Edward Holden discovered NGC 5031, along with NGC 5030 and 5035, on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He noted "vF, like a nebula star 10-11 mag. GC 3465 [NGC 5044] follows 2 min." His position is accurate. RC3 and Deep Sky Field Guide give an incorrect PA of 70°.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small. On first glance appeared as a 30" round glow (core) but faint extensions were noticed extending the major axis to 1.3' WNW-ESE. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' E of center. Member of the NGC 5044 group (NW of center).

Notes by Steve Gottlieb