The North Carolina Museum of History is embarking on a transformative journey that will redefine how visitors experience the state's rich history. As part of this project, the museum building located at 5 East Edenton Street in Raleigh is closed to the public to begin an exciting renovation. The building closed in October 2024, with construction set to begin in Summer 2025. The renovation process is expected to last two to three years.
We understand you may have questions about what’s happening, how it affects your visit, and how you can stay connected with us during this time. Below, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the renovation. Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to a better-than-ever museum!
The North Carolina Museum of History is undergoing renovations to improve accessibility, enhance the visitor experience, and refine how visitors experience the state's rich history. The project will expand the building by 40,000 square feet, including 25% more gallery space to showcase additional stories, artifacts, and voices from across the state. Upgrades will include a relocated entrance on the northside of Bicentennial Plaza for improved accessibility, new climate control systems to protect the museum’s over 150,000 artifacts, and critical infrastructure improvements such as leak repairs and a new freight elevator. Additional classrooms, a new restaurant, community spaces, and offices are also part of the expansion.
The renovation is expected to last two to three years. The museum is scheduled to reopen in fall 2028.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, museum staff expertly prepared and packed our artifacts for relocation. Over 150,000 artifacts have been moved to a secure and environmentally sound location to ensure their preservation during renovation.
Yes, the museum building is temporarily closed. However, the museum continues to offer a robust schedule of public and educational programming. Plus, the Museum Shop will open a new storefront located at 108 Glenwood Ave in Raleigh in September 2025!
Yes! While the museum building is temporarily closed, the museum remains active across the state and online. We continue to offer programs, pop-up events, festivals, and a wide range of digital resources for educators, students, and lifelong learners. Looking ahead, the museum is committed to expanding access to its renowned collection and programs—bringing North Carolina’s rich history to all 100 counties.
Yes. While the Raleigh location is temporarily closed, North Carolina’s state history museums—part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources—remain open across the state. These include regional sites in Elizabeth City, Fayetteville, Hatteras, Kenly, Old Fort, and Southport. Each museum interprets the unique stories of its region through exhibits, programming, and collections that reflect more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history.
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