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 180 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 eight of ten 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 180+ 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 18, 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.
Eagles Love Durham at NCCU
Address: Pearson Dining Hall, 605 E. Lawson St. and Undergraduate Admissions Office, 705 E. Lawson St.
Hours: outdoor display is accessible 24/7
Parking: Campus parking lots require parking passes. Campus street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tag: @nccueagle
When it comes to loving Durham, NCCU Eagles are always ahead of the curve, whether that's knowing the best spots to study, relax or serve the local community. Whether you're a current or future student, an alumnus or you're exploring campus, this is your invitation to share your love for the Bull City.
Art with Heart at Boxyard RTP
Address: 900 Park Offices Dr.
Hours: Boxyard RTP is open Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tag: @boxyardrtp
Boxyard RTP is an incubator and launch pad for small, local businesses and a hub for dining, shopping and entertainment within the Research Triangle Park. Now, you can snag a piece of local art as you support the small businesses there – just be sure to document your experience!
Love Glows at Goldet Belt Campus
Address: At the lobby entrance to The Cotton Room, 807 E. Main St.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Tag: @goldenbeltcampus
Golden Belt Campus is a hub for dining, art, history and entertainment in downtown Durham, where residents and visitors of all ages can see local art and theater, enjoy pizza, beer and ice cream while playing on the expansive lawn, and even celebrate life's milestones at event spaces. Love truly glows here and, with your help, it will glow even brighter. Find the Love Durham neon sign, made by local neon artist Hex Neon, and snap a selfie to check in and document your adventure.
