North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh (must see)
Nestled within the heart of Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) stands as a beacon of scientific exploration and wonder, beckoning visitors to embark on a captivating journey through the natural world. As the oldest established museum in the state and the largest of its kind in the Southeastern United States, the NCMNS has earned its place as a cherished institution that ignites curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us.
With approximately 1.2 million visitors annually, the museum holds the distinction of being the state's most popular destination for both residents and visitors alike. Its captivating exhibits, engaging programs, and comprehensive collections draw in enthusiasts of all ages, making it a cherished hub of learning and inspiration.
The seeds of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences were sown in 1879, when the North Carolina State Museum was born. This birth was the result of merging two existing state-owned collections of geologic and agricultural specimens. Initially housed within the Briggs building on Fayetteville Street, the museum's journey of growth and transformation had begun.
Over the course of the following 60 years, the museum's stature expanded significantly. Its collections evolved to encompass a staggering variety of natural specimens, ranging from amphibians and reptiles to birds, fish, mammals, invertebrates, fossils, plants, geology, and meteorites. This rich diversity of exhibits reflects the multifaceted tapestry of Earth's ecosystems and history.
Whether you're captivated by the mysteries of deep-sea life, fascinated by the wonders of evolution, or intrigued by the intricacies of ecosystems, the museum's carefully curated exhibits offer a window into the extraordinary diversity of life on our planet.
The admission is free.
With approximately 1.2 million visitors annually, the museum holds the distinction of being the state's most popular destination for both residents and visitors alike. Its captivating exhibits, engaging programs, and comprehensive collections draw in enthusiasts of all ages, making it a cherished hub of learning and inspiration.
The seeds of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences were sown in 1879, when the North Carolina State Museum was born. This birth was the result of merging two existing state-owned collections of geologic and agricultural specimens. Initially housed within the Briggs building on Fayetteville Street, the museum's journey of growth and transformation had begun.
Over the course of the following 60 years, the museum's stature expanded significantly. Its collections evolved to encompass a staggering variety of natural specimens, ranging from amphibians and reptiles to birds, fish, mammals, invertebrates, fossils, plants, geology, and meteorites. This rich diversity of exhibits reflects the multifaceted tapestry of Earth's ecosystems and history.
Whether you're captivated by the mysteries of deep-sea life, fascinated by the wonders of evolution, or intrigued by the intricacies of ecosystems, the museum's carefully curated exhibits offer a window into the extraordinary diversity of life on our planet.
The admission is free.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Raleigh. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Map
Sight Name: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Raleigh, North Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Raleigh
Creating your own self-guided walk in Raleigh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historic Buildings Walking Tour
As you traverse the streets of North Carolina's capital Raleigh, you cannot help noticing a wealth of historic buildings, each illustrating a chapter in the city's annals.
Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Raleigh Introduction Walking Tour
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is often called the "City of Oaks" because there are many oak trees there. The city's origins go back to the late 1700s and are connected to the famous English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh from the 16th century. He tried to establish the first English colony in the Americas, known as the Roanoke Colony, which is now in North Carolina.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles