The Best Museums in Virginia - Ultimate Guide ️ | 10 Must-Visit Virginia Museums!
One thing is for certain - there are so many amazing museums in Virginia to explore! From those who immerse themselves in a world of art or science to museums that go back in time, Virginia museums have something in store for all ages and interests.
But what are the best museums in Virginia?
In this carefully 'curated' guide, we'll take you through a few of our favorites so that you can start building a bucket list of museums to visit across the state, as these are some of the best things.
And while "Virginia is for Lovers", you'll soon discover why it's also a haven for museum connoisseurs, too!
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - The 'Finest' of Free-to-Visit Art Collections in Virginia
With over 50,000 individual art pieces, this is one of the best museums in Virginia for those who appreciate a variety of artistic mediums from artists across the nation and globe, located in the beautiful and artistic Richmond Virginia.
And the best part? General admission is free!
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So plan a weekend and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity. While the unique exhibitions are always changing, you're bound to be amazed at all this art museum has to offer. In addition to standard visits, you can also enjoy group tours. There are plenty of upcoming special events to keep your eye on, and the museum programs cater to youth, teens, adults, and families!
From paintings to sculptures to photography, you have to stop by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, one of the best art museums in Virginia!
- Address: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone number: 804-340-1400
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM to 9 PM.
- Admission price: Free!
Virginia Living Museum | Live Animal & Dinosaur Museum in Virginia
This is one of the must-visit museums in VA! Located in Newport News Virginia, the Virginia Living Museum boasts over 250 animal species local to the state while teaching visitors about the importance of conservation. Daily events include feeding and talks with the handlers and critters, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and self-guided audio tours, in addition to other special event options throughout the year.
If you're looking for dinosaur museums in Virginia, the Dino Discovery Trail exhibition takes you back in time in a beautiful outdoor setting. Visitors have fun exploring the many trails scattered with life-sized dinosaur models and hands-on exhibits that children can climb and play on!
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Other exhibits here include the Boardwalk Trail, indoor galleries, and the Living Green/Native Gardens that explore the natural history and current landscape of Virginia in one of the more unique museums in VA.
- Address: 524 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
- Phone number: 757-595-1900
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM
- Admission price: Adults (13+) $19.95 – $23.95, children (under 12) $16.95, children 2 & under free.
Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton Virginia | Go Back in Time at this Museum in Virginia
Situated on 200 acres of beautiful land, this is the largest open-air museum in the Shenandoah Valley and one of the best museums in Virginia.
Visitors will go back in time and learn about the history of Native Americans and the first European settlers who established roots in the valley as they explore historic buildings and farm homes from the 1600s and 1700s.
There are 11 total exhibits, including interactive exhibits from America's past where you can chat with the blacksmiths of Iron Forge or other settlers from this time in history, in addition to Old World exhibits that include England, West Africa, and more.
Just as well, there are always fun upcoming events on tap and even summer camps, so families will always have something to do at this unique Virginia museum.
- Address: 1290 Richmond Rd, Staunton, VA 24401
- Phone number: 540-332-7850
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM
- Admission price: Adult: $12.00, Senior: $ 9.00, Student (ages 13-college): $11.00, Child (ages 6-12): $7.00, children under age 6: Free
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Incredible Air and Space Museum in Virginia
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or not, this is one of the more astonishing free museums in Virginia that is sure to leave you amazed and educated. As an extension of the Smithsonian National Air Air & Space Museum in Washington DC, The Steven. F Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia offers a jaw-dropping experience showcasing thousands of artifacts.
Look left, right, and up, and you'll see countless colorful, real planes in these two massive hangar spaces, from old-school classics to the modern spacecrafts, that take you through the history of aviation and space engineering, exploration, and equipment.
Three of the more special exhibitions include Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde in one of the top museums in VA.
- Address: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151
- Phone number: 703-572-4118
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM - 5:30 PM
- Admission price: Free!
American Civil War Museum | Exploring the Unparalleled Significance of the Civil War
The American Civil War Museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the Civil War's causes, course, and consequences through its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibitions, and programs. With three locations in Virginia - Historic Tredegar and the White House of the Confederacy in Richmond, and the museum in Appomattox - visitors will gain diverse perspectives of this pivotal era.
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The museum's flagship site at Historic Tredegar features immersive exhibits that take you from the war's inception to its end and the Reconstruction era and beyond.
At the White House of the Confederacy, guests can enjoy guided tours of the historic residence of Jefferson Davis, while the Appomattox location examines the war's final year and its enduring legacies. Engaging programs, virtual events, and a world-class collection of over 15,000 artifacts and 150,000 documents provide a rich, educational experience for all ages at this VA museum.
- Address: 480 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219
- Phone number: 804-649-1861
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM
- Admission price: $8-$15
Nauticus | The Battleship Museum in Virginia
Set along the bustling and beautiful Norfolk waterfront, Nauticus offers a hands-on journey into the wonders of maritime history, science, and industry, one of the only Virginia museums to do so. Home to the iconic Battleship Wisconsin, this museum invites visitors to climb aboard and explore one of the last battleships that the U.S. Navy has ever built. Inside the center, engaging exhibits reveal the fascinating world of naval innovation, ocean ecosystems, and the ever-evolving role of maritime industries.
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For families, the annual WinterFest transforms the waterfront into a dazzling holiday wonderland with over a million twinkling lights. With sailing programs, interactive displays, and waterfront views, this VA museum curates a smile-inducing blend of education and adventure for visitors of all ages.
Whether you have plans on navigating maritime history or setting sail into the future, Nauticus is a Virginia museum that's sure to spark curiosity and inspire awe.
- Address: 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510
- Phone number: 757-664-1000
- Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM, Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM
- Admission price: $17.95 for adults (13+), $14.00 for children (3–12), free for children 2 and under, $14.95 for military adults, and $16.95 for seniors (60+). Members receive free general admission.
The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center | A Tribute to African-American History in Newport News
Nestled in the heart of Newport News, The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center is a beautifully restored Queen Anne home that once belonged to J. Thomas Newsome, a prominent attorney and community leader.
This historic gem is now a place that celebrates African-American heritage, where exhibits and special events help to tell the story of Newsome and the broader story of the post-Civil War African-American experience.
Beyond its historical influence, the museum is also a haven for art, culture, and community events, making it a must-visit for anyone eager to explore Virginia’s rich cultural tapestry.
- Address: 2803 Oak Ave, Newport News, VA 23607
- Phone number: 757-247-2360
- Hours: Closed Sunday to Wednesday, Thursday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Admission price: Suggested donation of $2.00 per person
Maymont Nature and Visitor Center | An Aquatic Virginia Museum
Dive into the enchanting wonders of the James River at The Robins Nature Center located in lovely Maymont Park, one of the lovelier VA museums.
This family-friendly Virginia museum brings the river to life with massive aquariums, the Children's Farm, interactive exhibits, and even a towering 34-foot “Run of the River” sculpture designed for fun and learning. Perfect for kids and curious minds, it’s a playful and educational way to connect with Virginia’s unique ecosystems. Open Friday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, with affordable admission rates. Don't miss the chance to explore Maymont's 100-acre estate, featuring historic gardens and wildlife habitats.
- Address: 2201 Shields Lake Dr, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone number: 804-525-9000
- Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Admission price: Adults $8, adults 85+ & children 3-16 $6, 2 & under free
The Science Museum of Virginia | Making Science Fun at a Dynamic Museum in VA
Looking for a museum near me in Virginia? Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of discovery and education at the Science Museum of Virginia, where interactive exhibits and dynamic displays make learning an adventure, no matter your age!
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These exhibits allow you to explore the wonders of space first-hand, delve into the intricacies of the human body, and engage with cutting-edge technology.
Don't miss The Dome, Virginia's largest screen, where immersive films take you to new worlds or where astrology fanatics can relish live astronomy shows that let you explore the cosmos in this technologically advanced theater.
With live science demonstrations and exhibits that are always changing and offering something new in the world of science, your curiosity will be on overdrive! There are plenty of awesome family activities, too.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 pm, this is one of the must-visit VA museums for families and science enthusiasts alike.
- Address: 2500 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
- Phone number: 804-864-1400
- Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM - 5 PM
- Admission price: $17.50 for adults (13–59), $14.50 for youth (6–12), $10.00 for preschoolers (3–5), $14.50 for seniors (60+), and free for children 2 and under. Military and teachers with ID receive free admission.
The Poe Museum | Discovering the Unique Life of Edgar Allan Poe in One of the Unique Museums Virginia
Located in Richmond, Virginia, and within the historic Old Stone House, The Poe Museum commemorates the life and stories of the famed Edgar Allan Poe.
This Virginia museum showcases an extensive collection of Poe's personal artifacts, manuscripts, and rare first editions, so whether you're a long-time fan or simply curious, this is a rare chance to get a first-hand look into the unique mind of Poe.
Visitors can explore exhibits detailing his tumultuous life, literary achievements, and enduring influence on literature still felt in today's world. The Enchanted Garden, inspired by Poe's poetry, provides a tranquil space for reflection.
- Address: 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223
- Phone number: 804-648-5523
- Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM
- Admission price: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+) and military, $5 for youth (7-17), FREE EBT/SNAP, children under 6, and Poe Museum Members
Map of Museums in Virginia
While there are definitely many more Virginia museums that we didn't mention, these museums Virginia are sure to start you off on the right track to appreciating art, culture, and history in the state.
Looking for a museum near me and ready to explore our list of the best museums in Virginia? This map is your interactive gateway!
While we covered a handful of museums in VA, for Richmond-specific museums, you might find our guide to the best museums in Richmond a bit more location-focused and helpful!
And if you're looking into museums in Virginia because of a greater move to or from the area, our team of Richmond movers is here to ensure a stress-free transition! Serving the entire state of Virginia with the best local moving services and long distance moving services, call our team anytime at 804-836-4954 to discuss your moving needs and receive a personalized, free quote!
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