Visit

VISIT

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. Through our exhibits, programs, and field experiences, we provide visitors with opportunities to get up close and personal with science and nature.

Due to Hurricane Florence, BugFest has been postponed to October 20, 2018. The Museum at Whiteville is closed until further notice.

Please see this news item for hurricane-related updates.

Downtown Museum Dates Closed

Monday, September 24: Opens at 1pm
Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day)
Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 (New Year’s Day)

General Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

NCMNS App for Apple and Android

Before you visit, download our app!
NCMNS app for Apple devices
NCMNS app for Android devices

NATURE EXPLORATION CENTER

11 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919.707.9800
Get Directions

Monday–Saturday: 9am–5pm
Sunday: noon–5pm
The Living Conservatory (butterfly room) and Discovery Room are closed on Mondays.

Featuring an array of permanent and special exhibits, live programs and educational films that appeal to audiences of all ages, the Nature Exploration Center encourages visitors to explore the natural world and their connections to it.

Chaperone Policy

NATURE RESEARCH CENTER

121 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919.707.8080
Get Directions

Monday–Saturday: 9am–5pm
Sunday: noon–5pm
The Naturalist Center and iLabs close one hour before the rest of the Nature Research Center.
The Naturalist Center is closed to the public on Mondays.

With state-of-the-art laboratories, research opportunities, interactive exhibits and live presentations given by top scientists, the Nature Research Center makes science a tangible and enjoyable experience and helps visitors understand the practical applications of science in their daily lives.

Chaperone Policy

PRAIRIE RIDGE ECOSTATION

1671 Gold Star Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 919.707.8888
Get Directions

Monday–Saturday: 9am–4:30pm
Sunday, noon–4:30pm

Prairie Ridge Ecostation will be closed on Monday, September 24 until 1pm; Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year's Day, and all state holidays.

Prairie Ridge Ecostation is the Museum's off-site field station where teachers, students and the general public can learn about sustainable living and experience the natural world. The site features 38 acres of restored prairie, lowland forest and wetlands through which several hiking trails intersect.

WHITEVILLE

415 South Madison Street
Whiteville, NC 28472
Phone: 910.914.4185
Get Directions

Tuesday–Saturday: 9am–5pm

NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville is closed on Monday, September 24;Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year's Day, and all state holidays.

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville features a selection of permanent and interactive exhibits, educational films, and hands-on learning areas both indoors and out that connect the Museum to southeastern North Carolina.