The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences strives to provide a fun and friendly educational environment for everyone. Our goal is to make Astronomy Days as accessible as possible, so that the greatest number of event guests can take advantage of everything the event has to offer.

Quiet Space

This space on the 2nd floor of the NEC in the Brimley Hall is sectioned off and available for visitors with anxiety, stress and sensory overstimulation. Visitors can take a break from the events and activities. Guests are also provided with sensory toys, coloring pages, books and noise-canceling headphones (upon request). People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take advantage of our quiet space.

Loud Noise Warning

During the entirety of the event, on both Saturday and Sunday, Blast-Off Rockets will be fired off in the alley behind the Museum’s Nature Research Center (NRC). If you are sensitive to loud or unexpected noises, please consider entering the Museum through the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) at 11 West Jones St.

Accessible Drop-off Area

The Accessible drop-off area is located in front of the Nature Exploration Center (NEC, 11 W. Jones Street). There are two crosswalks between the NEC and the General Assembly/Legislature Building. You may pull over on the right near these crosswalks to drop off passengers.

map displaying the location of the museum and accessible drop off locations and points of entry for Astronomy Days 2026

Noise-Reducing Headphones

Sensory Friendly Bags, which include noise-reducing headphones, are available for checkout at the front desk. There are also a limited number at the Quiet Space (second floor NEC).

Sighted Guides

This year, we will have trained volunteers to assist visitors (2 hours maximum). Visitors will need to preregister for sighted guides by Friday, January 9.

Please register for a sighted guide by calling Sam Frigerio at 919.707.9824 or emailing her at Samantha.Frigerio@NaturalSciences.org. Please provide your first and last name and the time period for which you will need a sighted guide (2 hours maximum).

ASL Interpreter

We are able to provide ASL interpreters for Astronomy Days talks and presentations, but we are not able to provide an ASL interpreter for self-guided exploration of the event. Requests for ASL interpretation must be submitted by Friday, January 9 by emailing Samantha.Frigerio@NaturalSciences.org.

Accessible Restrooms

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There are accessible restrooms located on every floor of the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) and the Nature Research Center (NRC).

black and white symbol of toilet

 

 

Single Use Restrooms are available for use on the 1st floor of the NRC, and the 1st and 3rd floor of the NEC.

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There is a nursing room located on the 1st floor of the NEC, behind the Coastal Hall.

Assisted Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) for presentations are available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a device, please email Sam Frigerio at Samantha.Frigerio@naturalsciences.org . Please provide your first and last name and the presentation(s) for which you will need an ALD. Numbers are limited so reserve ALDs as early as possible.

Help us Improve Event Accessibility!

We want you to help us ensure that you have the best experience possible at our event. If you have any additional questions, suggestions, or concerns, please contact the Museum’s Coordinator of Accessibility and Inclusion, Samantha Frigerio at 919.707.9824 or emailing her at samantha.frigerio@naturalsciences.org.