North Carolina Children’s Museum Plans New Chapter at Rocky Mount’s Imperial Centre

Something exciting is coming to Downtown Rocky Mount.

The North Carolina Children’s Museum is expanding to the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences, bringing its statewide vision for hands-on learning, creativity and discovery to the Twin Counties.

Following approval from the Rocky Mount City Council, the museum will assume operation of the Imperial Centre’s Children’s Museum & Science Center, Arts Center and Community Theatre. The Rocky Mount location is set to become the organization’s flagship campus, marking a major new chapter for both the museum and the Imperial Centre.

For Rocky Mount, this isn't simply about bringing something new to the city. It's also about building on what is already here.

The Imperial Centre has long provided a place for local families to experience art, science, theatre and educational programming. The North Carolina Children’s Museum plans to build upon those existing cultural assets while creating new opportunities for children and families throughout Eastern North Carolina.

The organization focuses on learning through hands-on exploration, creativity and play. Its existing programs include early-learning experiences at The Nest in Chapel Hill, a makerspace at The Makery in RTP, field trips and a traveling Mobile Museum.

According to the City of Rocky Mount, plans for the Imperial Centre include new opportunities for hands-on learning, exhibits, outdoor experiences and community engagement. The museum also plans to connect learning experiences with skills and industries important to Eastern North Carolina.

That makes this announcement particularly exciting for our area. A statewide organization choosing Rocky Mount for its flagship campus has the potential to bring new energy to the Imperial Centre while giving families across the region even more opportunities to learn, explore and create close to home.

And while changes are ahead, an important local tradition is expected to remain: the museum plans to continue free Sunday admission for Rocky Mount residents.

There is still more to come as plans for the new flagship campus develop, but one thing is certain — an exciting new chapter is beginning at the Imperial Centre.

We recently sat down with Jamie DeMent Holcomb, CEO of the North Carolina Children’s Museum, on TC Spotlight to talk about the announcement, her journey into the museum world and what this expansion could mean for Rocky Mount. www.twincountymedia.com/podcast

Stay tuned as TC Media continues following what’s ahead for the Imperial Centre and the North Carolina Children’s Museum.