Museums are the cultural hubs of Richmond. 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.
Note: Be sure to check museum hours while planning your visit.
History
Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. | $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, 1015 E. Clay St. | $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. — founder 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: The statue of Jefferson Davis lies in the galleries, preserved in its state from when it was brought it down from its perch on Monument Avenue.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. | $6-10 | Memberships
Founded in 1981, this Jackson Ward museum takes visitors through Black history in Virginia with exhibits and special events.
American Civil War Museum - Historic Tredegar, 480 Tredegar St. | $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, 2000 E. Cary St. | 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, 1914 E. Main St. | $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.
Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives, 1121 W. Franklin St. | Free
Learn about Richmond’s Jewish history through four galleries and extensive archives. Appointments are encouraged, suggested $5 donation per visitor.
Museum of Virginia Catholic History, 823 Cathedral Pl. | Free
Located within the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the museum documents the history of Catholicism in Virginia through two exhibits.
The Ashland Museum, 105 Hanover Ave.| Free
Explore the cultural history of the Town of Ashland and connect with community members by recording your family story.
Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Dr. | $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, 2200 Mountain Rd. | 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, 4305 Sulgrave Rd. | $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, 4301 Sulgrave Rd.
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, 1000 Westover Rd. | $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.
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, 818 E. Marshall St. | $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, 1201 E. Clay St. | $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.
Don’t miss: Abraham Lincoln visited the occupied home at the end of the Civil War.
Wilton House Museum, 215 S. Wilton Rd. | $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, 16120 Chiswell Ln. | $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 + Culture
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. | 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, 601 W. Broad St. | 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, 101 E. Broad St. | 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, 2501 Monument Ave. | 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, 2880 Mountain Rd. | Free
The Cultural Arts Center offers four galleries to explore — plus classes, special events, and performances.
Science + Technology
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. | $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, 102 Hull St. | $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, 880 W. Roslyn Rd. | $5-10
Head out to Colonial Heights and you’ll find 125,000 sqft. of agricultural history, antique trucks, and classic cars.
Kids
Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St. | $8-9 | Memberships
Children can let their imaginations run wild in the living tree house, on the carousel, and in the art studio.
Don’t miss: There’s another location in Chesterfield at 6629 Lake Harbour Dr.
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd. | 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.
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.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
