Interactive Exhibits
and Activations
Durham locals are the first to show off their city.
Discover the coolest hidden gems, the secret menu items, the friendliest bartenders, the most serene trails, the most thought-provoking art.
More than 150 small businesses have signed on to host events, offer deals and discounts, special menu items and more. Now, Durham’s biggest attractions are also collaborating with interactive exhibits and activations welcoming folks into their spaces to make their mark and create memories as they share what they love about the Bull City.
How to share your love
- Visit the activations and exhibits
- Follow the instructions for each interactive display
- Throw up your Love Durham hand signals and post a pic. Be sure to tag the location and #LoveDurhamNC.
- Support some of the 150+ participating small businesses along the way and explore special deals and offers.
- Participate in the Love Durham Challenge to earn prizes for visiting all the activations.
What is the Love Durham Challenge?
The Love Durham Challenge is an app-based challenge that allows you to earn prizes for visiting and checking in at activations across Durham. At launch, there are six activations, and several more will launch in the following weeks. Players will win a branded T-shirt after visiting ten spots through April 10, 2025.
Love Lock Lane at the American Tobacco Campus
Address: 300 Blackwell St.
Hours: the campus and Love Lock Lane are accessible 24/7
Tag: @americantobaccocampus
Leave your mark of love by securing your lock at the fence by the Power Plant building and support a small business along the way. Some of the small businesses on campus will also have free locks available, including Parker & Otis, Parker Paper Co., Yoga Off East, NanaSteak and Seraphine. You can also pick up locks at the Visitor Info Center or bring your own.
Durham Love Notes at the Visitor Info Center
Address: 212 W. Main St.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tag: @DurhamNC
Leave a handwritten note to share your favorite small businesses and the things you love about Durham to help visitors discover something new.
To the Moon and Back at the Museum of Life and Science
Address: 433 W. Murray Ave. – parking lot on the south side of Murray Ave. across the street from the museum
Hours: South side lot is accessible Tuesday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tag: @museumoflifeandscience
Take a pic by the iconic 83-foot-tall replica of the Mercury-Redstone Rocket that carried the first American into space.
Love in Full Light at the Carolina Theatre of Durham
Address: 309 W. Morgan St.
Hours: Outdoor display is accessible 24/7, though only illuminated after dusk
Tag: @carolinatheatredurham
Check out the 99-year-old building’s façade decked out in the City of Durham’s flag colors as well as a new Love Durham light display near the Carolina neon sign. Buy a ticket to a live show while wearing a Love Durham sticker for a free popcorn voucher.
The Art of Loving Durham at the Durham Arts Council
Address: 120 Morris St.
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m – 9 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.
Tag: @durham_arts
Window decals on the building’s iconic glass atrium welcome you inside where you can leave a love note about the Bull City on the wall before checking out some local art.
Mongo Loves Durham at The Scrap Exchange
Address: 2050 Chapel Hill Rd.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tag: @scrapexchange
No trip to Durham is complete without a new-to-you treasure from the Scrap Exchange. A rotating activation begins with a Love Durham postcard writing station inside. Postcards and postage are included. Stay tuned for a DIY graffiti station.
