VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM

The Virginia Living Museum is truly an exciting destination that is fun in a way you cannot imagine. The place is full of entertainment including an aquarium, zoo, botanical garden, and science center to give a visit of a lifetime. The museum is spread in an area of 250 acres and allows you to dive into Virginia's ecosystems. 

The Virginia Living Museum is truly an exciting destination that is fun in a way you cannot imagine. The place is full of entertainment including an aquarium, zoo, botanical garden, and science center to give a visit of a lifetime. The museum is spread in an area of 250 acres and allows you to dive into Virginia's ecosystems. 

You can explore the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium which is known for putting light on the local marine life like jellyfish and sea turtles. You can also choose to walk through the Wildlife to see animals specific to the region like black bears and bald eagles. The Dinosaur Discovery Trail has life-sized replicas of the dinosaurs and fossil exhibits as well as the Botanical Garden is a beautiful attraction. 

The popular planetarium plays some amazing astronomy shows where you take a journey through the cosmos. The museum is committed to education and conservation. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the natural world through occasional exhibits and programs. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family, or simply curious, the Virginia Living Museum is a must-visit place for all age groups.

Highlights

• Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy exhibits of local marine life like jellyfish, crabs, and sea turtles.
• Walk through natural habitats to encounter Virginia’s native animals like black bears, bald eagles, and red foxes, in spacious and free environments.
• Gaze at life-size dinosaur replicas and learn about prehistoric life through creative displays and hands-on fossil activities.
• Enjoy a walk in the beautifully landscaped botanical gardens that have native plants, seasonal flowers, and water features.
• Temp yourself to watch astronomy shows in the planetarium where you experience a journey through the cosmos.

How To Reach

By Train: If you prefer commuting via train, you can board an Amtrak train to Newport News from various locations. The closest station to the Virginia Living Museum is Newport News Amtrak Station. It usually takes around 5-10 minutes to reach the museum by cab from the station. Remember to hop off at Newport News Amtrak Station, where you can easily catch a cab to the Virginia Living Museum.

By Bus: You can also choose to commute via bus, which is a pocket-friendly option. You can use HRT local buses to reach the J. Clyde Morris Blvd at Wellesley Dr stop. It will take approximately 20 minutes to walk to the Virginia Living Museum from there, or you can take a cab for this short ride.

By car: The Virginia Living Museum is located approximately 5 miles from the city center of Newport News. It usually takes around 10 minutes to reach the destination via J. Clyde Morris Blvd.

Best Time To Visit

 The Virginia Living Museum is truly a year-round Icelandic destination and you can choose to visit the destination at any time of the year. Best Day of the Week The best day of the week is any day between Monday to Thursday as they are generally quieter and provide shorter wait times. Best Time of the Day The best time of the day is during morning as you will experience cooler temperatures and less crowd, allowing for a more enjoyable exploration.

Other Essential Information

• The museum follows a non-smoking policy including e-cigarettes, so ensure sticking to the museum policies . 
• The museum has both indoor and outdoor areas so comfortable shoes are a must.  
•  Make sure to follow all guidelines when interacting with the animals. Do not tap on glass or disturb them and respect the museum policies.
• A museum map can help you schedule and plan what you want to see. Make sure to review it before the visit.