Science Museum of Virginia Tours

Science Museum of Virginia featuring signage and a city
Science Museum of Virginia featuring interior views
Science Museum of Virginia featuring interior views
Science Museum of Virginia showing interior views
Science Museum of Virginia showing interior views


Conduct experiments, enter a working laboratory and learn how to be environmentally friendly at this interactive science museum.

The Science Museum of Virginia has experiments, computer-animated games and artifacts across several floors. Five permanent exhibitions revolve around the environment, health, energy and space. Learn about renewable energy, watch a scientist dissect a cow’s eye and solve a crime. An IMAX theater screens documentaries on a screen ten times the size of a traditional cinema.

The Science Museum is in the Museum District northwest of Downtown. It is housed in a neo-classical-style building, formally a train station with pillars and a domed roof.

Admission prices vary. Choose from a basic ticket, which only includes exhibitions, to an all-inclusive pass, with entry to the IMAX and Live Science demonstrations.If you choose Live Science, you’ll be able to watch scientists demonstrating such feats as coaching rats to play basketball, and freezing metal with liquid nitrogen. Demonstration times vary, so pick up a timetable on your way in.

Watch a documentary on the 76-foot (23-meter) IMAX screen. Documentaries on anything from primates in Borneo to the Hubble telescope screen several times a day.

There are snakes, turtles, scorpions and cockroaches in the live animal exhibit. Peer down a microscope at even smaller creatures at an Eco Laboratory. Discover how much you would weigh on Mars, how much energy the world uses, and why some people can roll their tongue and others can’t.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. There is plenty of free parking on-site or, if you’d prefer, catch the bus. Five services stop at Broad & Robinson, a short walk from the museum.

Make a day of it and visit the Children’s Museum of Richmond next door.

Plan a trip to see Science Museum of Virginia

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Club Wyndham Kingsgate
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Griffin Hotel, an official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Science Museum of Virginia

The Jefferson Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel

5 out of 5
101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA
The Jefferson Hotel
Graduate by Hilton Richmond

Graduate by Hilton Richmond

4 out of 5
301 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA
Graduate by Hilton Richmond
Omni Richmond Hotel

Omni Richmond Hotel

4 out of 5
100 S 12th St, Richmond, VA
Omni Richmond Hotel
Studio Nest/2Queen beds/2TVs museums/free parking

Studio Nest/2Queen beds/2TVs museums/free parking

Richmond
Studio Nest/2Queen beds/2TVs museums/free parking
Nest & Rest/Free Parking/Museum/City Access

Nest & Rest/Free Parking/Museum/City Access

Richmond
Nest & Rest/Free Parking/Museum/City Access
City Nest in FAN: Museums & Free Parking

City Nest in FAN: Museums & Free Parking

Richmond
City Nest in FAN: Museums & Free Parking
Cozy nest/private porch/museums/free parking

Cozy nest/private porch/museums/free parking

Richmond
Cozy nest/private porch/museums/free parking
Urban Bloom/King Bed/2TVs/Free Parking/Museums

Urban Bloom/King Bed/2TVs/Free Parking/Museums

Richmond
Urban Bloom/King Bed/2TVs/Free Parking/Museums
Suite One/King Bed/2TVs/Free Parking & museums

Suite One/King Bed/2TVs/Free Parking & museums

Richmond
Suite One/King Bed/2TVs/Free Parking & museums
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia offers a variety of engaging activities and attractions nearby, including sports, biking, and theater. Visitors can enjoy friendly attractions, guided tours, and exciting day trips. Don't miss the chance to explore the Da Vinci Science Center, and consider purchasing ride tickets for an exhilarating experience. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just looking for some fun, there's something for everyone at this vibrant destination.

Shopping

The Shops at Willow Lawn, just 2 miles from the Science Museum of Virginia, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a variety of family-friendly stores. For a more local touch, visit the 17th Street Farmers’ Market or South of the James Market, both 3 miles away, for unique finds and fresh goods.

Recreation

The National offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music just 2 miles away, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment. Stuart C. Siegel Center, located 0.9 miles away, provides an energetic sports environment, while the Country Club of Virginia, 3 miles away, indulges you in luxurious amenities and serene surroundings.

Adventure

At the Science Museum of Virginia, experience thrilling motor racing at Richmond Raceway, located 4 miles away, perfect for adrenaline junkies. Enjoy scenic hikes on the Virginia Capital Trail, just 3 miles away, or have a splashing good time at Cobblestones Park, a family-friendly waterpark 10 miles away.

Nightlife

In Richmond, the Altria Theater offers a cultural experience just a mile from the Science Museum, perfect for family and romantic outings. For a fun night, visit River City Roll, an adventure zone only 0.3 miles away, or the Hippodrome Theater, 2 miles away, blending entertainment with family vibes.

Find the best attractions near Science Museum of Virginia

While visiting the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, you can explore a variety of attractions, including historic colleges and universities, event venues, and other history museums. This area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and city explorers. Don't miss the chance to check out the best museums and tourist attractions that Richmond has to offer, making for an enriching and enjoyable vacation.

  • Virginia Commonwealth University: Located 1 mile from the Science Museum of Virginia, this historic university is a hub of culture and creativity. Explore its vibrant campus, where art, music, and diverse academic programs come together, reflecting Richmond’s rich heritage.
  • Greater Richmond Convention Center: Situated 2 miles away, this modern event venue buzzes with business vibes. It's an ideal spot for conferences and exhibitions, showcasing the professional side of Richmond while offering opportunities for networking and collaboration.
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Just 0.6 miles away, this art museum boasts an impressive collection that spans thousands of years. Enjoy a blend of culture and history as you wander through galleries featuring everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.

Best time to go to Science Museum of Virginia

Visitor numbers around Science Museum of Virginia is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Science Museum of Virginia is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Science Museum of Virginia

Visiting the Science Museum of Virginia can be budget-friendly, as entry is free for all. To save on accommodations, consider visiting from December to February when prices are lower, particularly on Mondays. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find affordable hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future stays. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your trip without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Science Museum of Virginia are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Science Museum of Virginia is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Science Museum of Virginia is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your search based on your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Science Museum of Virginia with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.