This major addition and renovation project for the North Carolina Museum of History will feature expanded program and exhibit space for visitors while re-shaping downtown Raleigh’s urban fabric. The three-story, 183,250 SF addition will occupy an adjacent site connected by pedestrian bridge to the existing building. The building will house gallery space, educational facilities, conference space, restaurant, and exterior program space in a park-like setting. A new light-filled atrium will showcase the popular Wright Flyers exhibit in the existing museum, while a complementary glass atrium will feature a replica of the historic Queen Anne Revenge.

The existing building will house loading, design, and fabrication space for exhibits; the Story of North Carolina exhibit and visitor entry functions; streamlined administrative space; exhibit space; conservation and storage areas, and new vertical circulation systems. Proposed programs include a 4D, and flyboard theater experiences; exhibits for the Wright Brothers Story, Queen Ann’s Revenge, Sports Hall of Fame, and Decorative Arts; a North Carolina themed gallery; a covered lunch area for student tours; and an expanded collection facility with state-of-the-art tools to maintain proper environmental conditions. A new video/digital production lab will serve outreach programs, and integrated technology throughout the architectural, interpretive, and teaching spaces will connect all programs.