About the North Carolina Museum of History
Visitors from around the world travel to the North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, to discover fascinating secrets and hidden gems from our state's past. Located at 5 East Edenton Street in the heart of downtown Raleigh, across from the North Carolina State Capitol, the state history museum welcomed more than 465,000 visitors a year, including 83,000+ schoolchildren.
Currently, 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 physical museum building is closed to the public for an exciting makeover that will last two to three years. The Museum Shop will remain open to the public through December 29, 2024.
The renovation will usher in a new era for the museum, with reimagined exhibits and interactive experiences that offer deeper insights into North Carolina’s vibrant past. As construction progresses, you can stay connected through virtual and in-person programs, social media, and newsletter updates.
You can contact the Museum at (919) 814-7000. The fax number is (919) 733-8655.
Our Mission Statement
The Division of State History Museums collects and preserves artifacts and other historical materials relating to the history and heritage of North Carolina in a local, regional, national, and international context to assist people in understanding how the past influences the present.
The division interprets history through exhibitions, educational programs, and publications available to the visitor on-site or through distance-learning technologies.