State museums, historic sites, aquariums, N.C. Zoo closed starting Tuesday
North Carolina's museums, the North Carolina Zoo, state historic sites and parts of state park facilities are closed starting Tuesday, March 17.
"In accordance with Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 117, and to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will suspend public operations at all locations, except state parks and trails, beginning Mar. 17 until further notice," according to an announcement. "In an abundance of caution, the suspension of public operations will allow the Department the opportunity to assess our facilities to consider possible modifications that could ensure appropriate social distancing."
The closure includes the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, the N.C. Museum of Art and the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh, along with regional museums; state historic sites; state aquariums and Jennette’s Pier; the North Carolina Zoo; the State Library of North Carolina and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; the State Archives, including regional archive offices; and the North Carolina Symphony.
North Carolina state parks and recreation area trails and restroom facilities will remain open, according to the announcement, but visitor centers and campgrounds will be closed. Visitors to state parks are encouraged to practice social distancing. The Museum Park at the N.C. Museum of Art also will remain open, but visitors there also are encouraged to stay at least six feet from each other.
The full list of state closures is on the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' website.
On Friday, the Museum of Life and Science closed for at least two weeks. And on Monday, both Marbles Kids Museum and Kidzu Children's Museum suspended operations.
