
If you’ve by no means been to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, or it’s been some time since your final go to, there’s no higher time than the current to plan a visit.
Celebrating its grand reopening in May 2022 recent off a multiyear $30 million renovation, the longtime Richmond landmark has expanded and up to date its content material and programming with a wide selection of progressive new choices. While the footprint stays the identical, the museum has grown vertically, now boasting an ethereal two-story atrium on the entrance, 50% extra general exhibition house and a revamped analysis library, together with a brand new campus connector to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, enhanced inexperienced house and loads of different engaging facilities.
Here are 5 of essentially the most interesting causes to pay a go to to the reimagined museum.
1. Our Commonwealth
The museum’s signature long-term exhibition serves as a centerpiece for the revamped facility, bringing Virginia historical past to life by taking guests on a memorable, immersive journey via the state’s 5 main geographic areas — Southwest, Central, Tidewater, Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. With digitally projected murals and customised soundscapes, the exhibit actually captures the sense and place of every space.
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Rendering of the Our Commonwealth Shenandoah Valley exhibit room.
2. Commonwealth explorers
Geared towards curious and energetic younger guests, this vibrant hands-on household gallery offers youngsters an opportunity to be taught as they play. Interactive options embody a meals truck, a Community Builders dress-up station and the Virginia Nature play space.
3. “Virginia: As far as you can imagine”
Get up to the mark on the indelible moments and occasions which have formed Virginia historical past with this 17-minute movie within the new Lettie Pate Evans Orientation Theater (included with museum admission). The film is a good way for company to get their bearings earlier than shifting on to discover the remainder of the museum.
4. Treasures of Virginia
A brand new gallery highlighting a rotating assortment of great objects and artifacts related to notable Virginian leaders, “Treasures of Virginia” places a private spin on among the state’s most cherished holdings. From flight jackets and writing desks to George Washington’s private diary and a civil rights period lunch counter, every bit tells a narrative all its personal.

Celoron Plate artifact positioned within the “Treasures of Virgina” gallery exhibit.
5. New assembly rooms and a café
Grab lunch within the museum’s sunny café, or reserve certainly one of 4 newly reimagined assembly areas on your subsequent neighborhood gathering or company occasion.
With these and so many different new options just like the Smithsonian-organized “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith” exhibition and Great Hall installations to find, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture serves up an enticing, immersive studying expertise for guests of all ages.
History issues now greater than ever. Established in 1831, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is the oldest cultural group in Virginia and one of many oldest and most distinguished historical past organizations within the nation. With a set almost 9 million items sturdy, the museum is devoted to serving and authentically reflecting all Virginians via sturdy regional partnerships with establishments all through the state. For extra info, go to VirginiaHistory.org.