From The News & Observer

Marbles, billed as the "world's first global experience center," is a 84,000 sq.ft, $40-million facility is designed to teach visitors about different cultures on our planet. Unlike traditional museums, the center relies heavily on hands-on, interactive experiences to show how people communicate, spend their money, travel, work and play. Marbles' mission is to encourage people of all ages to respect differences, appreciate similarities and connect with other people around the world.

Exploris has five main exhibits: the Marbles Journey, People and Places, Living in Balance, TradeWorks and Many Voices. Among some of the most unusual displays are:

A wall of 1.2 million marbles shaped into a photograph of the earth from outer space.
A multi-media Soundscape stage with pictures and speakers. Hear what it's like to be called to prayer from a mosque in Cairo as a herd of goats passes by.
How much energy does it takes to power a refrigerator? Be prepared to pedal awhile.
Learn about early spice traders and sample the aroma of their wares.
Peek inside a Lebanese pantry (sardines and tomatoes), a Japanese linen closet and a Spanish workbench.
Touch a 12-foot-high chunk of the Berlin Wall designed to spark discussion of walls and barriers and what they are trying to keep in or out.

Marbles is located at 201 E. Hargett Street, near Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. The museum is normally open from 9am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday; and noon-5pm on Sunday.
For more information, visit Marbles on-line.