The Science Museum of Virginia occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in Richmond: the former Broad Street Station, a Beaux-Arts railway terminal designed by John Russell Pope and opened in 1919. The station's massive columned entrance and soaring Great Hall, now filled with exhibits, set the tone for an institution that blends architecture and discovery. The museum is a favorite for families, school groups and anyone who likes to touch, build and experiment. Galleries cover the sciences in a hands-on way, from physics and engineering to the human body, computers, electricity, aviation and the natural world. Visitors can build, test, launch and play, with exhibits designed to make concepts concrete. A large Foucault pendulum slowly demonstrates the Earth's rotation, a favorite of children and adults alike, and the Dome Theater shows large-format films on a vast curved screen, with planetarium-style shows adding to the schedule.
The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions, which can bring in dinosaurs, space exploration, robotics or other crowd-pleasers, usually with an additional ticket. Check what is on before you go. Programs such as science demonstrations, camps, adult evenings and school events fill the calendar, and the museum frequently participates in community festivals.
Practical details
General admission is charged, with discounts for children, seniors and members, and tickets for the Dome Theater or special exhibitions may be extra, though combination tickets are often available. Parking is on site. Allow two to three hours for the main galleries, and more if you add a film or special exhibit. Weekday mornings tend to bring school groups, which can make the museum lively, so afternoons or weekends may suit those who prefer fewer groups, though weekends bring families.
The museum sits on Broad Street, along Richmond's Arts District corridor and a short drive from the Fan and Museum District. A good plan is a morning here and an afternoon at VMFA or Maymont, or a family day that combines the museum with lunch in the Fan. It is an especially valuable choice for rainy days, hot summer afternoons and cold winter weekends, when outdoor options shrink.
Adults who appreciate historic architecture will enjoy the building itself, which many consider the finest interior in the city. For families with school-age children, it is one of the most reliable crowd-pleasers in Richmond.
A few tactics help families. Arrive at opening to enjoy the busiest exhibits before crowds build, check showtimes for demonstrations and the Dome Theater, and plan a snack break since there is a lot of ground to cover. Younger children often love the hands-on engineering and water exhibits, while older kids gravitate to the computer and technology displays.
Adults who enjoy architecture should look up as well as around, because the Great Hall's coffered ceiling and the building's grand proportions are a reminder of the age of rail travel. Birthday parties, scout nights and school programs make the museum busy on weekdays, so confirm quiet hours if you prefer a calmer visit.
Members enjoy free entry and discounts, and the museum's occasional adult-only evenings offer a different, more relaxed atmosphere with food, drinks and demonstrations.
Strollers fit most exhibit areas, lockers and a cafe are available for families, and staff in the galleries are happy to explain how exhibits work. Looking at the museum calendar before you go will tell you about live demonstrations, traveling shows and any extended evening hours.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided hands-on galleries, a Foucault pendulum and a Dome Theater, in a restored Beaux-Arts train station.
Best time
Rainy days and hot afternoons; weekday afternoons are calmer than mornings with school groups.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Check special exhibition and Dome Theater times, consider a combination ticket and arrive early on weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with school-age children and curious adults.
- Families
- One of Richmond's best indoor family choices, with plenty to touch and try.
- Couples
- Less of a date spot, though architecture fans will enjoy the building.
- Pair with
- VMFA, Maymont and a Fan District lunch.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is the building?+
The former Broad Street Station, a Beaux-Arts railway terminal designed by John Russell Pope and opened in 1919.
What is the Dome Theater?+
A large-format theater with a curved screen, showing films and planetarium-style programs. It may require an extra ticket.
Is it good for toddlers?+
Yes, there are areas suited to younger children, though most galleries target school-age kids.
How long should I plan?+
Two to three hours for the main galleries, more with a film or special exhibition.
Is parking available?+
Yes, on site.