Science Museum of Virginia
A dynamic, hands-on museum in Richmond, VA, offering interactive exhibits on science, innovation, and the natural world for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Science Museum of Virginia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic, hands-on museum in Richmond, VA, offering interactive exhibits on science, innovation, and the natural world for all ages.
"The best science museum we’ve went to so far! Many interactive activities, musical, art, educational, physical exercise, mind opening and many more."
Membership Perks
Consider a membership if you plan to visit often; it can pay for itself in just a few visits!
Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks
Special Exhibit Hall
Marvel at iconic skyscrapers recreated with over half a million LEGO® bricks. A truly jaw-dropping display!
Speed Gallery
Boosters Gallery
Test your reaction times, race cars, and explore the physics of motion in this dynamic, interactive exhibit.
Dinosaur Exhibit
Special Exhibit Hall
Experience awe-inspiring animatronic dinosaurs that bring prehistoric creatures to life with incredible detail and scale.
The Forge
Innovation Gallery
Unleash your inner inventor! Bring your own supplies and use the museum's equipment to bring your creative ideas to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Hours & Tickets
Maximize Your Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Membership Perks
Consider a membership if you plan to visit often; it can pay for itself in just a few visits!
Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors, so wear comfy shoes!
Check the Daily Schedule
Don't miss out on demonstrations or special talks; check the schedule upon arrival.
Special Event Nights
Look out for 'Science on Tap' events for a 21+ experience with adult beverages and themed fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
Membership Perks
Consider a membership if you plan to visit often; it can pay for itself in just a few visits!
Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors, so wear comfy shoes!
Check the Daily Schedule
Don't miss out on demonstrations or special talks; check the schedule upon arrival.
Special Event Nights
Look out for 'Science on Tap' events for a 21+ experience with adult beverages and themed fun.
Discount Days
Keep an eye out for special discount days, like $10 admission on certain dates.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Science Museum of Virginia for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that appeal to all ages, from toddlers to adults. The special dinosaur and LEGO® exhibits are frequently highlighted as major draws. The museum is noted for being well-organized, clean, and offering a fun, educational experience with convenient parking and amenities.
"The best science museum we’ve went to so far!
Many interactive activities, musical, art, educational, physical exercise, mind opening and many more. Specific activities geared towards younger kids and others towards teens. As a parent I enjoyed myself a lot, too. Clean, friendly staff and well organized. Paid extra for the dome movie/show and the dinosaur exhibit. Both worth the extra money. Be sure to look at the daily schedule so you can get the best out of your visit. You can easily spend 3 hours there and even more if you have very curious children. Buy tickets in advance so you get discounts if you are adding exhibits or the dome. Highly recommend!"
Ebada Ziada
"My family visited the Science Museum of Virginia on a Thursday mainly to see the dinosaur exhibit, and it exceeded our expectations! I’m a 52-year-old woman and I was completely in awe! The detail and scale of the dinosaurs were incredible. My husband and teenage daughter were equally impressed. The exhibit was immersive, educational, and beautifully done.
The museum overall is clean, well-organized, and full of hands-on experiences for all ages. It wasn’t overly crowded, which made for a relaxed and enjoyable visit. Very easy parking, too! Highly recommend!"
Cori M
"It’s a great place to visit but some stuff needs to be worked on like labs doesn’t look like lab, it’s literally a part of zoo. And forge department need some deep changes. This is very great building and I think it should be used to its full potential."
Fazalkhaliq Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Science Museum of Virginia is located at 2500 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA. It's easily accessible by car, with ample dedicated parking available on-site. Public transportation options are also available within Richmond.
Yes, there is ample dedicated parking available on-site, making arrival and departure stress-free for visitors.
Yes, Richmond has public transportation options that can take you to the museum. Check local transit schedules for routes and times.
The museum is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps available. It's always a good idea to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs.
From Fredericksburg, it's about an hour's drive. From Charlottesville, it's also a manageable drive. Consider carpooling or checking for group transportation options if traveling from further afield.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always best to double-check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
General admission prices vary. You can often find discounts by purchasing tickets in advance, especially if you're adding special exhibits or dome shows. Look out for special $10 ticket days!
Yes, you can get discounts by buying tickets in advance, especially for add-on exhibits. Some memberships to other museums may also offer reciprocal discounts. Keep an eye out for special promotional days.
While not always mandatory, buying tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or want to secure discounts for special exhibits and dome shows.
Yes, the museum hosts special events like 'Science on Tap' for adults (21+), which often include themed nights and beverages. Check their events calendar for details.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks' exhibit, the interactive 'Speed Gallery,' the awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibit, and the creative 'The Forge.' There are also engaging labs like the Eco Lab and Animal Lab. +1
Absolutely! While kid-friendly, the museum offers plenty of engaging and thought-provoking exhibits for adults, including interactive displays and special events like 'Science on Tap.'
You can easily spend 3 hours or more, especially if you have curious children or want to explore all the exhibits and special shows. Many visitors find they need to return or spend a full day.
Yes, there is a concession area offering a variety of snacks and more substantial fare, perfect for refueling during your visit.
The LightPlace is a dedicated area designed for children aged 5 and under, offering a safe and engaging space for them to climb, explore, and play.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the museum. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure, especially in special exhibit areas.
The 'Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks' exhibit is incredibly visually appealing. The animatronic dinosaurs in the dinosaur exhibit also make for dramatic photos. Many of the interactive displays offer fun photo opportunities.
Visiting on weekdays during opening hours or later in the afternoon on weekends can help you capture photos with fewer people in the background.
Typically, professional equipment like tripods may require special permission. For personal snapshots, your phone or a standard camera should be fine.
Look for areas with good lighting and interesting backdrops. The main atrium, the LEGO exhibit, and the interactive displays in the Speed Gallery are great starting points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the special exhibits like the LEGO® Towers of Tomorrow and the dinosaur exhibit, which are guaranteed to captivate young imaginations. Plan for at least 3-4 hours, as there's so much to see and do. Consider a membership if you're local, as it offers great value for frequent visits.
🧑🎓 Adults and Science Enthusiasts
For a unique adult experience, check out Science on Tap events, which offer a chance to enjoy the museum with a 21+ twist, complete with beverages. The museum's depth of information and the sheer variety of displays make it a worthwhile visit for anyone with a curious mind.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1If you're a local or plan to visit multiple times, a membership can be very cost-effective, often paying for itself after just a few visits. Packing your own snacks or a lunch can also help save money, though the on-site concessions are reasonably priced.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Interactive Exhibits
+1Many exhibits encourage experimentation. For instance, The Forge allows you to bring your own supplies and utilize museum equipment, fostering a maker-mentality. Other areas, like the Eco Lab and Animal Lab, offer insights into environmental science and the natural world through engaging activities. The museum ensures there's something exciting around every corner, making it a dynamic place to learn.
Even exhibits geared towards younger children, like the LightPlace for ages 5 and under, are designed to be stimulating and educational, allowing little ones to climb, explore, and discover in a safe environment. This commitment to interactive engagement is a hallmark of the Science Museum of Virginia experience.
Special Exhibits: LEGO® and Dinosaurs
Another highly praised special exhibit is the dinosaur exhibit. Visitors rave about the incredible detail and scale of the animatronic dinosaurs, which are brought to life in an immersive and educational way. This exhibit has been known to leave visitors, including adults, in awe of these prehistoric giants.
These temporary exhibitions add significant value to a visit, offering unique experiences that complement the museum's permanent collections. It's always worth checking the museum's website for current and upcoming special exhibits to plan your visit accordingly.
Beyond the Exhibits: Events and Amenities
For families, the museum is a fantastic destination. Beyond the exhibits, the concession area offers a variety of food and drink options, perfect for refueling during a long day of exploration. The availability of easy parking also contributes to a stress-free visit for families.
The museum's commitment to visitor experience extends to its overall organization and staff friendliness. Reviews consistently mention a clean environment and helpful staff, ensuring a pleasant and educational outing for everyone.
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