North Carolina Museum of History
North Carolina Museum of History
4.5
Speciality & Gift ShopsConcertsSpeciality MuseumsPoints of Interest & LandmarksHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from the state's earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Other exhibits highlight the state's military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more. Monthly programs include children's programs, craft demonstrations and family events. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, and the on-site restaurant Pharaoh's at the Museum are open daily. Admission is free, although some special exhibits require a fee. Free parking is available on weekends in the Jones/Edenton Street lot. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Tiffany TFarmingdale, New York148 contributionsCute little placeThis is a very nice place. The fact it is free is very nice feature. Some of the videos didn’t exactly correctly show history but for the average consumer they would not see the distinction. The special you have to pay for were a bit expensive for what they were showing so I’m not sure if those are worth it.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 31 March 2023
- Caribbean S140 contributionsCan’t Believe it’s Free!I’m shocked that it’s free! Parking spots are right out front - free on weekends. I spent 1.5 hours covering the entire 1st floor and 3rd floor (drugstore and sports hall of fame). I had zero interest in seeing the other 3rd floor exhibits. There’s an elevator but I took the stairs. The gift shop is nice, has lots of made in NC items. I gave 4 stars because some of the exhibits weren’t well lit to see the items and read descriptions. Also, navigating the 1st floor is somewhat challenging because there’s no clear route; I had to circle back to see what I missed.Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 June 2023
- rhundt67Milwaukee, Wisconsin395 contributionsHighly Recommend this FREE OpportunityIt's FREE so why not? Is it the most spectacular history museum? Absolutely not, but it presents an awesome history, military, and more, of North Carolina. Some areas were not open, yet we still managed to spend a chunk of time here seeing everything but the children's interactive section (we were all 18 and over). Again, it's a great, FREE opportunity so go and check it out!Visited August 2023Written 20 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
936 reviews
Excellent
654
Very good
228
Average
46
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Alexandra P
Boca Raton, United States19 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We had a great experience with our 3 year old. While the majority of the displays were over his head, he enjoyed everything and the museum staff and volunteers helped engage him in interactive exhibits.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kinderflynn
15 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We love these places where you are encouraged to touch things to learn! Lift the flaps, milk the cow, push the button. Exhibits are well organized memorable.
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhundt67
Milwaukee, WI395 contributions
Aug 2023
It's FREE so why not? Is it the most spectacular history museum? Absolutely not, but it presents an awesome history, military, and more, of North Carolina. Some areas were not open, yet we still managed to spend a chunk of time here seeing everything but the children's interactive section (we were all 18 and over). Again, it's a great, FREE opportunity so go and check it out!
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeterHa1
Mahwah, NJ271 contributions
Aug 2023
Yes you learn but other than one in depth explanation on the Wilmington riots, not much substance. on many other aspects. Kinda glossed over the Civil Rights march as if it were my museum, more on the lunch counter sit-ins.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaSRuss
Creedmoor, NC7 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Great place with an extensive collection of historical items! I haven’t been here for years, but I recently took my mom when she came to visit!
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caribbean S
Richmond, Virginia, USA140 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
I’m shocked that it’s free! Parking spots are right out front - free on weekends. I spent 1.5 hours covering the entire 1st floor and 3rd floor (drugstore and sports hall of fame). I had zero interest in seeing the other 3rd floor exhibits. There’s an elevator but I took the stairs. The gift shop is nice, has lots of made in NC items. I gave 4 stars because some of the exhibits weren’t well lit to see the items and read descriptions. Also, navigating the 1st floor is somewhat challenging because there’s no clear route; I had to circle back to see what I missed.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany T
Farmingdale, NY148 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
This is a very nice place. The fact it is free is very nice feature. Some of the videos didn’t exactly correctly show history but for the average consumer they would not see the distinction.
The special you have to pay for were a bit expensive for what they were showing so I’m not sure if those are worth it.
The special you have to pay for were a bit expensive for what they were showing so I’m not sure if those are worth it.
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa P
Woodridge, IL662 contributions
Mar 2023
Coming from Chicago where the museum are huge I did expect more. but for "FREE it was good. Really got a great understanding of NC.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenn E
40 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Amazing time with the family. FREE admission to boot, I’ve had a better experience here then at most museums I’ve paid for. Would highly recommend.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HollyHeatherRoses
Sittingbourne, UK12 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Fantastic museum. It really does give a warts and all account of North Carolina's history. One of the best I've been to. But do prepare to be put through the wringer. This museum is brave and does not sugar coat history.
Written 10 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MTVOYAGER7
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico8 contributions
Website says closed on Mondays but trip advisor indicates open.
PeterHa1
Mahwah, NJ271 contributions
Go with the website
Wheelchairs available for rent?
John K
Raleigh, NC75 contributions
I think they have wheel chairs for rent. However, best would be to go online with any search engine find their home page and either find what they have or call the number on their web site just to make sure.
How long does it take to tour the museum? I'm asking because I'd like to go on a Sunday when the hours are shorter.
Two Guys a
17 contributions
It can be done in 3 - 4 depending on your level of interest.
How much does the entry cost?
xbcrat
New Bern, NC93 contributions
It is free except for some special exhibits.
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Claim your listingNORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina Museum of History
- North Carolina Museum of History is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 - 17:00
- Tue - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near North Carolina Museum of History:
- (0.43 km) The Longleaf Hotel
- (0.98 km) Raleigh Marriott City Center
- (0.49 km) Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown
- (0.95 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown
- (0.77 km) Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
- Restaurants near North Carolina Museum of History:
- (0.09 km) Daily Planet Cafe
- (0.20 km) Acro Cafe
- (0.29 km) Centro
- (0.40 km) Sitti
- (0.56 km) Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern