The north carolina museum of natural sciences will strengthen visitor engagement by transforming its entrance and main gallery into an immersive science orientation experience

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Friends Of The North Carolina Museum Of Natural Sciences $1,790,764 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to transform the museum's entrance and main gallery into an immersive science orientation experience.

The recipient will assemble a project team to design and install new interpretive and guest orientation elements, including fabrication and installation of exhibit casework and supporting structures, production of interpretive graphics and wayfinding, and restoration of eight existing dioramas. The work responds to a strategic facilities plan documenting the need for improvements to the museum's 25-year-old entrance area. An external evaluator will conduct prototype testing of exhibit concepts and summative visitor surveys after installation. The renovated gateway will integrate visitor orientation, guest services, and interpretive storytelling for nearly one million annual visitors.

Work is performed in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. The award is classified as a Project Grant.

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.