Imperial Centre Rocky Mount brings the Children’s Museum & Science Center, an Arts Center and a Community Theatre together in one destination. Set in Rocky Mount’s historic Imperial Tobacco Company Building, it combines hands-on science and art with exhibitions, performances and community programs.
- Address: 270 Gay St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
- Children’s Museum hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.; closed Monday
- Museum admission: $6 per person; children under 2 enter free
- Getting there: Tar River Transit Route 5, Golden East, serves the centre
What the Imperial Centre Includes
The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences brings three visitor destinations together: the Children’s Museum & Science Center, the Arts Center and the Community Theatre. That mix makes it possible to pair a museum visit with an exhibition or a performance, depending on what is scheduled.
The centre occupies the Imperial Tobacco Company Building, which Rocky Mount designates as a local historic landmark. The Arts Center has a longer community history: it began through local efforts in 1957, and its first permanent home opened in a converted railroad water tank and pump house in 1963.
After its four buildings were destroyed by flooding following Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the facilities moved to the Imperial Centre.
Arts and Sciences Attractions
The Children’s Museum & Science Center is the hands-on part of the visit, with interactive permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits, a Live Animal Gallery and the Cummins Planetarium. Children must stay with a parent or guardian, and museum admission stickers must be worn. Food and drinks are not allowed beyond the main lobby.
The Arts Center offers exhibitions, classes, community theatre and special events, with art education for all ages. The Maria V. Howard Art Center is free to visit. Photography rules are specific: flash photography and photography of artwork are prohibited in the Art Gallery.
For a wider look at the city around the attraction, this Rocky Mount downtown guide covers the surrounding area.
Hours, Admission, and Events
The Children’s Museum & Science Center follows a weekly schedule, while performances and special events depend on the program. Before you go, check the official site before you go for current hours, admission details and event information.
General museum admission is $6 per person, with free entry for children under 2. Rocky Mount residents receive free Children’s Museum admission on Sundays with valid picture ID. Museum tickets can be purchased online; school, preschool and camp groups should arrange a group visit with the centre.
Community Theatre tickets cost $11 for adults, $9 for seniors and students with ID, and $7 for children 12 and under; these prices may not apply to every production. Season tickets cost $45 for adults and $35 for seniors and students.
Getting There and Parking
The Imperial Centre is at 270 Gay St in Rocky Mount. Tar River Transit Route 5, Golden East, serves the centre; the Peachtree & Franklin southbound stop is across Franklin Street at Braswell Park. On-site parking is available at no additional cost.
For a broader day plan that combines the centre with other local stops, a one-day Rocky Mount itinerary can help you organize the sequence.
If you’re planning photos on the grounds, portrait and family photography is permitted subject to venue rules. Interior commercial photography is restricted to Mondays or an appointment, and photos may not be available during special events or rentals.
How Much Time to Set Aside
How long to spend depends on which parts of the centre you plan to visit. A museum-focused outing can include the interactive exhibits, Live Animal Gallery and planetarium; adding an art exhibition or a theatre performance makes for a fuller visit. Check the program and opening schedule before deciding how to arrange your stops.
The centre also hosts special events, classes and community theatre, so a performance or scheduled activity can shape the visit. If you’re attending an event, account for its start time and any separate ticket arrangements when planning your day.
FAQs
What is the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences?
It is a Rocky Mount cultural destination that houses the Children’s Museum & Science Center, the Arts Center and the Community Theatre in a locally designated historic landmark building.
Is the Maria V. Howard Art Center free?
Yes. The Maria V. Howard Art Center is free to visit.
Can you buy Children’s Museum tickets online?
Yes. Online tickets are available for general admission. School, preschool and camp groups should arrange a group visit with the centre.
Is parking available at the Imperial Centre?
On-site parking is available at no additional cost.