North Carolina History Center

For one of the most ambitious historical and cultural destinations in New Bern, NC, the North Carolina History Center is a real treasure. Set on the grounds of the iconic Tryon Palace complex in Craven County, this modern 60,000-square-foot museum immerses visitors in more than 300 years of regional history — from Native American origins through New Bern’s role as North Carolina’s colonial and early state capital. Opened in 2010 after a $65 million construction effort, the History Center has quickly become one of the most beloved cultural institutions in eastern North Carolina. Click on the pictures below to get a feel for the History Center before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A 60,000-Square-Foot Modern Museum

The North Carolina History Center is a striking modern museum that brings to life the broader story of New Bern, Craven County, and the Central Coastal Region. Designed to complement the historic Tryon Palace complex while standing as its own destination, the History Center features interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, rotating displays, and family-friendly programming that immerses visitors in over three centuries of layered history.

From the early days of Native American settlement along the Neuse and Trent Rivers, to the founding of New Bern by Swiss and Palatine German colonists in 1710, to the city’s role as the colonial and state capital, to the Civil War, the Great Fire of 1922, and beyond — the History Center tells a remarkably comprehensive regional story in one beautifully designed space.

One of the most striking features of the History Center is a full-scale model of the historic Tryon Palace grounds — a beautifully crafted three-dimensional representation that helps visitors visualize the layout of the colonial governor’s residence, gardens, and surrounding buildings before heading out to explore them in person. It’s the kind of feature that genuinely enhances the rest of the Tryon Palace visit.

Exploring the Galleries

The History Center is anchored by four distinct gallery spaces, each offering its own focused experience:

The Pepsi Family Center is a hands-on, kid-friendly space featuring immersive activities like sailing a virtual ship and cooking in a colonial kitchen — bringing history to life through interactive play
The Regional History Museum delves into the cultural and environmental factors that shaped the Central Coastal Region, with exhibits exploring the natural setting, Indigenous communities, settlement patterns, and the evolution of the region over the centuries
The Duffy Exhibition Gallery hosts rotating and temporary exhibits — making each visit a slightly different experience, with past displays featuring everything from Craven County student art to the Green Book exhibit to nostalgic looks at childhood toys
The Guion Gallery is home to the permanent “Treasures from the Attic” exhibit, showcasing beautiful decorative arts originally assembled by Maude Moore Latham for the Tryon Palace restoration

Together, these four spaces give visitors an experience that ranges from immersive family activities to contemplative decorative arts to the visceral story of the region’s broader past.

Beyond the Galleries

The History Center is more than its exhibits. The complex also includes:

Lawson’s on the Creek — a waterfront dining destination that pairs naturally with a visit to the museum
A well-stocked museum store with books, gifts, and locally inspired merchandise
Beautifully designed common spaces that connect the History Center to the broader Tryon Palace grounds

Admission tickets for both the History Center exhibits and Tryon Palace itself can be purchased at the welcome desk, with combined-ticket options available for visitors planning to experience both.

Good to Know

Opened: 2010
Size: 60,000 square feet
Construction cost: $65 million
Location: Within the Tryon Palace complex in downtown New Bern
Galleries: Pepsi Family Center, Regional History Museum, Duffy Exhibition Gallery, Guion Gallery
Standout feature: A full-scale model of the historic Tryon Palace grounds
Additional amenities: Lawson’s on the Creek waterfront dining and a museum store
Tickets: Available at the welcome desk; combined-ticket options for Tryon Palace are also available
Best for: Families, history enthusiasts, decorative arts lovers, and visitors looking for a substantive cultural day in New Bern
Pair with: A tour of Tryon Palace itself, a visit to the Birthplace of Pepsi (which has a connected small exhibit at the History Center), or a stop at the New Bern Academy Museum
Located on the Tryon Palace grounds in downtown New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

The North Carolina History Center is the kind of stop that genuinely lives up to its ambition. The four distinct galleries, the full-scale model of the Tryon Palace grounds, the waterfront setting, the welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, and the chance to immerse yourself in over three centuries of regional history all add up to one of the most rewarding museum experiences anywhere in eastern North Carolina. Whether you’re exploring with kids in the Pepsi Family Center, settling into the rotating Duffy exhibits, admiring the decorative arts in the Guion Gallery, or diving into the Central Coastal Region’s broader past at the Regional History Museum, this is a stop worth dedicating real time to during a visit to Craven County.