NC Museum of Natural Sciences reopens Tuesday

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the state's most visited historic attraction, will reopen Tuesday for the first time since March.

Posted 8:57 a.m. Sep 22, 2020 — Updated 11:26 a.m. Sep 22, 2020

Kasey Cunningham

, WRAL reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the state’s most visited historic attraction, will reopen Tuesday for the first time since March.

Several big changes are in place to protect visitors during coronavirus. The biggest difference? Families will need to reserve their free tickets online so the museum is never over capacity. Families can reserve up to 10 tickets at a time, and there is no time limit to enjoy the museum.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, groups larger than 10 or any groups from schools, churches or daycares will not be permitted inside the museum.

Some attractions and programs will remain closed, including the WRAL 3D Theater, Windows on the World, Living Conservatory (aka “the butterfly room”), Discovery Room, all hands-on investigate labs and The Naturalist Center.

The Daily Planet Cafe, however, will reopen with both indoor and outdoor seating all set up to social distance.

The museum is following state guidelines and requiring masks or face coverings for everyone who enters the door. The museum's new hours also are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. It will be closed Mondays.