This is the Marbles Kids Museum on Blount Street. Back in August, I posted a photo of what was then called Exploris. I certainly am not fond of the new name. I can understand that the name appeals to kids more, though. I mean heck, when taste tested against the same food without it, kids prefer food that has the McDonald’s logo. Brand perception starts at an early age, and Exploris could sound stuffy and boring to a young person.

I got the idea to photograph the Murphey School Auditorium based on a tip (thanks Craig!) from someone at the N&O. About 6 weeks ago I drove by this place because they had spotlights shining at the sky. Me, being the moth that I am, followed the lights to this place. Unfortunately I rolled up at a time when no one was outside. It was a brisk night so I decided not to wait around and find out. Once I learned the history, I really regretted not getting pictures. It is a new home for the Burning Coal Theatre Company, and I believe I had been by their grand opening, but came at a bad time.
The Historic Oakwood web site says that

The historic Murphey School Auditorium is at the corner of Person and Polk Streets. The Murphey School, one of the oldest schools still in existence in Raleigh, was the first integrated school in our state’s capital.

The N&O says that

Compared to the Progress Energy Center’s Kennedy Theatre, where Burning Coal performed most frequently, the renovated school auditorium is much more intimate, even though it can seat almost twice as many (up to 175). Seated on three sides of the rectangular playing space (an in-the-round arrangement is also possible), with only three to four rows of seats in each section, audiences are never far from the action.

From what I understand the remaining part of the school has been converted to housing for seniors. For more information on the history of the building and a detailed timedline of the renovation, please visit the official web site.

This place has no web presence, and I’ve never been to the store before. They certainly have an interesting array of lighting fixtures–notice the NASCAR themed lamps in the bottom photo. The location also has a nice view of the city at night.