Museums in North Carolina are now permitted to reopen, at 50% capacity. Here’s a rundown of museums in the Triangle, and what their reopening plans are.
Some museums will continue to provide online programs that you can enjoy from home, even if they do reopen in person.
As more museums announce their plans, we’ll update here. In all cases, please follow the links to the museums’ websites, for updates and more information.
The museums have worked diligently to develop a safe reopening plan, which you should be able to find on their websites. You can expect to be required to wear masks inside buildings, and you might need to consent to a temperature check before entering.
Please note that this list was created on September 14th, 2020, and may not reflect changes made after that date.
Raleigh Museums
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
The museum reopened to the public on September 22nd. Timed tickets are required. Tickets are free.
North Carolina Museum of History
North Carolina Museum of History
5 Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
North Carolina Museum of History reopened on September 10th. They are limiting admission to 250 people at a time, but tickets are not required. Free to visit. Interactive exhibit features will be paused or modified. The museum has set aside Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., for immunocompromised people and senior citizens.
North Carolina Museum of Art
North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
North Carolina Museum of Art reopened to the public on September 9th. Timed tickets are required. Admission is free.
Gregg Museum of Art & Design
Gregg Museum of Art & Design
1903 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607
Gregg Museum, part of N.C. State, reopened on September 23rd. It will be open on Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Timed tickets are required. They are free.
City of Raleigh Museum
City of Raleigh Museum
220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
City of Raleigh Museum reopened on September 12th, with a surprise exhibit featuring “Joseph Winters: The Music Maker.” The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and is free to visit.
CAM Raleigh
CAM Raleigh
409 W Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
CAM Raleigh is reopened on September 24th. The museum is free to visit.
Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum
201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, 27601
Marbles Kids Museum reopened to the public September 16th. Timed tickets are required.
Raleigh Fire Museum
Raleigh Fire Museum
105 Keeter Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Raleigh Fire Museum remains closed for now, and hasn’t announced a reopening plan yet.
Durham Museums
Museum of Life + Science
Museum of Life + Science
433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27704
Museum of Life + Science has reopened, with timed tickets required. You’ll need to reserve your timed tickets online before your visit.
Museum of Durham History
Museum of Durham History
500 W Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
Museum of Durham History hasn’t yet announced a reopening date.
Nasher Museum of Art
Nasher Museum of Art
2001 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27705
Nasher Museum of Art, part of Duke University, hasn’t yet announced a reopening date.
NCCU Art Museum
NCCU Art Museum
1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, 27707
North Carolina Central University’s art museum remained closed for now. They haven’t announced a re-opening date.
Chapel Hill Museums
Kidzu Children’s Museum
Kidzu Children’s Museum
201 S Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Kidzu Children’s Museum hasn’t announced a reopening date.
Ackland Art Museum
Ackland Art Museum
101 S Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Ackland Art Museum, part of UNC Chapel Hill, has not announced a reopening date.
Hillsborough Museums
Orange County Historical Museum
Orange County Historical Museum
201 North Churton Street, Hillsborough 27278
Orange County Historical Museum reopened on September 25th, on weekends. You will need to reserve your time slot by calling 919-732-2201, or through the website. It’s free to visit.
Chatham County Museums
Chatham Historical Museum
Chatham Historical Museum
9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Chatham Historical Museum is reopening on October 7th. It will be open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Johnston County Museums
Ava Gardner Museum
Ava Garden Museum
325 E Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
The Ava Gardner Museum reopened on September 5th with hours every day of the week.
Tobacco Farm Life Museum
Tobacco Farm Life Museum
709 Church Street, Kenly, NC 27542
Tobacco Farm Life Museum reopened on September 24th, under modified hours: Thursday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the final tour at $5 p.m. Open for scheduled tours only. Call 919-284-3431. All tickets are $8.
