North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Explore prehistoric giants, vibrant ecosystems, and live science in this massive, free museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore prehistoric giants, vibrant ecosystems, and live science in this massive, free museum.
"Absolutely fantastic for all ages, with something for everyone and completely free!"
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking a lot across multiple floors and buildings. Comfortable footwear is a must!
🗺️ Grab a Map
The museum is huge and spread across two buildings. A map will help you navigate efficiently.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Skeletons
Nature Exploration Center
Marvel at towering dinosaur skeletons and ancient fossils that bring prehistoric eras to life.
Living Conservatory
Nature Exploration Center
Step into a tropical paradise and walk among hundreds of colorful, free-flying butterflies.
Blue Whale Skeleton
Nature Exploration Center
Gaze up at the immense skeleton of a blue whale, showcasing the sheer scale of marine life.
Live Science Labs
Nature Research Center
Witness real scientists at work in interactive labs, offering a glimpse into ongoing research.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Two Buildings
Free Admission, But Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking a lot across multiple floors and buildings. Comfortable footwear is a must!
🗺️ Grab a Map
The museum is huge and spread across two buildings. A map will help you navigate efficiently.
🦋 Butterfly Conservatory Magic
Don't miss the Living Conservatory for a magical experience among butterflies. 
🔬 See Science in Action
Visit the Nature Research Center to observe scientists conducting real research.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking a lot across multiple floors and buildings. Comfortable footwear is a must!
🗺️ Grab a Map
The museum is huge and spread across two buildings. A map will help you navigate efficiently.
🦋 Butterfly Conservatory Magic
Don't miss the Living Conservatory for a magical experience among butterflies.
🔬 See Science in Action
Visit the Nature Research Center to observe scientists conducting real research.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to explore both buildings thoroughly. +1
💰 It's FREE!
Enjoy a full day of exploration without any admission cost for general exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for its vast, engaging exhibits and free admission, making it a top-tier destination for all ages. While some special events may incur a fee, the core experience offers incredible value and educational opportunities. The sheer size and interactive nature of the displays ensure a memorable visit for everyone.
"The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is absolutely fantastic for all ages. From towering dinosaurs and mammoths to exhibits on rocks, whales, and North Carolina’s plants and animals, there’s truly something for everyone. Many of the displays are interactive, making it both educational and fun. The museum is huge—you could easily spend several hours exploring everything. Best of all, admission is completely free, which makes it an incredible value. A must-visit if you’re in Raleigh!"
Jon Martin
"The Raleigh Science Center is an amazing place for all ages! It’s packed with interactive exhibits that make learning fun and hands on. Right now, they have an incredible Blue Whale exhibit that’s definitely worth seeing. Whether you’re into space, biology, or technology, there’s something exciting to explore. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help or answer questions. I especially loved the planetarium shows truly out of this world! Highly recommend visitors to Raleigh to stop by and boost their experience while you’re in town. Perfect for family trips or a fun day out with friends!"
Justin Keishing
"Such an amazing place! It’s still a great time as an adult visiting with no kids so don’t shy away! Make sure you grab a map though, because this is a whole experience.
There is loads to see and do here, so set aside 3-4 hours to fully go through the museum. It’s four stories, and two sides as well so work your way up one side and come down the other so as to not dart back and forth.
Overall, I think you end up walking close to two miles so comfortable shoes are a must. There is so much care put into the exhibits and the science and working labs are just amazing to see. The gem and mineral section can’t be missed, the stones are GORGEOUS.
This is a must if you’re interested at all in natural science. Loads of fossils, great explanations, and best of all it’s free!"
Dallas Moseley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in downtown Raleigh, NC. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking decks nearby. Public transportation options are also available. Many visitors arrive on foot if staying in the downtown area. +1
Yes, there are several parking decks in downtown Raleigh close to the museum. Some may have fees. Street parking is also available but can be limited.
Yes, Raleigh offers public transportation services that can take you to the downtown area where the museum is located. Check the GoRaleigh bus schedules for routes and times.
The museum is generally stroller-friendly, with elevators and ramps to access different floors and buildings.
Walking is a great option if you're staying in downtown Raleigh. The museum is centrally located and easy to find. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is completely free! No tickets are required for most exhibits. +7
While general admission is free, some special exhibits, 3D films, or planetarium shows may have an additional fee. It's best to check the museum's official website or inquire upon arrival. +1
The museum typically opens around 9 AM and closes at 5 PM. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for holidays or special events.
Since general admission is free, advance booking isn't necessary. However, for any ticketed special events or shows, it's recommended to check the museum's website for booking information.
The museum is typically open daily, but it's always a good idea to confirm their operating schedule on their official website, especially around major holidays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the towering dinosaur skeletons, the impressive Blue Whale skeleton, the immersive Living Conservatory with butterflies, and the live science labs in the Nature Research Center. +7
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 3-4 hours to fully explore both buildings. Some suggest it could even take a full day to see everything. +1
Absolutely! The museum is packed with interactive displays and hands-on activities designed to engage children and make learning fun. +2
The Nature Research Center is one of the museum's two main buildings. It focuses on showcasing science in action, with live labs where visitors can see scientists at work and learn about ongoing research.
While the museum itself doesn't have a full-service restaurant, there are often snack bars or cafes available. Downtown Raleigh also offers numerous dining options nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits.
The dinosaur skeletons, the Living Conservatory with butterflies, and the large whale skeleton are popular and visually striking spots for photos.
While personal photos are usually fine, commercial photography or professional shoots might require special permission. Always check with museum staff if you're unsure.
You can capture images of fossils, live animals, scientific displays, interactive exhibits, and the impressive architecture of the museum buildings.
Yes, the Living Conservatory offers beautiful opportunities for photos of colorful butterflies in a lush environment. Be mindful of lighting and movement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least half a day, as there's so much to see and do. The hands-on nature of the exhibits makes learning an adventure, and the sheer scale of displays like the blue whale skeleton is sure to impress. Don't forget to check for any special programming or demonstrations that might be happening during your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some special exhibits or shows might have a fee, the vast majority of the museum's incredible content is accessible to everyone. Pack your own snacks and water to save on additional expenses, and you can easily spend a full day immersed in science and nature without breaking the bank.
🤓 Science Enthusiasts & Lifelong Learners
Beyond the main attractions, the museum's commitment to showcasing scientific discovery makes it an intellectually stimulating environment. The detailed explanations, the vast fossil collections, and the opportunity to interact with knowledgeable staff make it an enriching experience for adults who want to deepen their understanding of the natural world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Two Buildings
The Nature Research Center, located across the street, offers a different, more dynamic experience. This building focuses on science in action, featuring live laboratories where visitors can observe scientists conducting research. It's a place to see how science is done, with interactive displays that connect you to ongoing discoveries. The Living Conservatory, a humid, tropical environment filled with free-flying butterflies, is also a major draw here and a highlight for many visitors.
Navigating between the two buildings is straightforward, and many visitors recommend dedicating a significant portion of your day to explore both. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential, as you'll be covering a lot of ground.
A Free Educational Adventure
Beyond the static displays, the museum often hosts special events, workshops, and educational programs, many of which are also free or low-cost. These can range from live animal demonstrations to talks by scientists, providing deeper insights into various scientific fields. Checking the museum's schedule upon arrival or online is highly recommended to make the most of these opportunities.
This dedication to free education solidifies the museum's role as a cornerstone of the Raleigh community and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an enriching and engaging experience that sparks curiosity and a love for science.
BugFest: A Unique Annual Event
During BugFest, visitors can expect to encounter live insects, participate in bug-themed crafts, attend fascinating presentations, and even try edible insects. It's a unique chance to get up close and personal with the insect world in a fun and educational environment. The event often draws large crowds, highlighting its popularity and the community's interest in entomology.
BugFest is a prime example of the museum's commitment to engaging the public with diverse scientific topics in creative and memorable ways. It's an event that truly showcases the wonders of the natural world, even the smallest inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit