Cape Fear Museum of History and Science

Discover the past, explore the area's culture, and meet Wilmington's oldest resident a 20-foot-tall giant ground sloth, and many more exciting things at North Carolina's first history museum. Cape Fear Museum's new home will feature engaging permanent exhibitions, museum classrooms, an outdoor terrace, and more, including:

• Cape Fear Stories: An interactive exhibit spanning two floors, this gallery delves into the rich history of the Lower Cape Fear.
• Planetarium: A 60-seat, immersive theater with programming catered to school groups, families, and young adults.
• Port City Play: Imaginative play spaces, storytelling, and hands-on interactive displays tailored to young children and their caregivers.
• Science Matters: Hands-on exhibits and gallery that emphasizes the importance of science in understanding and changing the world.
• Curious Nature: An outdoor learning gallery that highlights the beauty of nature and encourages environmental stewardship.
• Traveling Exhibition Gallery: A 5,000-square foot space dedicated to hosting a variety of engaging exhibits that rotate regularly.
• Amazing Pollinators will open in August 2026 and is a game-based survival adventure that weaves fascinating stories with urgent messages about pollinators, the critical work they do, and their importance to people and planet. It will be on view through January 2027.

Cape Fear Museum is temporarily closed and will open in the new Grace Street location in summer 2026!