North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
About
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - Southeast's Largest Natural History Museum
Largest natural history museum in the southeastern United States, operated by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in downtown Raleigh. The museum spans two adjoining buildings - the Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center - with four floors of exhibits, live animals, gift shops, and cafes.
Programs for Kids
Education programs span weekly camps through long-running classes. Programs include:
- Summer camps
- Workshops and classes throughout the year
- Trips and field-based programs
- Live animal encounters
- School field trips
What's Included
- Four floors of permanent exhibits
- Nature Research Center with working labs
- Live animal collections and dioramas
- Free general admission
Experience
Raleigh and Triangle families use the museum as a recurring free indoor destination and a structured summer camp option. The West Jones Street location is downtown Raleigh, walkable from the State Capitol and reachable from across the Triangle.