Raleigh Convention Center gives first look at expansion interior
The Raleigh Convention Center is excited to unveil the renderings of the coming expansion’s interior. These new renderings preview the experience that attendees will enjoy in the space.
These drawings highlight the elegant 18,000 sq. ft. ballroom with warm claret tones, tasteful lighting, colorful abstract carpeting, with bronze metal mesh accenting the ceilings. This space provides versatile options for event planners who are looking for something more refined for an elevated occasion, but that can also accommodate more casual event configurations.
The new 50,000 sq. ft. flex hall will give event planners a dynamic space to create something special at their next event. Renderings of this space preview the large, panoramic windows with black-out abilities. This space can be transformed from a dinner for 3,000 people, to volleyball courts, exhibits or general sessions. From the views of downtown to the modern, yet grounded design, this space represents the unique character and energy of Raleigh.
The expansion will feature 13 meeting rooms to provide options to meet the needs of a diverse range of events. With soothing yet upscale colors and finishes, guests will also enjoy welcoming pre-function and registration areas for the free flow of foot traffic, or for gathering, networking, or conversing between event sessions.
The “Shimmer Walk” on the third floor will allow visitors to see the famous Shimmer Wall art at an equal elevation never before possible. This walk will connect bridges allowing observation of the art as you travel one building to another as well as panoramic views of the downtown.
Conventions and public events are a chance for personal gathering and sharing. The designs in the new center have reflected thoughtful spacing and seating arrangements to allow this interaction to easily and naturally occur when attending the venue. Much like the present center, there is an elevated effort to encourage comfortable interaction, highlighting the humanness of this industry.
The present and future convention center will complement each other to seamlessly allow guests to use one or both buildings within one visit. The east side features lighter-tone décor and the west will complement with darker colors that together marry the future expanded venue.
“We worked hard with our architects and project team, got feedback from clients, and designed a space that really is right for our event partners” said Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “We’re not just adding footage to add footage, so much thought and intention went into this to build something that was beautiful, functional, and exactly right for Raleigh and all the people who our venue bring here.”
These renderings are the latest development in an ongoing exciting transformation of downtown Raleigh, with the newly renovated Lichtin Plaza at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, the new Red Hat Amphitheater in 2027, a new 600 room Omni hotel in 2028, and the expanded convention center in 2029.
Construction on the new space is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026.