The expansion of the the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is almost open! On April 20 and 21 the museum will host Our Universe is Expanding , a 24-hour celebration. The facility will house four research laboratories used by scientific staff from the Nature Research Center (NRC), the museum, UNC System, and visiting scientists. Visitors can observe these spaces as well as participate in interactive and multimedia exhibits. There is a slate of events scheduled for the opening, and all events are free to the public.

Grand Opening:

Gala

The weekend before the grand opening, however, is the Grand Opening Gala . The event, which takes place on the evening of Friday, April 13, will feature performances from the TFC Band, Mark Wells QUartet, The Magic of African Rhythm, Mickey Mills Steel Drum Band, and Infinity Circus. There will be food and an open bar at this black tie optional event. Tickets are $200 each and include the After Party events.

The Gala After Party begins at 10pm and includes a late night menu, test tube shooters, an open bar and dancing to The Crooked Smile Trio , TFC Band , and Al Ski-Love (a video DJ) in the three-story surround screen “Daily Planet Disco”. Tickets for this event are $75.

Gala:

The NRC will be an excellent addition to downtown Raleigh this year, and its stellar grand opening isn’t to be missed!