Discover Science & Natural History in Virginia

Virginia's Science and Nature Museums explore the impact of science on our lives. Check out ever-changing, hands-on exhibits that explain areas of study from astronomy to zoology. Zoom down to the size of a bacteria or travel through time to the Ice Age and meet the wooly mammoths that once roamed through what is now Virginia. 

Explore featured museums below and add some fascinating stops to your Virginia getaway. 

Hands-On Science

Science Museum of Virginia

  • 2500 West Broad Street

The Science Museum of Virginia is a catalyst for inspiration, a place that sparks curiosity and generates ideas. Through hundreds…

Nauticus

  • 1 Waterside Drive

Nauticus, a maritime science museum, celebrates the economic, naval, and natural power of the sea. It features hands-on exhibits…

Danville Science Center

  • 677 Craghead Street

The Danville Science Center has been the Dan River Region’s educational and cultural anchor since 1995. Inspiring more than 60,000…

North Anna Information Center

  • Surry Nuclear Information Center

We are an energy learning center that helps you understand how electricity powers our world. And why nuclear energy is so…

Science Museum of Western Virginia

  • 1 Market Square SE

The Science Museum is a fun place for adults and children to explore the wonders of science through active learning and play!…

Surry Nuclear Information Center

  • Surry Nuclear Information Center

We are an energy learning center that helps you understand how electricity powers our world. And why nuclear energy is so…

Explore Natural History

Virginia Museum of Natural History

  • 21 Starling Avenue

As the state's museum of natural history serving the entire Commonwealth and beyond, VMNH has award-winning exhibits…

Museum of Geological Sciences

  • Virginia Tech

The Museum of Geosciences houses a collection of over 13,000 minerals used for research, education, and display. Many Virginia…

Museum of the Middle Appalachians

  • 123 Palmer Avenue

Step through the window of time at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians: "From the Ice Age to the Space Age."  Learn how…

Maymont

  • 1700 Hampton Street

Maymont is a well-preserved, 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie…

Alexandria Archaeology Museum

  • Alexandria Archaeology Museum

Step right into the Museum's laboratory and see archaeologists at work reconstructing Alexandria's history, fragment by fragment…

Virginia Living Museum

  • 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking an informative and entertaining outing, the Virginia…

Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature

  • University of Richmond - Boatwright Library

LORA ROBINS GALLERY of Design from Nature, University of Richmond. Promotes an awareness and appreciation of Nature. The gallery…

Take Flight

Virginia Air & Space Science Center

  • 600 Settlers Landing Road

Located in Hampton, Virginia, the birthplace of America’s space program, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center features…

Chesapeake Planetarium

  • 310 Shea Drive

In 2013, the Chesapeake Planetarium celebrates its 50th year of operation. Construction funds for the planetarium were provided by…

Dome at the Science Museum of Virginia

  • 2500 West Broad Street

Whether you’re traveling deep into the Amazon rainforest, plunging into the ocean with great white sharks, hunting for dark matter…