Bellamy Mansion's 'Legends & Landmarks' Art Show Runs Through April 26

The experience awaiting visitors at the Bellamy Mansion Museum, where painter James C. Horton's Legends & Landmarks exhibition transforms the mansion's second floor into a gallery celebrating the places and moments that shaped the Cape Fear region — and the nation.

Event Summary

Legends & Landmarks: Paintings and Drawings by James C. Horton is a free art exhibition on display at the Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street in downtown Wilmington, running daily from February 1 through April 26, 2026. The show features more than 40 original paintings and drawings depicting historic landmarks and scenes, from local treasures like St. James Church and Airlie's approximately 500-year-old live oak to Revolutionary War battlefields. As the mansion's first art show of 2026, it sets a high bar for a season of cultural programming in one of the city's most beloved landmarks.

Fast Facts

• Dates: February 1 – April 26, 2026 (daily)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (self-guided tours must begin by 4:00 PM and be completed by 5:00 PM)
• Location: Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Exhibition admission: Free (visit the Carriage House Visitor Center for access)
• Museum self-guided tours: $15 adults (13+), $7.50 students (ages 4–13), free for children 3 and under
• Premium guided tours: $20 adults, $10 students (when available)
• Artist's Reception: Friday, February 27, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM
• Organizer: Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts

What to Expect

Horton's exhibition fills the mansion's second-floor gallery with over 40 original works — paintings and drawings that spotlight both regional and national historic sites. Expect richly detailed scenes of Wilmington landmarks alongside depictions of pivotal moments from the Revolutionary War era, all rendered in a style that brings architectural and natural beauty to vivid life.

The exhibition is self-guided, meaning you can explore the works at your own pace. A smartphone is required for the mansion's audio tour component, so bringing earbuds is recommended for the best experience. The standout date on the calendar is the Artist's Reception on Friday, February 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, offering a chance to meet Horton and hear firsthand about the research and inspiration behind each piece.

Why It's Worth Your Time

The Bellamy Mansion has hosted rotating six- to eight-week art exhibitions from February through November for years, showcasing artists like Patricia Barrow and Todd Carignan. Legends & Landmarks kicks off the 2026 season with particular resonance: the exhibition is tied to America's 250th anniversary (America 250 NC), a statewide commemoration of the nation's founding-era historic sites. That connection gives Horton's work an added layer of meaning, inviting viewers to see familiar Wilmington landmarks in the context of a much larger American story.

The fact that the exhibition itself is free makes it one of the most accessible cultural offerings in downtown Wilmington this spring. For residents, it's a low-barrier way to engage with local history and art. For visitors exploring the city, it adds depth to a Market Street stroll. The museum also has companion events worth noting, including a "Past Meets Pavement" Civil War Walking Tour ($20 per person, plus tax) on April 18 and a Family Fun Day on April 26 at 1:00 PM — the exhibition's closing day.

Practical Details

Free parking is available in the lot on the Market Street side of the mansion. The museum's office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with ticket sales running 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily.

Only leashed service dogs are permitted inside the museum. As noted, a smartphone is needed for audio tour content, and earbuds will make the experience more comfortable. For more information on the exhibition, upcoming events, or tour options, contact the museum at 910.251.3700 or visit the Bellamy Mansion Museum's website at bellamymansion.org. You can also stop by the Carriage House Visitor Center on-site.

Whether you're a lifelong Wilmington resident or discovering the city for the first time, Legends & Landmarks is a reminder that great art and great history often live under the same roof.