Exhibits
Your science adventure at Morehead begins with over 5,000 square feet of indoor exhibits. Discover the important (and sometimes secret!) role Morehead played in preparing astronauts during the race to the Moon. Explore cutting-edge research happening at UNC—from astronomy to zoology and everything in between! Morehead is Science for All!
Coming Soon! Hidden Lives of Stars
This original, interactive exhibit invites visitors to explore the dramatic life cycles of stars with the Young Worlds Lab at UNC-Chapel Hill. Hands-on experiences and immersive storytelling share how, where, and why astronomers study stars and what celestial objects tell us about the origins of our solar system…and ourselves.
Launching in late November 2025. Included with admission.
Ivan R. King Gateway Gallery
Located off the main lobby, the Gateway Gallery spotlights the impact of UNC-Chapel Hill and Morehead on astronomy, America’s race to the Moon, and important scientific breakthroughs over time. Visitors to this space can also enjoy the building’s historic portrait gallery, formerly the personal art collection of Genevieve Margaret Birkhoff Morehead.
Breakthrough Hub
How does science happen at UNC? Who are the people behind the ground-breaking research? Immerse yourself in Morehead’s Breakthrough Hub and discover that science happens here. Dynamic, hands-on exhibits explore a variety of research to tell the stories of scientists, their work, and how they impact our lives.
To the Moon and Back
The year 2019 marked the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission – landing the first men on the Moon! How did it happen? And who were NASA’s human computers who were critical to the mission’s success? Explore this life-sized exhibit commemorating the historic moment and the impact of our race to space.
Try Me!
Try Me! is a collection of hands-on activities designed for visitors to learn by doing. Create a vertical ball maze or explore your building skills. This exhibit is accessible outside of the Launch Lab, our STEM tinkerspace.
Ask about our Exhibit Challenge Guide to use during your field trip to Morehead. It features brief descriptions and comprehension questions to deepen the learning experience for your class.