Hillsborough Street
Raleigh’s Arts and Culture Destination
Hillsborough Street is one of Raleigh’s most vibrant corridors and serves as a lively gateway to NC State’s campus. Just steps from the university, the street offers a mix of restaurants, coffee shops and local businesses that make it a favorite spot for students, faculty and the wider community.
Beyond its role as a hub for dining and socializing, Hillsborough Street is also a cultural and social gathering place where Wolfpack traditions, community events and everyday campus life intersect. Its energy and variety reflect both the spirit of NC State and the city of Raleigh, making it an essential part of the student experience.
Packapalooza, NC State’s signature all-day block party and street festival, is held annually in August on Hillsborough Street. This festive tradition brings together NC State students, faculty, staff, alums, families and the local community to kick off the academic year with music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, food and all things Wolfpack.
Meet Gabe and hear his experience of Hillsborough Street:
Gateway to Campus Life
Hillsborough Street welcomes students, visitors and locals alike — lined with restaurants, coffee shops and small businesses that keep the area buzzing year-round.
Packapalooza Celebration
Each year, the street transforms for Packapalooza, a day-long festival of music, food and fun that kicks off the new academic year.
Where Campus Meets Community
A cultural and social hub, Hillsborough Street brings together Wolfpack traditions, community events and the energy of everyday campus life.
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Take a 3D Tour
Gregg Museum of Art & Design
Located on Hillsborough Street just a few minutes’ walk east of the Memorial Belltower, the Gregg Museum of Art & Design is NC State’s free, public art museum. The museum features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection celebrating art, craft and design in a beautifully restored historic setting.
3D Tour Description
The Gregg Museum of Art & Design is a unique architectural site that joins a historic brick mansion (the former Chancellor’s Residence) with a modern, LEED-certified 15,000-square-foot addition.
The primary entrance features automatic glass doors that lead into a spacious, light-filled lobby. The floor is composed of smooth, polished concrete, providing a level surface for easy navigation. To the left of the entrance, a massive glass wall looks out toward the gardens, flooding the space with natural light. The Reception and Visitor Services Desk is situated directly ahead; it is a long, low-profile counter where staff provide information and assistive devices like large-print labels or gallery stools. Lockers for personal items are located conveniently across from the desk.
Connected to the lobby are the modern exhibition wings, such as the Robert Keith Black and J. Ormond Sanderson Jr. Gallery. These rooms are characterized by high, dark-painted industrial ceilings with professional track lighting directed at the walls.The center of these galleries is typically kept clear or features low-profile display cases, allowing for wide, unobstructed pathways.
As you move into the historic side of the building, the atmosphere shifts. The flooring transitions from concrete to polished hardwood, and the rooms become more structured and intimate. This area includes spaces like The Native American Art Gallery, featuring traditional architectural details like fireplaces, crown molding, and smaller windows. The Art Studio and classrooms are tucked into the historic wing, offering a more enclosed environment for hands-on learning and workshops.
A grand, carpeted staircase with sturdy wooden handrails leads to the second floor (reserved for staff and private appointments), while a modern elevator provides accessible transit between the different building levels.
The museum is seamlessly connected to the Rose Jackson and Evelyn Thiem Garden through an automatic door off the back-west entrance. The back patio is a large, level terrace paved with red brick that offers various seating options, including wrought-iron tables and chairs. Beyond the patio, a meandering accessible path on the east side allows visitors to navigate the sloping landscape. The grounds feature a pollinator garden and a central fountain.
Areas of Study Spotlight
Dive deeper into some of the innovative academic programs and departments that define NC State’s excellence, many of which have a strong presence on Main Campus.