Old Salem Museums & Gardens

There were very few people around on a Saturday afternoon in September. I’m told this is very different from mid-Ictober to December, as well as March-July. And 5 hours were not enough. The interpreters were very friendly and knowledgeable, and even though we could visit very few of them, we learnt a lot from each of them. We particularly enjoyed the passion each interpreter brought to their work, and the efforts they made to keep the materials and processes authentic. It was an easy day trip from the Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill area.

This building seems to be the visitor center for Old Salem its set up nicely with different historical displays and lots of information regarding Old Salem inside there's a gift shop and ticket Information desk as well as a auditorium great place to start your adventure on your walk through the historic moravian district of salem

I enjoyed spending a day in Old Salem. The museums were interesting as was the architecture. Good way to spend half to a whole day.

Absolutely loved walking around here and learning from all the wonderful historical interpreters. My wife and I stayed at the nearby Brookstown Inn and in the evenings we walked down here after dinner just to enjoy the vibes. If you are buying a ticket to actually go inside the houses I would recommend the all access pass because there’s truly so much to see if you enjoy history, I believe you can definitely make a full day out of it.

Wandering through Old Salem felt like stepping into an 18th-century Moravian village. I was captivated by the aroma of fresh Moravian sugar cake from Winkler Bakery and loved chatting with artisans in authentic shops. The period-dressed interpreters and beautiful gardens made history come alive. A peaceful, charming, and unexpectedly immersive visit—one of my favorite NC experiences!

Old Salem Museums & Gardens stands out for rigorous preservation and clear interpretation of Moravian town life. Winkler Bakery occupies a 1799 bakery that remains operational with a wood-fired oven and historic recipes, representing one of North Carolina’s longest-running bakery traditions and a rare working foodways site. The Single Brothers’ House interprets Salem’s organised communal economy. As residence and training ground for unmarried craftsmen, it anchors narratives about skilled trades, self-sufficiency, and town planning; today it functions as a core exhibit building within the historic district. Across these sites, Old Salem advances an inclusive mission that foregrounds the stories of Moravian, Black, and Indigenous peoples, strengthening its significance as a research-grounded, living-history museum rather than a static streetscape. I highly recommend people to stop by to experience and learn about the history of these lands.

This is a living museum for those who enjoy history, walking and exploring. We came to the event a couple of hours before closing. We enjoyed everything we saw. We didn't get to see everything but we saw a good bit. There were so many original artifacts. It was very impressive to see. I loved hearing the costumed presenters were well versed and friendly to talk with at each building. A couple of building were not open, but it was still very enjoyable. I recommend this museum and living museum activity. Be prepared for walking it is mostly walking around a neighborhood going in and out of exhibits. Takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to see it all.

Another FIVE-STAR experience in Winston-Salem, strolling through Old Salem Museums & Gardens during the late afternoon hours. We checked into the Historic Brookstown Inn and walked three blocks up to the South Main Street entry point to Old Salem (the location of the historic Mickey Coffee Pot Maker). Easy! Old Salem is an immersive experience offering beautifully preserved and interpreted 18th-19th century history, I was surprised to see a marker on the property where the first Krispy Kreme doughnut store WAS located (see photo). Obviously not 18th-19th history, but still important NC history (love those doughnuts!). Old Salem is perfect for families, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates the heritage and period architecture. Be sure to check out Winkler Bakery, still in operation since 1800! Check out the shops, homes, schools, churches, and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts.