Welcome to the North Carolina Museum of History! Visitors from around the world travel to the North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian affiliate, to discover fascinating secrets and hidden gems from our state's past. Located at 5 East Edenton Street in the heart of downtown Raleigh, across from the Capitol, the state history museum welcomes more than 465,000 visitors a year, including 83,000+ school groups. You can contact the Museum at (919) 814-7000. The fax number is (919) 733-8655​. The North Carolina Museum of History is now open to the public with some new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and visitors. Limiting visitors to 300 people at a time in the museum, to allow a comfortable visit to the museum. Requiring cloth masks to enter the museum, as outlined in Executive Order 163. Children under the age of two should NOT wear cloth masks. Installing hand sanitizer stations and increasing the frequency of cleaning high touch public areas and restrooms. Installing protective barriers at sales counters and information desks. Our Museum Shop will be open with reduced hours and limited capacity. Interactive exhibit features will be paused or modified. A map will highlight safety measures (sanitizer stations) and paused or “no-touch” (removed or blocked) visitor experiences. A QR code will be available for a touchless experience. Admission is FREE. Tickets are NOT required for entry. Hours of operation will be as follows: Tuesday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday: Noon–5 p.m. Closed Mondays and some holidays “We are very excited to welcome the public back to the museum," said Ken Howard, Director of the North Carolina Museum of History. "We, as an institution, believe in the importance of learning from history, including events happening in the present day. The Museum has adopted new safety procedures, following NCDHHS guidelines, to present our visitors with the safest and most enjoyable experience." Visitors are expected to follow the “Three W’s” as outlined by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services – WEAR a cloth mask over your nose and mouth, WAIT in line at least six feet away from others, and WASH your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, we ask that you postpone your visit. Nearby the museum is convenient parking, restaurants, and many other family-friendly attractions. The Museum is closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.