City stories, science and a shaded square
Union Station opens into Raleigh's Warehouse District. The downtown museum and Nash Square make compact stops; allow a longer walk for the science museum.
Times to reach each place are planning allowances from the station, not measured routes. Check directions, opening hours and accessibility before you go.
Explore the city's history in the former Briggs Hardware building on Fayetteville Street.
Tuesday–Saturday 9 AM–4 PM; Sunday 1–4 PM; closed Monday. Check holiday and event changes before travel.
General admission is free. Public museum areas are accessible by wheelchair, with an elevator to the lower level.
Source checked 2026-11-06. Times are planning allowances.Pause beneath shade trees and visit the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Memorial in this downtown square.
Public access clock hours were not verified. Visit in daylight and follow posted closures or work areas.
Use public entrances from the surrounding sidewalks. The city is planning changes to the square; check current notices.
Source checked 2026-11-06. Times are planning allowances.Choose a few galleries in the downtown science museum for a focused visit to natural history and ongoing research.
Downtown museum: Tuesday–Sunday 10 AM–5 PM, closed Monday. Closed November 26 and December 24–25, 2026. Individual labs and exhibits can have different hours.
General admission is free; some films and special exhibitions cost extra. This is the downtown campus, not Prairie Ridge or the distant art museum.
Source checked 2026-11-06. Times are planning allowances.