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The Museum of the Albemarle is one of the state's seven regional history museums which will standardize hours starting in June (photo courtesy NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources)

Changes ahead for state museums, what to expect

May 4, 2026 | 4:08 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) – It will soon be easier to know when a state-run museum near you will be open.

The seven museums within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will adjust their operating schedules starting next month.

The North Carolina Regional History Museums will implement standardized public operating days and hours across all regional museums beginning June 1. The change is designed to create consistency across sites, strengthen visitor expectations, and better coordinate region-wide programming and support services, according to Director of Regional History Museums Maria Vann in a release.

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly (photo courtesy Johnston County Visitors Bureau)

The museums include the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort, the Museum of the Albermarle in Elizabeth City, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex in Fayetteville, the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly.

Effective June 1, all seven sites will be open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors planning afternoon visits are encouraged to arrive before 4:30 p.m. The museums will be closed — with limited seasonal and programming exceptions — Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.

The Museum of the Albemarle is one of the state’s seven regional history museums. (photo courtesy North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources)

“These standardized hours allow us to provide a more consistent and reliable experience for our visitors while strengthening coordination across our regional network,” Vann said.

Currently, the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh is closed and during a major renovation project and plans to reopen in fall, 2028

That project will expand the building by 40,000 square feet, including 25% more gallery space to showcase additional stories, artifacts, and voices from across the state.

Upgrades will include a relocated entrance on the northside of Bicentennial Plaza for improved accessibility, new climate control systems to protect the museum’s 150,000+ artifacts, and critical infrastructure improvements such as leak repairs and a new freight elevator.

The museum renovation received $180 million in funding, authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly.