Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
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Location
Richmond, Virginia
Neighborhood
Jackson Ward
Address
122 West Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Typical hours
Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; confirm before visiting
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) shares, preserves, and interprets African American history and culture in Virginia and beyond. Its exhibitions, events, and educational programs make the museum a useful starting point for understanding stories and contributions that are central to the Commonwealth’s history.[1]
The museum is housed in Richmond’s historic Leigh Street Armory in Jackson Ward. The building’s history—as an armory for a Black militia unit, a school, and a World War II reception center for Black servicemen—adds another layer to a visit. The museum lists regular hours as Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check its official visit information for current hours, admission, exhibitions, and tour arrangements before setting out.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Why visit?
The museum connects Virginia-wide history with individual lives, communities, and cultural expression. Its exhibitions and programming are intended to preserve and share African American stories, including histories that have often been overlooked. A visit also offers a chance to see the Leigh Street Armory, a historic Richmond building whose changing uses reflect Black military, educational, and community life.[4][5]
Start here
Begin with the exhibitions on view during your visit. The museum presents permanent displays alongside rotating exhibitions and programs, so the experience can change over time. Check the official exhibitions and events listings for current themes and dates; the museum’s 2026 calendar includes exhibitions focused on Black life in Virginia and Black pageantry and representation.[6]
Allow time to look closely at the building as well as the displays. The armory’s brick towers and crenellated roofline distinguish it from the surrounding streetscape, and its history is closely tied to the neighborhood and the people it served.[7]
What to see and do
Explore current exhibitions
See what is on view during your visit. The museum presents both permanent exhibitions and temporary shows, so confirm current dates and details on the official site.
Follow Virginia’s Black history
Look for exhibitions and interpretation that trace African American history and culture across Virginia and connect local stories to wider histories.
Learn about the Leigh Street Armory
Consider the building itself part of the experience: it was constructed for a Black militia unit and later served educational and wartime community roles.
Look for talks and public programs
The museum hosts events and educational programming. Check its official calendar for current offerings and any registration requirements.
Arrange a guided visit
Guided tours may be requested for schools, groups, and researchers. Contact the museum in advance to ask about availability and arrangements.
History and significance
The museum was founded in 1981 to preserve and share African American history and culture. It later established its home in the Leigh Street Armory, opening there in 2016.[8]
The armory, formally known as the First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory, was constructed in 1895 for an African American militia unit. After the unit disbanded, the building became a school for African American children. During World War II, it served as a reception center for Black soldiers passing through Richmond; after the war, it returned to educational use. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources lists the property on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.[9]
The armory’s history and the museum’s mission make the site significant both as a historic building and as a place for interpreting African American life in Virginia. Its Jackson Ward setting also makes it a natural stop when exploring the neighborhood’s history and cultural institutions.
Planning a visit
The museum is at 122 West Leigh Street in Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood. Its published regular hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; it lists Sunday through Tuesday and holidays as closed. Hours, admission prices, and exhibition schedules can change, so check the museum’s official website before visiting.[10]
The museum offers advance ticket booking and accepts requests for guided tours, including school, private-group, and research visits. Contact the museum directly about tour availability, accessibility needs, and arrangements for your group.[11]
Nearby attractions
Richmond
Use the city guide to plan other stops, neighborhoods, and visitor activities around the museum.
Maggie L. Walker and Jackson Ward
Explore the people and neighborhood history closely connected to this part of Richmond.
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Visit the preserved home of Richmond businesswoman and civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ About Our Museum, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Exhibitions and Events, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of History & Culture and the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia Partner to Tell an Inclusive Story of Virginia, Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ First Battalion Virginia Volunteers Armory, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Tickets and Guided Tours, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.