Science Museum of Virginia
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Location
Richmond, Virginia
Address
2500 West Broad Street, Richmond
Setting
Historic Broad Street Station
Best for
Families, curious minds and hands-on discovery
The Science Museum of Virginia pairs interactive exhibits and live programming with an architectural landmark: John Russell Pope’s former Broad Street Station. Inside, visitors can explore science through hands-on galleries, a makerspace, demonstrations and shows in The Dome. The mix makes it an appealing stop for families and for anyone curious about how things work.[1]
The building’s story is part of the visit. Broad Street Station opened to passenger trains in 1919 and later became the museum’s home, giving this Richmond attraction a distinctive blend of science and transportation history. Check the museum’s current schedule before setting out: showtimes, activities and operating details can change.[2]
Plan a trip to Science Museum of Virginia
Why visit the Science Museum of Virginia?
This is a museum for trying things, not just reading about them. Its exhibits invite visitors to test ideas through movement, observation and making, while live demonstrations and scheduled programs add variety to the day. Families can explore at their own pace, and the historic station provides a memorable setting between galleries.
The experience also reaches beyond the exhibition floors. Look up into the station’s grand rotunda, notice how the former rail terminal’s architecture shapes the building, and make time for the outdoor grounds and the Earth Kugel, a large granite globe visitors can set in motion with a touch.[3]
Start here
Begin in the rotunda and take in the scale of Broad Street Station before heading into the galleries. Pick a few priorities rather than trying to do everything: hands-on exhibitions, The Forge’s making activities and a Dome show each offer a different way to spend time at the museum. Check the day’s schedule when you arrive, or online beforehand, to plan around timed programs.
What to see and do
The Speed exhibition uses interactive experiences to explore motion and time, from sound and light to sports, machines and changes too slow to see. Its displays include an SR-71 Blackbird.
The museum’s permanent makerspace combines a showroom with workshops and hands-on activities. Scheduled projects and participation details vary, so check the current program before visiting.
The Dome presents giant-screen films and astronomy programming. Show titles and times vary; consult the museum’s schedule when planning your visit.
The Earth Kugel is a large granite globe displayed outside the museum. The museum describes it as movable with a light touch.
Alongside permanent galleries, the museum hosts changing exhibitions. Confirm what is on view during your visit, as traveling exhibitions change over time.
History and significance
Broad Street Station was designed by New York architect John Russell Pope for Richmond’s passenger rail service. The first train left the station on January 6, 1919. Its monumental classical design, including a prominent rotunda and colonnade, made the station a major civic landmark as well as a transportation hub.[4]
Passenger service at Broad Street Station ended in 1975, and the Commonwealth acquired the property the following year. The Science Museum opened its first permanent gallery there in 1977, adapting the former station for public learning while preserving its historic character. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.[5][6]
The museum has continued to add galleries and visitor experiences within the station and across its campus. The Dome and Planetarium opened in 1983; later additions included interactive exhibitions and spaces for making and learning.[7]
Planning a visit
The museum is at 2500 West Broad Street in Richmond. The museum’s current visitor information lists regular hours as Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; hours and special openings can change, so confirm before traveling. Dome shows and other programming run on a daily schedule, and the museum advises that programming may change without notice.[8]
The museum lists free parking in its parking deck beside the building and says guest drop-off and pickup are available at the main entrance. GRTC Routes 50, 76 and 77 stop on DMV Drive beside the museum; the GRTC Pulse has a station on Broad Street in front. Check current transit and parking information before your visit.[9]
Admission, exhibition availability and participation requirements can vary. Review the museum’s official visitor pages for current ticket information, daily schedules, accessibility details and building maps. If a particular Dome show or Forge activity is important to your plans, check its schedule in advance.
Nearby attractions
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Explore collections and exhibitions at one of Richmond’s major art museums.
Agecroft Hall and Gardens
Visit a Tudor-style historic house and its gardens in Richmond.
Maymont
Explore a historic estate, gardens and parkland in the city.
The Valentine
Discover Richmond’s history through exhibitions and collections.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Explore, Science Museum of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ History of the Museum, Science Museum of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Explore, Science Museum of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Broad Street Station, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ History of the Museum, Science Museum of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Broad Street Station, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ History of the Museum, Science Museum of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Hours & Schedule, Science Museum of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Directions & Parking, Science Museum of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.