The North Carolina Museum of History is stepping into a new era with the launch of a refreshed brand identity that honors its rich legacy while looking ahead to an exciting future. The rebrand arrives as the museum undergoes a major renovation project that will modernize the space and expand its ability to tell the stories that have shaped North Carolina.

Part of the Division of State History Museums within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the museum has long served as a hub for preserving and sharing the state’s history. Home to more than 150,000 artifacts, the institution connects visitors to North Carolina’s past through exhibitions, educational programming, community outreach, and cultural storytelling.

“The North Carolina Museum of History is one of the true gems of our state,” said Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “This new brand honors the museum’s history while helping carry its work forward for the people of North Carolina.”

Before temporarily closing its doors for renovations, the museum welcomed nearly 500,000 visitors annually, including more than 83,000 students. For many guests, a visit wasn’t complete without seeing the iconic Wright Flyer displayed in the lobby—a beloved symbol that now takes center stage in the museum’s updated visual identity.

The new logo features a modernized version of the Wright Flyer, blending nostalgia with a contemporary design aesthetic. Complementing the logo is a new color palette inspired by North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, incorporating rich hues reflective of the state’s mountains, sandhills, and coastline.

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“This brand feels fresh and bold, but it also feels true to who we are,” said C.J. Roberts, director of the Division of State History Museums. “It reflects the pride people feel in this museum and the trust placed in us to care for North Carolina’s stories.”

While the museum’s physical building remains closed during renovations, its mission continues. Through statewide exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs, digital experiences, and community partnerships, the museum remains committed to engaging audiences across North Carolina.

Scheduled to reopen in 2028, the expanded museum will feature upgraded infrastructure, additional gallery space, and new opportunities to showcase artifacts and stories from every corner of the state. In the meantime, visitors can expect to see the new branding roll out across the museum’s website, social media platforms, educational materials, and outreach programs in the coming weeks.

The refreshed identity marks more than a visual update—it signals the beginning of the museum’s next chapter, one designed to inspire a new generation of history lovers while preserving the stories that continue to define North Carolina.