Plan your visit to the Taubman Museum of Art with my guide to free admission, opening hours, and Randall Stout’s iconic architecture in Roanoke.
The Taubman Museum of Art is notable for its angular, futuristic design that mimics the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can expect 11 galleries featuring American art, contemporary works, and rotating regional exhibitions. Completed in 2008, the building was designed by Randall Stout and serves as a major cultural anchor in downtown Roanoke, Virginia.
Taubman Museum of Art: at a glance
The first time I saw the building, I thought a spaceship had landed in the mountains. The undulating steel roof is meant to mimic the local peaks and valleys. It is a bold architectural statement in a traditional railway town.
When I checked the entry requirements, I was pleasantly surprised to find that general admission is free. This includes access to most of the galleries and the City of Roanoke atrium. It makes for an accessible afternoon out for families and solo travellers alike.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | Free (General Admission) |
| Opening hours | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tue–Sat) |
| Address | 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011 |
| Free for | Everyone |
| Last entry | 4:30 pm |
How much does the Taubman Museum of Art cost: pricing details
General admission to the Taubman Museum of Art costs nothing. This caught me off guard given the quality of the permanent collection. You can walk right in and begin your tour without a ticket.
| Ticket type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $0.00 | All visitors |
| Special Exhibitions | Varies | Typically $5 – $10 |
| Guided Tours | $0.00 | Scheduled public tours |
While most areas are free, special ticketed exhibitions sometimes carry a small fee. I recommend checking their website to see if a travelling exhibition is currently active. These usually require a separate purchase at the front desk.
What time does the Taubman Museum of Art open: visiting hours
The museum follows a standard Tuesday to Sunday schedule. It is closed every Monday, which is standard for many cultural institutions in the United States. Ensure you plan your weekend trip accordingly.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The museum often stays open later for special events or Friday night socials. The Atrium is a popular spot for local gatherings. Always check the calendar for holiday closures like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Do I need to book Taubman Museum of Art tickets in advance: booking advice
You do not need to book tickets in advance for general admission. Simply walk through the Salem Avenue entrance and check in at the desk. The staff will give you a quick overview of the layout.
If you are interested in a ticketed exhibition, you can buy those on the day. However, for popular workshops or guided group tours, I suggest calling ahead. This ensures the museum can accommodate your party without delays.
History of the Taubman Museum of Art: background and context
The museum originally started as the Art Museum of Western Virginia. In 2008, it moved to this current high-design building. The project was funded largely by donations from the Taubman family.
Randall Stout, the architect, was a protégé of Frank Gehry. You can see the influence in the swirling metal forms and glass walls. The design was meant to represent Roanoke’s transformation from a rail hub to a tech and arts centre.
The building itself caused quite a local stir when it first opened. Some residents felt it was too modern for the historic downtown area. Today, it is regarded as a landmark of the city’s skyline.
Inside the Taubman Museum of Art: what to see
The City of Roanoke Atrium is the first thing you will experience. It is a light-filled space with dramatic angles and soaring ceilings. It sets the tone for the contemporary galleries upstairs.
Look out for the American Art collection on the second floor. It features works from the 19th and 20th centuries that are surprisingly diverse. I found the regional folk art section particularly interesting.
The Art Venture space is excellent if you have children. it is a hands-on creative station where kids can paint and build. It is one of the better museum education spaces I have visited.
Don’t miss the viewpoints from the upper floors. The windows frame the Mill Mountain Star and the historic railway tracks. The building effectively links the interior art with the outside world — a clever touch.
What’s included with your Taubman Museum of Art visit: features
- Access to all permanent collection galleries.
- Entry to the Art Venture children’s interactive centre.
- Complimentary public tours on select afternoons.
- Access to the museum shop and public atrium.
Things to do near the Taubman Museum of Art: nearby attractions
- Center in the Square (0.1 miles, 2-minute walk) – A cultural hub containing a pinball museum, aquarium, and kids’ museum.
- Roanoke City Market (0.1 miles, 2-minute walk) – The oldest continuous market in the state, perfect for local crafts.
- Virginia Museum of Transportation (0.4 miles, 8-minute walk) – A paid museum featuring a world-class collection of steam locomotives.
- Elmwood Park (0.3 miles, 7-minute walk) – A city park with an amphitheatre and outdoor art installations.
- Mill Mountain Star (3.2 miles, 10-minute drive) – The world’s largest man-made star with panoramic city views.
Practical tips for the Taubman Museum of Art: visitor info
- Location: Located in the heart of downtown Roanoke on Salem Avenue.
- Getting there: Walkable from most downtown hotels or take the free Star Line Trolley.
- Time needed: Plan for about two hours to see the main galleries.
- Photography: Photography is allowed for personal use, but flashes are prohibited.
- Dress code: There is no formal dress code; casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
- Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible with lifts to all gallery levels.
FAQs: Taubman Museum of Art
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where do I park? | Use the nearby Tower Garage or street parking meters. |
| Is there a café inside? | The museum doesn’t have a full café, but many eateries are next door. |
| Can I bring a bag? | Large bags must be stored in the complimentary lockers provided. |
| Are there many stairs? | No, there are lifts and escalators to reach all levels. |
| Is it good for kids? | Yes, Art Venture is specifically designed for younger visitors. |
More Virginia travel
Other Virginia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The small-scale Virginia cider makers driving the cider renaissance.
- Guide to Sherwood Forest – President John Tyler’s plantation.
- Discovering presidents and the first Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation.
- Virginia’s best presidential homes for visitors.
- The uncomfortable slavery legacy of Mount Vernon.
