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R.R. Smith Center for History and Art

4.9
·15 reviews·Staunton, United States

Discover Staunton's rich heritage and vibrant art scene at the R.R. Smith Center, featuring rotating exhibits and a peaceful garden.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Join the walking tour!

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Beautiful art exhibit in the gallery

R.R. Smith Center for History and Art

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Join the walking tour!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Staunton's rich heritage and vibrant art scene at the R.R. Smith Center, featuring rotating exhibits and a peaceful garden.

4.9
(15 reviews)

"A great historic facility with interesting exhibits, well worth a visit for local history and art."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Miss the Walking Tour

Start your visit with the Saturday morning walking tour for a great overview of Staunton!

📅 Book Research Appointments

Need to research local architecture? Book an appointment at the Historic Staunton Foundation workroom.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rotating Art Exhibits

Rotating Art Exhibits

Galleries

Admire diverse and changing art collections, often featuring local artists and unique prints for sale.

Local History Displays

Local History Displays

Exhibits

Explore fascinating exhibits that delve into the rich history of Staunton and the surrounding region.

Historic Staunton Foundation Workroom

Historic Staunton Foundation Workroom

Workroom (by appointment)

Access resources for researching local architecture and property history. A gem for history buffs!

Tranquil Back Garden

Tranquil Back Garden

Garden

A peaceful oasis perfect for enjoying a coffee or a quiet moment amidst your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the R.R. Smith Center

Discover local history and art at the R.R. Smith Center. Check for special exhibits and events, as the offerings change frequently. Consider booking an appointment for the Historic Staunton Foundation's research workroom if you're keen on local architecture.

Accessibility & Gardens

While the R.R. Smith Center boasts beautiful galleries and exhibits, some visitors note it's not fully wheelchair friendly. Take advantage of the lovely back garden for a peaceful break after exploring the exhibits.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Join the walking tour!
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique concerts & exhibits
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

All Aboard Virginia⬇️ 🚂 Looking for something FUN and UNIQUE to do? @virginiascenicrailway has got you covered. They offer scenic train rides beginning in the historic @visitstauntonva through the Shenadoah Valley year round. Trains & Routes: 📌 Allegheny Special - ventures west of Staunton through the Shenandoah Valley | Lunch, Dessert, and Souvenir glass is included (shown in this video) 📌 Blue ...
@rvahikergirl
42K likes • 594.1K views

🎯 Don't Miss the Walking Tour

Start your visit with the Saturday morning walking tour for a great overview of Staunton! Reddit

📅 Book Research Appointments

Need to research local architecture? Book an appointment at the Historic Staunton Foundation workroom. Reddit

Where the aunties? 🔮🌿🧂 #staunton #stauntonva #practicalmagic #sallyowens #victorian #historicdistrict #victorian #haunted #spooky #victorianhouses #gothic #downtownstaunton #victorianhouses
@mybloodygalentine
16K likes • 117.2K views
Friday, June 21st at 1pm at the Staunton Augusta Art Center at the R.R. Smith Center for History & Art - we will host our first "Fridays in the Gallery" concert of the season. Join us for exceptional student performances of works by Bach, Ysaÿe, Milstein, and more. Free admission, but seating is limited. Enjoy this video from last year's series, featuring a beautiful rendition of Mendelssohn's Str...
heifetzmusic
80 likes • 2.5K views

☕ Relax in the Garden

Enjoy the lovely back garden for a peaceful break after exploring the exhibits. Reddit

🖼️ Support Local Artists

Many art pieces, including small prints, are available for purchase. Reddit

See you soon?❤️ #fyp #foryou #femaletattooartist #stauntonva #finelinetattooartist
@the.brycie.bee
12.6K likes • 108.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Miss the Walking Tour

Start your visit with the Saturday morning walking tour for a great overview of Staunton! Reddit

📅 Book Research Appointments

Need to research local architecture? Book an appointment at the Historic Staunton Foundation workroom. Reddit

☕ Relax in the Garden

Enjoy the lovely back garden for a peaceful break after exploring the exhibits. Reddit

🖼️ Support Local Artists

Many art pieces, including small prints, are available for purchase. Reddit

🎶 Check for Concerts

The center hosts 'Fridays in the Gallery' concerts with student performances. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the R.R. Smith Center for its interesting and varied exhibits, highlighting both local history and art collections. The opportunity to purchase art prints and the peaceful garden are frequently mentioned positives. However, some note that the facility may not be fully wheelchair accessible.

"Don't miss the Saturday morning walking tour to start your visit in Staunton -- I did the tour on 8/26 with a knowledgeable and interesting tour guide who provided a great overview and ideas of further points of interest I visited later in the week. Highly recommend!"

Judy Grillo

"Interesting exhibits, often about local history, but also art exhibits. Historic Staunton Foundation has a workroom with resources where residents can research history of local architecture and properties (by appointment). A lovely garden in the back, great for sitting with your coffee."

Patricia

"A great bistoric facility, saved from the wrecking ball and used for three galleries and offices for several non profits. The art and other exhibits are well worth a visit."

Len Doran

What People Like

Interesting exhibits
Local history focus
Art for sale

What People Dislike

Not fully wheelchair friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The R.R. Smith Center is located in Staunton, Virginia. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's a central point within the historic downtown area, making it accessible by car. Parking information should be checked locally. TikTok

Parking availability can vary in historic downtown areas. It's recommended to look for public parking lots or street parking in the vicinity of the center. TikTok

Absolutely! The R.R. Smith Center is in a historic district, perfect for combining with a walking tour or exploring nearby Victorian architecture. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Virginia Scenic Railway offers train rides from historic Staunton, making it a great addition to a visit. TikTok

Many visitors recommend starting with the Saturday morning walking tour for an excellent overview of the area's points of interest. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is generally free, especially for events like 'Fridays in the Gallery' concerts. However, seating for concerts is limited. Instagram

Operating hours can vary as exhibits and events change. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information. Instagram

For general gallery visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events like concerts, seating is limited, so arriving early is advised. Instagram

Information on discounts isn't widely publicized, but many exhibits and events are free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Instagram

Yes, the Historic Staunton Foundation has a workroom with resources for researching local architecture and properties, but this requires an appointment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a mix of art exhibits, often featuring local artists and unique pieces, alongside displays focused on local Staunton history. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that the facility is not fully wheelchair friendly, so keep this in mind if mobility is a concern. Reddit

While not a traditional gift shop, small prints of art are often available for sale, allowing you to take a piece of the exhibit home. Reddit

This series features exceptional student performances of classical music works in the gallery setting, offering a delightful cultural experience. Instagram

The center has a lovely garden in the back, providing a great spot to sit, relax, and enjoy a coffee or a quiet moment. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary by exhibit. It's best to check for signage or ask staff if photography is permitted, especially for specific art pieces. Instagram

The tranquil back garden offers a picturesque setting. The historic architecture of the building itself and the art within the galleries can also be visually appealing. Reddit

Staunton's historic Victorian architecture provides a charming backdrop for photos. The scenic train rides also offer unique photographic possibilities. TikTok+1

The center features diverse art exhibits, so look for pieces that resonate with your aesthetic, from local art to historical displays. Reddit

The garden is a lovely spot, and generally, personal photography is welcome in outdoor garden spaces. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the R.R. Smith Center offers engaging exhibits, families with younger children should note that accessibility might be a consideration due to the historic nature of the building. Reddit The art and history displays can spark curiosity, and the garden offers a nice space for kids to stretch their legs. Consider checking for any family-specific programming or exhibits that might be particularly engaging for younger visitors. TikTok

📚 History Buffs & Researchers

For those passionate about local history, the R.R. Smith Center is a must-visit. The local history exhibits provide a deep dive into Staunton's past. The real treasure for researchers is the Historic Staunton Foundation's workroom, where you can access resources on local architecture and properties. Remember to book your appointment in advance to utilize this specialized facility. Reddit

🎨 Art Lovers & Collectors

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating art exhibits that showcase a variety of styles and artists, with a focus on local talent. Many of the displayed pieces, including small prints, are available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity to acquire art directly from the artists or galleries. Reddit The 'Fridays in the Gallery' concerts also add an artistic dimension, blending visual and performing arts. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Staunton's History and Art

The R.R. Smith Center for History and Art serves as a vibrant hub for cultural exploration in Staunton, Virginia. It houses galleries that showcase a dynamic rotation of art exhibits, often highlighting talented local artists and offering unique prints for sale. Beyond the art, the center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the region's past through engaging local history displays. Visitors can delve into the stories and heritage that shaped Staunton, making it a rich experience for history enthusiasts. Reddit

For those with a deep interest in the area's architectural past, the Historic Staunton Foundation maintains a workroom within the center. This resource allows residents and visitors to research the history of local architecture and properties, though it requires an appointment to access. This dedication to both contemporary art and historical preservation makes the R.R. Smith Center a multifaceted destination. Reddit

Beyond the indoor attractions, the center features a lovely garden in the back, providing a serene escape. It's an ideal spot to relax with a coffee or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility after immersing yourself in the exhibits. The combination of art, history, and a peaceful garden setting offers a well-rounded cultural experience. Reddit

Community Events and Performances

The R.R. Smith Center is more than just a static display of history and art; it's a lively venue for community engagement. A notable recurring event is the 'Fridays in the Gallery' concert series, which features exceptional performances by talented students. These concerts offer a chance to enjoy classical music in an intimate and beautiful setting, showcasing the center's role in supporting emerging artists. Instagram

These musical interludes provide a unique atmosphere, blending visual art with auditory experiences. While admission is often free, seating is limited, encouraging visitors to arrive early to secure a spot. The series highlights the center's commitment to providing diverse cultural programming for the Staunton community and its visitors. Instagram

Beyond scheduled concerts, the center frequently hosts various special exhibits and events throughout the year. These can range from specific historical retrospectives to themed art showcases. Keeping an eye on their announcements is key to catching these limited-time offerings and experiencing the full breadth of what the R.R. Smith Center has to offer. TikTok

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