Nature Research Center makes grand first impression

The 80,000-square foot interactive education center, which features a 70-foot-diameter globe outside and more than 100 interactive exhibits, even caught some who visited by surprise.

"It's blown me away," Latoya Sutton said Saturday. "I wasn't expecting it. I've been in Raleigh for awhile, and I wasn't expecting it. I really like it."

Crowds began pouring into the Nature Research Center Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. when the museum began its 24-hour grand opening celebration.

"It's probably the coolest thing," Victoria Yauch said of the theater. "The graphics are amazing."

And for all the fanfare, the leaders responsible for making the new wing possible still have education in mind. They want to bring science to life first-hand.

"We want science to be a conversation anybody can have," the museum's Steve Popson said. "We want folks to understand it means something to everyone of all ages,"

Aaron Stetson said the museum has done just that, adding that the hands-on experience was more fulfilling than reading from a science book. 

"Being here, you can touch, feel and discover what's real," he said.

Meg Lowman, director of the new wing, encouraged visitors on Friday to explore in the Nature Research Center's opening weekend.

"Everything will be open, including the green roof, so don't miss going up to the top," she said. "That's really awesome. There will be telescopes out there and lots to see from top to bottom."

Visitors can take a break at the Daily Planet Café to enjoy North Carolina draft beers, North Carolina wines and food sourced from North Carolina ingredients.

The museum returns to normal hours Sunday. It will be open from Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays. Admission is free.