Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the River City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 30 museums to visit. Just be sure to check museum hours while planning your visit.
Pro tip: Many local museums participate in Museums For All, a national initiative for those receiving food assistance to receive free or reduced admission to museums around the country. Search for participating museums.
History
Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Museum District | $5-10 | Memberships
With a collection of over 9 million items, there’s a lot of history to take in at the VMHC. Plus, they have a full calendar of events, visiting exhibitions, and a cafe to grab a quick bite or coffee after perusing the galleries.
Don’t miss: “The Story of Virginia” takes visitors through 16,000 years of Virginia history with 500+ artifacts, maps, letters, and diaries.
The Valentine, Capitol District | $8-10 | Memberships
Richmond’s history museum documents 400 years of the city’s past and includes the 1812 Wickham House, a National Historic Landmark. Founded by Mann S. Valentine, Jr. — inventor of meat juice — and formed with his brother, sculptor Edward V. Valentine, the museum was the first private museum in the city when it opened in 1898.
Don’t miss: Visit the ongoing exhibition “Sculpting History” to interrogate Richmond’s role in the Lost Cause myth from inside the studio of Edward Valentine.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Jackson Ward | $6-10 | Memberships
Founded in 1981, this museum takes visitors through Black history in Virginia with exhibits and special events.
American Civil War Museum - Historic Tredegar, Gambles Hill | $9-18 | Memberships
Get an in-depth look at the Civil War with two floors of exhibits on the site of Tredegar Iron Works, which supplied the Confederate army during the war.
Virginia Holocaust Museum, Shockoe Bottom | Free | Memberships
There’s a suggested $6 donation for admission to this museum, which tells the story of the Holocaust in order to inspire future generations to fight prejudice. Recommended for sixth grade and up.
The Poe Museum, Shockoe Bottom | $7-10 | Memberships
The hometown of the legendary writer is also home to a museum about his life and works. The grounds include the Old Stone House, Poe Shrine, and Enchanted Garden.
Historic St. John’s Church | $0-12
Take a tour of the church where Patrick Henry made his famous speech — if you schedule your visit right, you can even see a full reenactment.
Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives, The Fan | Free
Learn about Richmond’s Jewish history through four galleries and extensive archives. Appointments are encouraged and there’s a suggested $5 donation per visitor.
Museum of Virginia Catholic History, VCU | Free
Located within the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the museum documents the history of Catholicism in Virginia through two exhibits.
The Ashland Museum, Ashland| Free
Explore the cultural history of the Town of Ashland and connect with community members by recording your family story.
Henricus Historical Park, Chester | $8-12
Learn history by traveling back in time 400 years to the Citie of Henricus, the second successful English settlement in the New World, located in present-day Chester.
Virginia Randolph Museum, Glen Allen | Free
This museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of African American educator Virginia E. Randolph. Open by appointment only.
Historic Homes
Agecroft Hall & Gardens, Windsor Farms | $8-12 | Memberships
This late 15th century house literally traveled across the ocean from England to be reconstructed on the banks of the James River in the 1920s. Take a guided tour or explore the gardens.
Don’t miss: Agecroft hosts the annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival each summer.
The Virginia House, Windsor Farms
This English manor house was relocated to Richmond in 1925 and re-imagined into a modern home by Alexander and Virginia Weddell. It’s now owned by the Virginia Historical Society.
Maymont Mansion, Maymont Park | $6-8 | Memberships
Add to your Maymont visit by taking a tour of the 12,000-sqft home of James and Sallie Dooley. Tours include a focus on Gilded Age design, workers at the home, women’s suffrage, and technology of the time. Closed for renovations until early 2025.
Virginia Capitol and Executive Mansion, Capitol Square | Free
Did you know? The Executive Mansion is the oldest continuously occupied Governor’s residence in the United States. Tours are available every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with no appointment necessary.
John Marshall House, Capitol District | $10-15
Preservation Virginia offers tours of the 1790 residence of the fourth Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Marshall. Visits include context for his legacy, family, and the enslaved people who labored at the home from 1790-1835.
American Civil War Museum - White House of the Confederacy, Biotech and MCV District | $8-15 | Memberships
Take a guided tour of the 1818 home which served as the Confederate Executive Mansion during the Civil War and learn about the people who lived and worked there.
Fun fact: Abraham Lincoln visited the occupied home at the end of the Civil War.
Wilton House Museum, Far West End | $8-10
Built in 1753 for William Randolph III, Wilton was at one point home to the largest population of enslaved people in Henrico.
Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, Hanover | $10-15
Patrick Henry’s residence in Hanover is the only original standing home of the orator of the American Revolution. Take a cell phone or guided tour to learn more about the African American history of the site as well as Patrick Henry’s life.
Arts and culture
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Museum District | Free | Memberships
Open 365 days a year, the VMFA has an extensive collection of works from various eras in art, from ancient to contemporary. Special exhibitions sometimes require a paid ticket for non-members.
Don’t miss: Artist Kehinde Wiley created the sculpture “Rumors of War” for the VMFA. It was unveiled in Times Square in 2019 before moving to its permanent home outside the museum.
Institute for Contemporary Art, VCU | Free
Take in traveling exhibits by contemporary artists, which change on a seasonal basis. The ICA also hosts several programs, including the BlackGrounds lecture series and events at the VPM + ICA Community Media Center.
Elegba Folklore Society, Arts District | Free
Stop by the gallery to see prints, memorabilia, artifacts, and books in celebration of African and African American culture. You can also join in a tour around Richmond.
Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, The Fan | Pay what you wish
There’s a suggested admission fee of $5 for this Fan museum, which also includes a gated garden. Exhibitions explore the impact of design in everyday life.
Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, Glen Allen | Free
The Cultural Arts Center offers four galleries to explore — plus classes, special events, and performances.
Science and technology
Science Museum of Virginia, Broad Street | $10-17 | Memberships
The Science Museum has something for curious minds of all ages, from traveling exhibits to films at The Dome and live science demonstrations.
Don’t miss: Interactive challenges at the “Boost” exhibit give kids and adults a hands-on look at the science of the human body and mind.
Richmond Railroad Museum, Manchester | $5-10
Stop by on a weekend to explore the historic Southern Railway Station and get a guided tour of the facility.
Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum, Colonial Heights | $5-10
You’ll find 125,000 sqft. of agricultural history, antique trucks, and classic cars at this museum.
Kids
Children’s Museum of Richmond, Broad Street | $8-9 | Memberships
Children can let their imaginations run wild in the living tree house, on the carousel, and in the art studio.
Pro tip: There’s another location in Chesterfield.
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen | Free
Stop by and learn about the Native American and African American history of Meadow Farm in Henrico, and meet farm animals who live on the site. Schedule a tour for Sundays.
Don’t miss: Since it’s part of Crump Park, combine your museum outing with a visit to the playground or fishing pond.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
- Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
