NCMA Campus Renovations and Updates
This summer, the North Carolina Museum of Art began a series of renovation and expansion projects on our Raleigh campus. Each project is designed to increase campus and experiential accessibility, bridge indoor and outdoor Museum spaces, and create inviting and flexible spaces for learning and discovery. The NCMA buildings and Museum Park remain open during construction, with projects completed in phases now through 2028.
Current Closures and Projects
Museum Park
- Blue Loop from Ellipse to Wind Sculpture II: Closed periodically
- Path from Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park to pond: Closed periodically
- Path from Crossroads/Trickster I to bottom of lower meadow leading to Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky: Closed November 10–21, 2025
- Blue Loop from woodland trailhead to Crossroads/Trickster I: Currently closed
East Building
Our Future Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full scope of this project?
- The NCMA and Museum Park remain open during construction, with projects completed in phases now through 2028, including:
- New outdoor space behind East Building
- Revitalization of the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park
- Renovation of the current 3,000-square-foot Art Conservation Center
- Creation of a new visitor-facing conservation workspace
- Restoration of stream habitat in the Museum Park
- Renovation of Level C in East Building
How will my visit to the NCMA be impacted?
- West Building remains open throughout construction. Portions of East Building and the Museum Park may close at times due to construction. It is possible that you will hear construction sounds during your visit to East Building. If you use our walking paths in the Museum Park, you will not be able to route through the Park Theater or around the back side of East Building.
Will you be offering programs, public events, outdoor concerts, and outdoor movies?
- Programs, public events, and outdoor movies will continue to be offered in various locations in West and East buildings, the Museum Park, and off campus (in the case of outdoor movies). Outdoor concerts and movies will return to campus in 2027.
Why is the Museum undertaking these projects?
- Our goal is to expand access to the Museum by increasing campus and experiential accessibility, bridging indoor and outdoor spaces, and creating inviting and flexible venues for learning.
Who is funding this project?
- Improvements to the NCMA, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), are achieved through funding from the State of North Carolina and private philanthropic support. Learn more about how you can help support the Museum.
When will construction be completed?
- Construction will take place over the next two to three years. Renovations commenced on our Raleigh campus in late June 2025 and will start at the North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem (NCMA W-S), in summer 2026. The Raleigh campus and galleries will remain open during construction, with the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park closed for outdoor concerts and movies now through 2027.
Who are the contractors on this project?
- The lead architect is HH Architecture of Raleigh, NC. HH Architecture has partnered with design architect EskewDumezRipple and art conservation specialist Samuel Anderson Architects. The project team also includes Design Workshop for landscape architecture, Kimley Horn for civil engineering, Lynch Mykins for structural engineering, and Salas O’Brien for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering. Consigli Construction is the construction manager.
Where can I learn more?
Learn more about these projects in our press release and join our email newsletter.