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Our History

Preserve our story for future generations.

The Carolina Theatre of Durham houses three history exhibits, one on each floor of its historic showplace.

Groups of at least 10 guests are eligible for a private guided tour. If you are interested in a guided tour of the Historic Carolina Theatre, please fill out this form to schedule a tour in advance. We ask that guided tours be scheduled at least 5 business days in advance, and must be confirmed by a Carolina Theatre of Durham staff member.

Please Note: Tours are not permitted on days with a scheduled event or holiday.

Public guided tours for our three historic exhibits are now available to the public on select Saturdays from 12 pm-2 pm. Tours begin in 20-minute increments, with the last tour starting at 1:40 pm. Those who are interested should meet in the theater lobby on the following days:

September 26, 2026
October 17, 2026
November 14, 2026
December 19, 2026

Guided tours are available for schools interested in exploring the theater and its exhibits as a whole or incorporating specific exhibits within a lesson plan. A teaching guide is available for schools interested in exploring the theater’s powerful “Confronting Change” exhibit and the Civil Rights Movement in Durham.

Please fill out this form to schedule a tour.

Please Note: Tours are not permitted on days with a scheduled event or holiday.

Historic Exhibits

A Century In Downtown Durham | MAIN LOBBY LEVEL
A look at the Carolina Theatre and the artists and films that have appeared over the years. This exhibit shows how the theater and downtown Durham have evolved over time.

Restoring Hope | FIRST BALCONY LEVEL
A tribute to the dedicated volunteers of the 1970s and 1980s, this exhibit tells the story of Connie Moses and her quest to resurrect and restore the Carolina Theatre and the ballroom that bears her name.

Confronting Change | SECOND BALCONY LEVEL
Taking “no” for an answer was not an option for the heroes that lined Durham streets in peaceful protest in the 1960s. This exhibit tells the story of the desegregation of the Carolina and the people dedicated to making certain their theater, and their community, had equal access for all.

 

You can help keep the archives running and future exhibits funded. Donations large and small are welcome. Interested donors may contact Rebecca Lee at rebeccalee@carolinatheatre.org for more information.