The grand re-opening of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Greenville takes place Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. The public is invited to check out the museum’s new digs at the historic Cupola Building, 226 West 8th St.
“This is an amazing space as it's one of the most historic buildings in Greenville,” said museum director Emily Jarvis. “I feel like it is built for inspiration and that is what we are all about.”
The opening is held in conjunction with the Museum’s annual STEM Expo, which highlights topics ranging from astronomy to zoology, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this event, visitors can engage with a wide variety of scientists and science organizations and enjoy hands-on demonstrations and activities for all ages. Plus, enjoy robot sumo competitions with Pitt Pirate Robotics, Fossil digs with Aurora Fossil Museum, animal ambassadors and more!
In their new location, the museum has expanded upon their Discovery Forest and Naturalist Center and have added live reptile exhibits, a Deep-Sea Submersible exhibit, physics exhibits, as well as a 300-gallon saltwater aquarium displaying the aquatic life found off the coast of North Carolina. “The underlying theme of our museum is what’s in your backyard,” Jarvis added.
Overall, the new location features exceptional exhibits, mind-opening programs and educational events that reflect the relevant needs of audiences in northeastern North Carolina. The museum also offers science camps, field trips, and public programs and events to ignite kids’ interest to engage in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts (STEAM) in educational and fun ways. The museum’s hours of operation are Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. General admission is free.
The Art Lab that used to be next door to the museum at its former location on Dickinson Avenue will also be moving into the Cupola Building, with murals created by local artists adorning the walls. Visitors will be able to engage with the artist in residence and create in the adjacent maker space. “In addition to science, art may be what brings some people in and inspires them to engage, explore and create,” says Jarvis. “I think it’s incredibly important to infuse the arts in a community space like this.”
About the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. In addition to two downtown buildings showcasing seven floors of world-class exhibits, the Museum runs Prairie Ridge Ecostation, a 45-acre outdoor education and research facility in west Raleigh, as well as satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville and Grifton (Contentnea Creek). Our mission is to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation. Downtown Raleigh Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, visit www.naturalsciences.org.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the North Carolina Symphony, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.