Experiences at NCMA

Catering Works is proud to partner with the North Carolina Museum of Art and other collaborators to create unique culinary and beverage events that complement the museum's exhibitions, performances, and special programming. From intimate wine dinners and chef-led tastings to themed dining events and seasonal celebrations, each offering is designed to bring people together through exceptional food, drinks, and hospitality.

All events are ticketed and prepaid, with reservations made through the OpenTable booking platform. Every event is thoughtfully curated with carefully crafted menus, engaging details, and attentive service to create a memorable and immersive occasion for our guests.

We love creating one-of-a-kind events that blend exceptional food, beverages, and creativity. Past experiences have included multi-course wine and whiskey dinners, chef's tasting menus, interactive mystery dinners, themed culinary events inspired by museum exhibitions, afternoon teas, holiday celebrations, brunches, cocktail pairings, artist collaborations, live music dinners, and exclusive after-hours museum events.

No two events are exactly alike. Each one is thoughtfully designed around a unique theme, season, exhibition, or partnership, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy an experience they won't find anywhere else.

Our culinary experiences are open to the public and welcome anyone looking for a unique night out. Whether you're planning a date night, gathering with friends and family, celebrating a special occasion, entertaining clients, or simply looking to try something new, our events are designed to bring people together through exceptional food and memorable moments.

Unlike private events or venue rentals, these experiences are publicly advertised on the NCMA website and are available for anyone to reserve while tickets are available. No membership or private invitation is required - just choose an event, reserve your tickets, and join us!

NCMA member discounts apply to regular dining at the NCMA Café but do not extend to our ticketed culinary experiences. These events are specially priced as all-inclusive, limited-capacity offerings with unique menus and programming.

We look forward to welcoming both members and non-members to these one-of-a-kind events!

Yes, we are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies whenever possible. Because our events feature specially curated menus and require careful planning with our culinary team, we ask that all dietary requests be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date.

Providing advance notice allows our team the time needed to thoughtfully prepare appropriate accommodations and ensure every guest has an exceptional dining experience.

Guests are welcome to wear whatever they feel most comfortable in. For our evening events, many guests enjoy dressing up while still keeping things comfortable. Smart-casual attire such as dresses, nice tops, pants, clean-cut denim, skirts, button-down shirts, sweaters, or blazers is common.

Occasionally an event may feature a unique theme or special atmosphere, and we may encourage guests to incorporate themed attire if they wish. No matter their attire, our goal is for guests to feel comfortable while enjoying a memorable evening of food, art, and connection.

Our Tea Experiences offer a delightful twist on the classic British tradition of afternoon tea, combining elegant dining with the beauty and creativity of the museum setting. NCMA’s first classic British Tea Experience debuted during Art in Bloom and was so warmly received that we expanded the program to include a variety of seasonal tea events throughout the year.

Each Tea Experience features a prix-fixe menu thoughtfully crafted around the occasion, including classic finger sandwiches, savory canapés, inspired patisserie, freshly baked scones with cream, and premium teas. The menu is unique to each event and changes seasonally to reflect the theme and time of year.

Guests can enjoy these special tea gatherings during occasions such as Mother’s Day in May, Gingerbread Tea in December, and Art in Bloom in March. Each event offers a memorable opportunity to slow down, gather with friends and loved ones, and enjoy an elevated afternoon of food, conversation, and creativity.

Art Inside the Bottle is a unique culinary and wine experience that brings together the artistry of winemaking, storytelling, and exceptional cuisine. Created in collaboration with renowned sommelier and wine educator Doreen Colondres and Vitis House, each event explores the connection between wine, culture, and creativity through an immersive dining experience.

Guests are invited to enjoy a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu with expertly selected wine pairings, while discovering the stories, traditions, and inspiration behind each bottle. Every Art Inside the Bottle event features a different theme, allowing guests to experience new flavors, regions, and perspectives through the lens of food and wine.

Designed for wine enthusiasts and those simply looking to enjoy a memorable evening, Art Inside the Bottle offers an elevated yet approachable way to connect with others while celebrating the craft behind every pour.

After Hours is a special evening series that invites guests to experience the North Carolina Museum of Art in a new way after the galleries close. These events combine the museum’s exhibitions, culinary offerings, and creative programming to create a unique night out filled with art, conversation, and connection.

Each After Hours event is inspired by a current exhibition, special theme, or seasonal celebration and may feature curated food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, interactive elements, and opportunities to explore the museum in a relaxed evening setting.

Whether you’re visiting with friends, enjoying a date night, or looking for a new way to engage with the museum, After Hours offers a memorable opportunity to experience art, culture, and hospitality beyond regular museum hours.