Consistently drawing well over a million visitors annually, it is the State most visited museum. The museum houses an incredible collection of more than 1.7 million specimens of birds, insects, fish, and rocks, spread across two distinct, massive buildings that offer a highly interactive educational experience.
Two Distinct Centers of Discovery
The museum is divided into two main buildings, connected by a pedestrian bridge, each serving a unique purpose:
- The Nature Exploration Center: This is the museum's traditional wing. Its exhibits take you on a journey through the State diverse geography, starting from the prehistoric Appalachian Mountains and stretching all the way to the coastal habitats of the Atlantic.
- The Nature Research Center: Opened in 2012 and easily identified by the massive "Daily Planet" globe facing the street, this wing focuses on scientific methods. It brings visitors face-to-face with active researchers and modern scientific technology.
Prehistoric Beasts and Oceanic Giants
One of the Nature Exploration Center's major draws is its phenomenal paleontological collection.
The centerpiece of the dinosaur exhibit is the Acrocanthosaurus, affectionately known as the "Terror of the South." This massive apex predator predates the T. rex and is the only complete skeleton of its kind on display in the world. Beyond dinosaurs, the museum features a breathtaking collection of fully articulated whale skeletons—including a massive sperm whale and a rare True's beaked whale—suspended from the ceiling, allowing visitors to walk directly underneath these oceanic giants.
Interactive Science and Marine Life
The museum goes far beyond static displays, heavily emphasizing live programming and hands-on discovery:
- The 10,000-Gallon Aquarium: A massive draw during the heat of summer or the dead of winter, this impressive tank highlights native marine species. Visitors can get up-close views of regional aquatic life, including pufferfish, ladyfish, and vibrant angelfish.
- Investigating the Deep: A deep-sea submersible exhibit allows visitors to experience what it is like to plunge thousands of feet below sea level, exploring the mysteries of the ocean floor and the unique creatures that inhabit it.
- Live Research Labs: Inside the Nature Research Center, there are three glass-walled "Investigate Labs." Here, visitors can watch scientists conduct live research in real time, ask questions, and even participate in hands-on experiments.
Whether you are walking through a replica of a coastal forest, taking a virtual field trip in the Daily Planet theater, or watching a scientist extract dinosaur DNA, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences transforms complex science into a highly accessible, unforgettable experience.
Visiting North Carolina's Most Iconic Attractions - If you're a history buff, there are plenty of things to do in North Carolina. For example, you could spend a day at Biltmore Estate or take in a holiday event at the USS North Carolina Battleship. You could also visit the North Carolina Zoo or explore the Great Smoky Mountains. All of these things are great options for family vacations.