North Carolina's most-visited museum, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is also the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast, and one of the nation's most respected museums that explores the natural world.
Each location -- the main museum in downtown Raleigh as well as its satellites -- answers four core questions about the natural sciences through permanent and interactive exhibits, educational films, and hands-on learning areas:
- what do we know?
- how do we know?
- what’s happening now?
- how can you participate?
The downtown Raleigh location houses the cutting-edge Nature Research Center, which uses state-of-the-art laboratories, research opportunities, interactive exhibits and live presentations given by top scientists to make science a tangible and enjoyable experience to help visitors understand the practical applications of science in their daily lives.
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, located at 11 and 121 West Jones Street in Raleigh, is currently open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, but is closed on some holidays. Hours vary, so check the museum's website for details. Please call the museum at (919) 707-9800 for more information.
Visit the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Raleigh
Prairie Ridge furthers the Museum's mission of enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the natural environment by providing an outdoor learning space while acting as a model for renewable and sustainable energy.
Prairie Ridge Hours
Tuesday–Saturday: 9am–4pm
Prairie Ridge Ecostation, located at 1671 Gold Star Drive in Raleigh, is closed on some state holidays. Hours vary, so check the museum's website for details.
We encourage you to visit our 45 acres of Piedmont prairie, forest, ponds, a stream and sustainable classroom features integrated with a wildlife-friendly landscape.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville
The museum's Whiteville branch, located at 415 South Madison Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call (910) 914-4185 for more information.
Visit the Whiteville Natural Sciences Museum
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Greenville and Contentnea Creek
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Greenville will open in 2021 with new, exceptional exhibits, mind-opening programs and educational events that reflect the relevant needs of audiences in northeastern North Carolina. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Contentnea Creek is a 400-acre outdoor learning center in Grifton that features hiking and paddling trails through a variety of habitats, as well as an observatory and a planetarium.
Greenville: 226 West 8th Street Greenville, NC 27834; Phone: 252.364.2862
Contentnea Creek: 949 Contentnea Lane, Grifton; Phone: 252.364.2862