battle stars for its service.

Now a National Historic Landmark, it serves as a memorial to over 11,000 North Carolinians who sacrificed their lives during the war.

The ship is authentically restored and open for public tours, offering a glimpse into naval history.

13. Lightner Museum

The Lightner Museum is located in St. Augustine, Florida, and is housed in the former Hotel Alcazar. This striking building is a prime example of Gilded Age architecture.

Inside, visitors can explore a wide range of collections, including Gilded Age furniture, ceramics, stained glass, metalwork, paintings, and sculptures.

These collections showcase the rich and eclectic tastes of the era’s elite.

The museum’s grand ballroom displays these items in an opulent setting, enhancing their historical value and visual appeal.

For more information, visit Lightner Museum.

14. Carolina Inn

The Carolina Inn, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, first opened its doors in 1924.

The building embodies traditional southern architecture with its red brick exterior and white trim.

Designed by Arthur C. Nash, the inn features an impressive two-story portico, modeled after the Mt. Vernon façade.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Carolina Inn has been a key part of the Chapel Hill community for nearly a century.

It is also a member of Historic Hotels of America, reflecting its historical significance and charm.

15. Cameron Art Museum

The Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, combines artistic exhibitions with cultural gatherings.

It originally opened in 1962 and later moved to its current location at the intersection of Independence and 17th Streets in 2001.

The museum showcases both visual and performing arts.

The exhibits, such as classic and contemporary art, have drawn visitors for years.

The museum not only displays art but also offers educational workshops and dynamic public programs.

For those interested in architecture, the Cameron Art Museum is a key destination. Learn more about their offerings on the Cameron Art Museum website.

16. Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Old Salem Museums & Gardens in Winston-Salem is a fascinating historic site. It showcases the area’s rich heritage with 20 buildings and gardens open for visitors. Many buildings date back to the 18th century.

One highlight is the Boys School, built in 1794, which boasts one of Salem’s few remaining ceramic tiled roofs.

Another is the Salem Academy and College, the country’s oldest private institution for women and girls.

Visitors can explore the Frank L. Horton Museum Center and Winkler Bakery.

Old Salem is dedicated to sharing stories of Moravian, Black, and Indigenous peoples in the American South.

For more details, visit their official website.

17. Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum

The Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum is in a historic building that showcases the region’s transportation history. This museum has exhibits on various modes of transport and local history.

Adjacent to the main museum is an annex with additional exhibits.

This spot is a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of transportation in North Carolina.

Learn more about it here.

18. The Cotton Exchange

The Cotton Exchange in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a historic shopping complex. It consists of over eight buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The buildings are connected by brick walkways and open-air courtyards, reflecting the charm of 19th-century Wilmington.

This site, revitalized in 1975, is now home to about 30 unique shops and restaurants housed within its walls.

For more information, visit Cotton Exchange of Wilmington.

19. Orange County Historical Museum

The Orange County Historical Museum is nestled in Hillsborough, NC. This museum is housed in the 1934 Confederate Memorial building.

The museum features artifacts from the colonial, Revolutionary War, and Civil War periods. It is a notable destination for those interested in North Carolina’s history.

Visitors can explore exhibits on figures like NC Governor William Graham and signer of the Declaration of Independence, William Hooper. The museum is a testament to the rich heritage of Orange County.

20. Alamance Battleground

Alamance Battleground is a historic site in North Carolina that commemorates the Battle of Alamance, which took place in 1771. This event was a pre-Revolutionary War conflict between local militia and colonial government forces.

Visitors can explore the 40-acre site located near Burlington. The battleground includes the restored Allen House, a Quaker log cabin built in 1780.

Guided tours provide insights into the history and significance of the site. The NC Historic Sites division also shares stories of African Americans connected to the area through the #TrueInclusion initiative.

Architectural Styles in North Carolina

North Carolina showcases a variety of architectural styles, each reflecting different periods and influences.

These include the timeless charm of Colonial Revival, the grandeur of Neoclassical, and the sleek lines of Modernist Architecture.

Colonial Revival

Colonial Revival architecture in North Carolina brings a sense of historical elegance. This style often features symmetrically balanced windows and doors, gable roofs, and brick facades.

Homes in this style may also include decorative elements like columns and pediments, drawing inspiration from the early American colonial period.

Examples of Colonial Revival buildings can be found throughout the state, particularly in Beaufort. Here, white Colonial style structures with Caribbean flourishes date back to the late 1700s. These homes illustrate the blend of American colonial influences with local adaptations.

Neoclassical

Neoclassical architecture in North Carolina is distinguished by its grandiose and stately appearance. This style often includes tall columns, elaborate facades, and symmetrical shapes.

Inspired by classical Greek and Roman buildings, Neoclassical structures convey a sense of power and permanence.

A prime example is the North Carolina State Capitol. Designed by the team of Alexander Jackson Davis and Ithiel Town, this building housed the entire state government until 1888. The capitol’s classical details and commanding presence make it a notable landmark.

Modernist Architecture

Modernist Architecture in North Carolina represents an embrace of simplicity and function. This style features clean lines, open floor plans, and a lack of unnecessary ornamentation.

Materials like steel, glass, and concrete are prominently used to create a sleek and contemporary look.

The state is home to several important Modernist structures. The Grove Arcade in Asheville, with its innovative design and unique shops, stands out. Another notable example is the Bellamy Mansion, known for its blend of modern architectural elements and historical significance.

Influence of Historical Events on Architecture

Historical events have profoundly shaped North Carolina’s architecture. Key moments like the Civil War and subsequent urbanization trends have left lasting imprints on building styles and urban development.

Impact of the Civil War

The Civil War had a significant impact on North Carolina’s architecture. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed during the conflict, leading to substantial reconstruction afterward.

Rebuilding efforts often incorporated simpler, more pragmatic designs due to limited resources.

Prominent architectural styles from this period include the Greek Revival and Gothic Revival styles. This era also saw the emergence of American Craftsman style homes, which were simpler and more functional, reflecting the resource constraints and practicality that followed the war.

Post-War Developments

After the Civil War, there was a resurgence in architectural innovation in North Carolina. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the arrival of the Victorian era, bringing ornate elements and elaborate designs.

Architects started experimenting with new materials and techniques, leading to the construction of impressive buildings such as the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, renowned as America’s largest home.

This period also witnessed the rise of the Colonial Revival and Neoclassical styles, echoing a desire to reconnect with historical roots and display newfound wealth.

Urbanization Trends

Urbanization trends in the 20th century further transformed the architectural landscape of North Carolina.

Rapid industrial growth and population shifts from rural areas to cities necessitated new forms of buildings.

Skyscrapers and commercial buildings began to dominate urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh.

Modernist influences emerged in mid-century architecture, characterized by clean lines and functional spaces.

The Raleigh skyline, for example, features notable modernist structures that stand out for their innovative designs.

This urban growth continues to shape the architectural heritage of the state, as new buildings blend modern trends with historical influences.