From the moment visitors enter The Carolina Basketball Museum, they will feel completely immersed in Tar Heel basketball. From the floors, which emulate those on the court in the Dean Smith Center, to the ceiling rafters, there is an exciting nod to the team’s past, present, and future at every turn.
Visitors will enjoy seeing an in-depth historic timeline of UNC Basketball even the most dedicated fans are sure to learn something new. Almost 500 items, including photos, videos, and other Tar Heel paraphernalia, such as jerseys, game balls, trophies, and even sneakers are on display. Extra focus is paid to highlights such as major wins, championships, and other notable moments, as well as the individual coaches and players who have helped shape Carolina Basketball into what it is today.
Those highlights include video tributes to coaches Dean Smith and Roy Williams, as well as star players like Michael Jordan and Tyler Hansbrough. The team’s standout appearances over the years, including Carolina’s 18 ACC championships and 20 Final Four appearances also play a central role in these unique exhibits.
The Carolina Basketball museum opened in January 2008 and saw more than 500,000 visitors before its renovation in 2017. It reopened in time for the 17/18 season with updated video footage, a new screen in the theater room, and a design overhaul intended to make the museum more comfortable and engaging for visitors.
The Carolina Basketball Museum is located on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, on the first floor of the Ernie Williamson Athletics Center on Skipper Bowles Drive. It is free to visit and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and sometimes during home game days (check their website for more information on special times).
