The Museum of the Southwest is one of the country's most interactive and imaginative blends of art and science, and features an Art Museum, the Fredda Turner Durham Children's Museum, and the Marian Blakemore Planetarium. It is a cultural center for all ages and interests.
The Museum of the Southwest, housed in the Turner Mansion posted in the National Register of Historic Places, collects and exhibits art and astronomy from the American Southwest. It also hosts traveling and temporary exhibitions covering a broad range of art, from Currier & Ives to Andy Warhol, archaeology to astronomy.
Interior house accents include carved wooden friezes, hand-painted tile, and Italian marble fireplaces.
An annual arts and crafts fair, Septemberfest, is held the weekend after Labor Day and "Christmas at the Mansion" provides holiday entertainment for the entire family beginning Thanksgiving weekend.