North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will strengthen visitor engagement by transforming its entrance and main gallery into an immersive science orientation experience. Based on a strategic facilities plan documenting the need for improvements to its 25-year-old entrance area, the museum will assemble a project team of museum staff members to implement the design and installation of new interpretive and guest orientation elements, involving fabrication and installation of exhibit casework and supporting structures, production of interpretive graphics and wayfinding, and restoration of eight existing dioramas. An external evaluator will conduct prototype testing of exhibit concepts and summative visitor surveys after installation. The project will culminate in a renovated gateway to the museum’s exhibitions, laboratories, and educational programs that integrates visitor orientation, guest services, and interpretive storytelling for nearly one million annual visitors.