Reynolda’s Fall Exhibit Explores 'Camel City' Legacy

Winston‑Salem didn’t quietly grow into a Southern hub—it burst onto the scene in a flurry of industry, innovation, and yes, cigarette smoke. At the center of it all stood the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. From the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, Reynolds helped transform this once-sleepy town into an economic powerhouse.

This fall, you can step inside that transformation at Camel City: Tobacco & Transformation, 1875–1964, a major new exhibition at Reynolda House Museum of American Art—the former home of R.J. Reynolds and his family. The exhibit debuts August 16 and runs through January 4, 2026.

Below is a closer look inside the exhibit and related experiences.

Camel City: Tobacco & Transformation

• When: Aug 16–Jan 4
• Where: Reynolda House
• Overview: Exploring the rise of Reynolds Tobacco

In 1875, a young Richard Joshua Reynolds opened a small tobacco factory in the then-sleepy town of Winston. Within decades, his company became an industry giant, led by its flagship product—Camel cigarettes—which soon topped national sales charts. 

Now, 150 years after the company's founding, Reynolda invites visitors to experience Camel City, a bold exhibit tracing the rise of Reynolds and the legacy it created. Featuring rare artifacts, historic images, iconic ad campaigns, and fine art commissions by Haddon Sundblom, McClelland Barclay, and others, the exhibit explores how tobacco shaped not just a city, but consumer culture around the world.

More than a story of business success, Camel City also highlights the essential role of labor—especially the often-uncredited work of women, and particularly Black women—whose tireless efforts drove production. Visitors will also trace the rise of labor movements demanding greater equity in an industry marked by profound disparities. The exhibit ends with a cultural reckoning: the 1964 Surgeon General’s report that forever changed public perception of tobacco and reshaped conversations about health, business ethics, and personal choice.

All told, Camel City offers a vivid journey through Reynolds' history and the forces that shaped both a city and a country. It’s not just a look back—but an invitation to consider how the past continues to shape the present, from public health and labor rights to the power of branding and the complexities of progress.

The exhibit will be complemented by a robust lineup of public programs that range from curator talks and cocktail evenings, some of which are highlighted below. Visit the Camel City page on Reynolda’s website for full details on the exhibit and a look at all related events, programming updates, and more.

Upcoming Events to Kick Off Camel City 

More than a dozen special events and programs are planned to complement the Camel City exhibit during its 20-week run at Reynolda. Here are few early highlights:

Aug 23:  Camel City Curator Talk (2–3 p.m.)
Get an insider’s look at Reynolda's new exhibit Camel City, during these behind-the-scenes curator talks. Join co-curators Bari Helms and Phil Archer as they explore the layered history of the RJR Tobacco empire, how it shaped Winston-Salem, and its impact consumer culture worldwide. 

Aug 27:  Drinks @ Dusk (6–9 p.m.)
Sip, explore, and socialize during this after-hours 21+ event at Reynolda. Admission includes two drinks and access to the exhibit and historic house. Enjoy live music, a scavenger hunt, and a food truck on site. Tickets are $30. Register for the event on Reynolda’s website. (There is another Drinks @ Dusk on Nov. 5)

Sept 20: Reynolda Community Day (9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Celebrate creativity and community with free admission to the museum and a day filled with live music, collaborative art-making, and hands-on activities with local organizations. Admission is free.

Explore More

Reynolda is just the start. Whether you're after history, arts, or something unexpected, Winston-Salem’s calendar is packed. Discover what’s happening on our online Events Calendar.