NC Museum of Art in Raleigh temporarily closes due to social media threat, museum says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Museum of Art closed to the public Saturday because of a threat received through social media.

According to the museum's website, it will be back open on Wednesday.

This is an ongoing criminal investigation, Lizzie Newton, a spokesperson, said Sunday.

State Capitol Police released a statement saying: "State Capitol Police, with the assistance of the State Bureau of Investigation, is investigating a threat regarding the North Carolina Museum of Art that was communicated on Saturday afternoon. The museum and surrounding park were evacuated, so that law enforcement could search the area. Out of an abundance of caution, the museum remains closed after officials determined there was no immediate danger."

The museum is located on Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh.

George Moore drove up from Emerald Isle to meet with his son in Raleigh and couldn't go to the art museum because of the closure.

"We used to live here," he said. "It's a great place and love coming here. Should've looked at the website and read the news obviously."

Moore's wife Lori said the family thought the museum would be a great place to meet to spend time together because their son lives in San Francisco.

"Totally unfair that our life was affected this way but you adapt and overcome," said George. "We're going to the Raleigh flea market before they close for the state fair."