Virginia State Museum
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Location
Richmond
Address
428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Focus
Virginia history and culture
Plan ahead
Check current exhibits, hours, and admission
The Virginia State Museum is now known as the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC). In Richmond’s Museum District, it offers a statewide perspective on the people, places, and events that have shaped Virginia. Its exhibitions draw on collections and regional partnerships to connect stories from across the Commonwealth.[1]
Start with “Imagine Virginia,” a short orientation film, then explore the galleries at your own pace. The museum’s exhibitions and programs change, so check the official visit and exhibitions pages before you go. The address is 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, near the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.[2]
Plan a trip to Virginia State Museum
Why visit the Virginia State Museum?
The museum is a useful starting point for understanding Virginia as a state of distinct regions and overlapping histories. Its exhibitions combine objects, interpretation, and multimedia, while the signature exhibition “Our Commonwealth” presents stories and artifacts connected to Virginia’s five major regions.[3]
It also works well for families and curious first-time visitors: “Commonwealth Explorers” is designed as a hands-on space for young visitors, and the orientation film offers a concise introduction before you enter the galleries.[4]
Start here
Allow time to watch “Imagine Virginia,” a 17-minute film in the Lettie Pate Evans Orientation Theater. The museum says it plays every 20 minutes during regular operating hours and is included with admission; it introduces themes that continue through the galleries.[5]
Then choose a route based on your interests. The museum’s permanent and changing displays cover statewide history, civic life, material culture, and regional stories. Consult the current gallery guide and exhibition listings to see what is on view during your visit.[6]
What to see and do
Our Commonwealth
A multisensory journey through Virginia’s five major regions, bringing together stories and objects from across the state.
Imagine Virginia
Begin with the 17-minute orientation film, which uses images, sound, and storytelling to introduce Virginia’s history.
Commonwealth Explorers
A hands-on gallery created especially for younger visitors and their companions.
Changing exhibitions
Check the current exhibition listings for temporary displays and special programming; offerings vary over time.
Research Library
Researchers can consult the museum’s library collections, which include published works, family papers, manuscripts, and rare books. Check library hours and access details before visiting.
History and significance
The institution began in 1831 as the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society, a private nonprofit organization established to collect and preserve material related to Virginia’s history. It is now known as the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society.[7]
The museum’s statewide approach reaches beyond Richmond: its exhibition work has drawn on partnerships with cultural and historical organizations in different Virginia regions. Its collections and galleries interpret both prominent events and everyday experiences, presenting the Commonwealth’s past through objects, documents, and personal stories.[8]
Planning a visit
The museum is at 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond’s Museum District. The museum lists its galleries, café, and store as open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with holiday closures; hours, admission rates, and exhibition schedules can change, so confirm details on the official visit page before setting out.[9]
Paid parking is available behind the museum. The museum also describes the building as wheelchair- and stroller-accessible and says manually operated wheelchairs and other mobility devices are available. For current parking arrangements, accessibility information, and any visitor requirements, consult the museum’s official guidance.[10]
Nearby attractions
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
An art museum next door, making it easy to pair Virginia history with art galleries.
Richmond
Explore the capital city’s museums, historic sites, neighborhoods, and riverfront.
Maymont
A Richmond estate and gardens offering another way to spend time outdoors in the city.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Explore exhibitions and programs focused on Black history and culture in Virginia.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Museum of History & Culture Debuts Multiple New Exhibits and Experiences Upon Reopening in May 2022, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society, March 24, 2022. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visit, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of History & Culture Debuts Multiple New Exhibits and Experiences Upon Reopening in May 2022, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society, March 24, 2022. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visit, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visit, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Exhibitions, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of History & Culture Debuts Multiple New Exhibits and Experiences Upon Reopening in May 2022, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society, March 24, 2022. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of History & Culture Debuts Multiple New Exhibits and Experiences Upon Reopening in May 2022, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society, March 24, 2022. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visit, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Visit, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Virginia Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.