North Carolina is holding dozens of events this year to celebrate America’s 250th birthday — but the state’s Museum of History won’t be hosting them at its downtown Raleigh building, which remains closed for a four-year renovation project.
Much of the building that’s told North Carolina’s history since 1994 has been demolished, leaving only the concrete and steel skeleton of the structure. At a price tag of more than $200 million, the rebuild is one of state government’s most expensive construction projects.
Museum Director C.J. Roberts says the major overhaul was needed because the building had an array of problems, from faulty air conditioning to leaky skylights. “The building sort of reflected the era in which it was built,” he said. “It’s not the most inviting. It’s very grand — the granite and all of that, but it’s not open and airy and you can’t really see in. ‘So, do I really want to go in there? I don’t know what’s there.’”
The renovation will create a newer, glassed-in entrance and an additional 40,000 square feet of space. Some of that will be used for new exhibits, but the museum will also gain more open space for school groups and to host events…