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North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Museum

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Raleigh
4.7
(12,000 reviews)
1
Tours Available
Free
Adult Entry
3 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May
Best Time

Overview

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a museum located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is one of the most visited museums in the Southeastern United States. It is home to a diverse collection of natural history exhibits, including dinosaurs, wildlife, and interactive displays.

It is the largest natural history museum in the Southeastern United States and a leading institution for research and education in natural sciences.

Natural History Science

Location

Address

11 W Jones St, Raleigh, North Carolina

Neighborhood: Downtown Raleigh

Coordinates

35.780400, -78.639100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults
Free
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
3 hours
Full Experience
full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

  • • seasonal wildlife exhibits
  • • educational programs

summer

hot

  • • extended summer hours
  • • special dinosaur exhibits

autumn

cool

  • • fall nature trails
  • • harvest-themed exhibits

winter

cold

  • • holiday-themed exhibits
  • • seasonal wildlife displays

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Check museum website for current exhibits
  • Plan your visit ahead
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds

What to Bring

essential

ID comfortable shoes camera

recommended

water bottle sun protection

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

food large bags

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

  • • stairs
  • • crowded exhibits

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0
parking $5
food $10
souvenirs $15

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

  • • 1-2 weeks
  • • official website
  • • 48 hours
  • • available

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Size: 50 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Exhibit information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Public areas

Charging Stations: Rest areas, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi
$40 30 min
public_transport
$5 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro
$1.75 10 min
bus
$1.75 15 min
taxi
$10 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic importance, educational value

Historical Significance: Important events happened here, significant research contributions

Insider Tips

  • Free entry, best exhibits in the lower level
  • Best food at the nearby food trucks

Local Recommendations

  • • Visit the nearby State Capitol
  • • Try local food at nearby restaurants

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Where is
how_much How much
beautiful Beautiful
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle

Result: Great shot

#naturalhistory

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, public spaces
prohibited areas exhibitions, restricted zones
flash photography allowed in certain areas
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy prohibited
tripod policy restricted
selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

North Carolina State Capitol

Distance: 0.5km

Walking: 7 min

Type: Historic Site

Pullen Park

Distance: 2km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Park

Marbles Kids Museum

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.7

Based on 12,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book online for special exhibits"
  • "Visit early to avoid crowds"
  • "Great for families"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

1

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

12,000

Adult Entry

Free

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