Science Museum of Virginia
4.7(5,151)4.7 out of 5 stars, 5151 reviews Richmond, VA
About Science Museum of Virginia
An interactive science museum housed in a grand historic railroad station, featuring hands-on exhibits like a speed track and Lego building, alongside immersive, state-of-the-art educational films in 'The Dome' theater.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking hands-on, educational indoor activitiesChildren who love building, racing, and space or dinosaur filmsKids and young students who enjoy interactive building and physical activitiesMiddle schoolers and adults interested in dome theater science shows
Why families love it
- Immersive Dome theater shows including 'We are the Stars' and 'Dinosaurs of Antarctica'
- Hands-on interactive areas like the speed track and Lego building stations
- Unique giant rat wheel exhibit demonstrating energy generation
- Nostalgic and grand historic railroad station setting with a giant pendulum
- The Dome IMAX domed theater
- Interactive speed track
Insider tips
- Buy tickets online beforehand to bypass long entry lines at the door
- Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore all levels of the museum
- Be sure to pair your museum admission with a Dome show for the complete experience
Good to know before you go
- Buying tickets in-person during peak times to avoid waiting behind large groups
- Long entry lines at the ticket counter for walk-ins
- Some adults or repeat visitors may find the exhibit areas feel smaller and can be walked through quickly in about an hour
- Crowds
- Can get busy at the entrance ticket counter with multiple groups lining up
- Value
- Admission including a Dome show is around $45 for 2 adults, which some visitors feel is slightly overpriced but reasonable for museum maintenance.
What parents say
"Definitely a highly recommended museum to visit. There are shows at The Dome. We saw “We are the Stars” which showcased how our constellations, galaxies were formed. Visuals were spectacular, definitely state of the art. Other upcoming shows are about Dinosaurs. Admission to Museum including a Dome show was $45 for 2 adults. A little overpriced but understandable for upkeep of the museum. The building is the old railroad station, very nostalgically grand in size with a giant pendulum display at the center. There are interactive exploration areas like giant rat wheel where you spin and see equi"
a month ago
"Revisited Science Museum of Virginia after about 30+ years difference of a middle schooler and as an adult and inside the museum and activities seem much smaller. Yes there are plenty of activities and exhibitions for kids and young students, however within a few steps walking around the entire museum including the railroad section behind the building didn't take much time (about an hour?). Purchasing a ticket online was much quicker to enter than being in the line with multiple groups."
a month ago
"Excellent experience, every single time! As a Richmond Landmark, this museum deserves the title “OF VIRGINIA.” Rotating exhibits, activities and camps, great customer service! Love our SMV! And don’t forget, we have “The Dome,” our original IMAX domed theater!!!"
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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