Very thorough and detailed state museum. Interactive, there a videos and elements of certain exhibits that you can touch. One of the most interesting areas talks about the raids and the attacks in Wilmington. There is also talk and a state of Thomas Day who I believe is extremely important to NC history. Well planned and executed. I look forward to visiting again soon with friends and family. Lots to learn here and easy to navigate.

Beyond anything my mind could have imagined! I love history sooo immensely! This place is a history lover's dream! Information around every single twist and turn. Amazing setups and actual objects from various eras in time. You can easily spend hours here and still have tons to discover and learn. I adored the interactive films that played throughout the museum.

Fantastic museum. Well put together, good layout. If you appreciate history of anything, you'll enjoy this place. The cost is absolutely free, which was right up my alley. I was a little limited on time, so I had to make my way through kinda fast. I was not lucky the day I stopped because it was field trip day and there was kids running around screaming. Other than that I had a great time.

Cool free thing to do while in town. The lady at the help desk was helpful and gave a brochure explaining each level and also how to get tickets to a current special attraction they had going on. Took my dad and my son. There were interactive displays that caught both of their eyes. So much to learn: went on a Monday so it wasn’t a big crowd which I loved cause no rushed feeling. The sports area upstairs was pretty small with a few highlights that my son enjoyed. We all learned a lot which was the goal. On street parking was available close by.

This museum is awesome! You will learn the history of North Carolina but also that of the United States. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, another exhibit pops up. Very well done.

Excellent history of North Carolina from undeveloped to current age. Lots of interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Admission free!

Last week, while the mother-in-law was here comma we decided to go to a few museums. One of them what's the North Carolina Museum of history. This was my first time here as well. We went on a Saturday. We couldn't find parking directly at the Museum but a few blocks away we found some underground parking that was free. It was a nice little walk to the museum. It allowed us to sightsee and find other points of interest we would visit afterwards. The museum itself was very fascinating. Not being a native to North Carolina I learned a lot about its history. It started from the indigenous people, traveled through slavery, civil wars, the evolution of industries like rail, farming and later tobacco. Race division and spotlights on specific individuals to the state. There was quite a bit of artifacts from eating utensils tools, guns, uniforms and even toys. We only had the chance to look through one part of the museum's exhibits. Hunger took over and we went for lunch. The second floor had some other exhibits that I would love to visit. For anyone who loves to learn about history I would highly recommend the journey through their exhibits.

A very interactive and well-maintained museum. There were tons of things to touch, listen to, watch, and interact with making it a great museum to take children. I thought the exhibits were very creative and really helped transport you to a different time frame. Parking nearby is limited so plan extra time for your trip.

What a great place and a fun and interactive way to learn about North Carolina history. The only thing I could suggest is a place for coffee and some snacks.

This museum has done a great job of documenting NC history in an interesting way. Today a gentlemen explained how native Americans made canoes before there were metal tools to use. The kids found it very interesting. We have visited before so revisited some of our favorite spots. The pirate display is always a favorite. We also enjoyed the sports hall. Highly reccomend for almost any age.

Fantastic NC treasure and fun place to take the family or a date. It’s interesting to see which exhibits spark curiosity in different people. No matter your area of interest you are likely to find something here you love, personally I love it all.

Amazing place to take the family for a free outing. We didn’t have time to view everything, because we did the Natural History museum first. We really enjoyed it, from my 12yo on up to my adult kids.

Excellent museum. Not too crowded when visited! Really liked the research labs they also have. 2atched a live tarantula visit at the vet. So nice that they have that too!

This museum is free, has restrooms, gift shops, and a cafe that is sometimes open. The parking lot near it charges cash and about $2 per hour. The museum is great, there is so much to see, there are about 4 floors and 2 buildings. It is fantastic for kids and adults. There are live animals and insects as well. There are also films in both buildings. The fun demonstrations and activities are usually done on weekends but a weekday is nice and calm if you don't like being around too many people. The museum has animals, plants, insects, rocks, wood, and dinosaurs. You will spend at least 2 hours here but could easily spend 4.

I am not familiar with the history of NC before, and this museum is truly educational and interesting! I have learned so much, and I think their exhibitions are very well-designed through each time era. Glad I came here.

Small museum, but did enjoy the toy exhibit.

Amazing day at the museum of history. New sets and exhibits. Wonderful setup and very intuitive.

EXTREMELY informative especially about NC history and the role the state has played in US history as well. The staff was very well versed in the institute. My wife who is not big on history THROUGHLY ENJOYED her experience. Parking was easily accessible and the Museum is very nicely equipped for handicapped like me.

Free admission! What a fun way to learn about local north Carolina history, we came in to see the Black bread exhibit but ended up wandering around the meusum for an hour viewing all the different historical facts and displays. They offer a map upon entry and just across the way is the north Carolina natural history museum that has many cool things to see as well. Right in the middle of downtown Raleigh so there is a lot around to do.

Educational

This was an unplanned trip. We had just visited the North Carolina museum of natural sciences & we had some time in our schedule, so we walked in. If you love history, this place is for you! Love their museum store! We plan on returning the next time we are in the Raleigh area. Check out my pics.

Amazing museum. Great place to take the family.

The food is good.

Excellent museum

(Translated by Google) Wonderful!!! Place full of history and teaching. They have to visit it to live an unforgettable experience. (Original) Maravilloso!!! Lugar lleno de historia y enseñanza. Tienen que visitarlo para que vivan una experiencia inolvidable.

The variety of exhibits allowed for all family members to find something for their interests.

Awesome place to visit for both adults and kids ❤

Crazy good museum. A little wacky layout but the exhibits and the movies attached are outstanding. The NC sports hall of fame is great. So much that you can learn all about North Carolina. Great for children and adults. The shop is great two. Totally recommend.

Loved our visit! Really nicely done-- everything laid out well and visually appealing with excellent explanations of everything. We visited from NY and spent a lot of time in the History of NC section but there is so much to see and do at this museum that I really regret making the mistake of going in the afternoon-- wish we arrived sooner so we didn't have to rush through and miss a few of the exhibits. The Toys and Military exhibits were fantastic. Next chance we have, we will be back!

Amazing NC history of which I had no idea. This place showcases the struggles and victories of this wonderful state I hope to call home someday.

10+History and artifacts everywhere! Love it was Free of charge...Many gadgets switches ..items to come alive;. We meet lady employee who kept the bathroom area clean and she shared how proud she was to have a niece to graduate with a 4.0 gpa! This was the metaphor to Akela Bee do it for the race...people in the community.. the workers! Awesome experience! We were able to purchase books in the gift shop to continue the journey " the Green book to travel" and the Dreamer Artitechet that created the visionary African American Museum in DC died July 2019...We were at that museum around the same time(2 years later his book is purchased)

Way better than I expected and it's really big. Also free admission. Front desk was friendly and informative

Awesome, I like so much

Amazing museum with some really nice exhibits. Would have been better had everything been up and running There were a few interactive exhibits that were not working or not working competely.

Pretty good and informative NC history museums. Another free one to visit if you’re in the area.

Really well done museum, and even more impressive is that it’s free! Took about two hours for two adults to walk around but could take longer. Slightly interactive for kids with lots of videos.

My family had a fun day here. The museum was kept clean and cool. Well organized and interesting artifacts.

We had a private tour done here with several homeschooling communities (about 60 people+) and our kids learned so much about NC history. The displays were interactive and very immersive. Our children were really able to build off of the history they learned through CC Cycle 3 and dive deeper into the details of how the nation’s history affected local institutions and people. As a military family whose friends have lost their lives in war, though, we didn’t appreciate the overemphasis of posters depicting female soldiers during WWI and II as if they made up the majority of the active duty force at the time. Also, the use of racial language felt forced and overemphasized comparing to the historical facts themselves.

So many things to see, probably could've left out the bricks...we know what they look like. I wish there was a couple more benches to sit for a bit, we were there for about 3 hours and my feet/back was killing me. Kids enjoyed the Indian and pirate sections, after that I think they were hungry and ready to go. The interactive buttons and scenes were really cool and fun for all ages. I'll have to go back again to try and finish the rest.

Excellent and informative

Awesome place to learn about NC history!

Love this place ❤️

Place is great.

Super

One of the coolest museums I’ve ever been to. And free!! A must visit if you are in Raleigh!

Great place that really does an excellent job detailing NC history with both static a d multi.edia displays.

Highly recommend you going to the museum. It is a great facility with a lot of interesting exhibits. My husband and I went to see the toy exhibit. Fascinating time. We enjoyed reminiscing about toys we enjoyed growing up as well as a few we never saw before. Also viewed the quilt exhibit and N.C. sports exhibit. Attended a free string band concert in the museum’s auditorium. Note: Free weekend on street parking. Free parking on weekends in lot around the corner. Nice way to spent an afternoon.

Great displays

Very informative!

Visited here in 2015 with my family. Great display of History even though some of it was sad. It was great to be able to visualize the struggles a lot of people had to, and still do go through today. Hope to visit again someday.

A nice museum of N. Carolina history. An impressive display of revolutionary war and civil war weapons, clothing and items. Items recovered from Blackbeards ship wrecked off the coast. We enjoyed the 50s and 60s toy section. Many other things to see as well.

It's fantastic! Incredibly informative and thorough. Far better than what i expected. It's exceptional at what it does. Document NC history.

The expansive displays give so much detail and history! I love that many of the displays allow you to get close and almost experience for yourself the events described. The videos are very informative and give important details to North Carolina's history.

Awesome place to go, learn and walk around on a rainy day or any other. Kid and adult friendly and FREE! Very helpful staff/ volunteers and CLEAN restrooms ??

Lots of interactive exhibits, making this a great place for families with kids of all ages. The information about North Carolina is respectful of both native American history and the history of slavery in the state. Lots of fun in the toys of our past exhibit!

Great adventure for all ages. The kids enjoyed their section and even some of the adult parts. Nice layout and variety of exhibits!

This place is cool, especially the Sports Hall of Fame.

Great for adults and kids with live entertainment

Loved this place, will totally be back. So much to learn and they do it in a great environment, many different things to learn about from old toys, to literal parts of homes that were used in parts of some of the hardest times in peoples lives. Mind blowing. Had a great time and reccomend this place to anyone that wants to get out for cheap with the family, and learn something too!!

Really enjoyed all the history spent the whole day here

Great exhibits. Tells NC history from diverse viewpoints.

AMAZING museum. I'll always go back wither with family or just myself!

Great for kids of all ages.

Amazing experience even though we didn’t get to see the whole thing. If I’m ever back in Raleigh, will definitely return!!

The Toy exhibit. It made me remember so much. Great exhibit.

Stepping back into nostalgia. The displays were so real.I am amazed that the museums are all free here in NC .

I went with a group of 4 to graders and it was great, there was something for everyone. The quilts were what I enjoyed and so did the girls I was with, sweet girls that they were, I didn't make them stay long. They did have blocks so they could see what it was like to design quilts. It was like that with most of the sections in the museum.

Huge two story building museum! Absolutely wonderful! ?

Information was correct they have lots of things to look at and learn from it's a nice quiet atmosphere and it was not crowded at all

Went for an exhibit of old toys and ended up walking other exhibits. Nice place to spend some time.

Very nice

Two and a half year old granddaughter loved the dinosaur bones!

Nice State museum. In beautiful part of Raleigh near the State building.

Excellent historical exhibits for families.

Excellent Museum