Busy Building History

An architectural rendering of the renovated North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, showing a multi-story building with a massive glass corner revealing a bright atrium where two full-scale historic biplanes are suspended. The exterior features warm wood framing, a wide pedestrian plaza bustling with a diverse crowd, lush trees, and a partial view of a yellow school bus in the foreground under a blue sky.
Rendering by Hal Davis, SmithGroup

For more than 30 years, the North Carolina Museum of History has welcomed visitors to explore the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our state. Now, we're preparing for a new chapter, one that will strengthen the museum’s infrastructure, expand exhibit space, and enhance our service to communities across North Carolina.

An artist’s rendering of the modern, glass-fronted North Carolina Museum of History at twilight, bustling with people and glowing from within against a city skyline.
Rendering by Hal Davis, SmithGroup
An architectural rendering of a wide, modern multi-story building featuring a large glass atrium on the left and a facade screened with warm wood louvers on the right. The design combines glass, grey concrete, and timber under a bright blue sky. A spacious light-grey plaza in the foreground is populated with small, scattered figures of people walking.
Rendering by Hal Davis, SmithGroup

Have You Seen Our Fence?

While construction is underway, our site fence is doing more than just blocking off the work zone—it’s doubling as an outdoor exhibit!

Wilmington Street Banner
Photo by Darryl Ketcham

Check out close-up images of mystery artifacts from our collection, then scan the QR code or click below to guess what they are. Once you make your guess, you’ll get the full story behind each object.