The Science Museum of Virginia is a state-operated educational science facility housed in the historic Broad Street Station in Richmond. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in April 2026 and reflects the current general admission pricing structure alongside the $5 optional upgrade for the museum’s Dome features.
Quick facts
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily: 09:30 to 17:00 |
| Ticket prices | Adults (13-59): $18.50; Seniors (60+), Youth (6-12): $15.50; Preschool (3-5): $11; Under 3s: Free |
| Address | 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220 |
| Nearest public transport | GRTC Pulse (Science Museum Station) or on-site car park |
| Typical time needed | Three to four hours |
Science Museum of Virginia opening hours
The Science Museum of Virginia is open from 09:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Sunday. The on-site snack and concession counters operate slightly shorter hours, typically opening from 10:00 to 15:00.
These core opening hours operate consistently throughout the year with no seasonal variations. The facility restricts hours or closes completely on major national holidays, specifically remaining closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Science Museum of Virginia ticket prices
General admission ticket prices for the Science Museum of Virginia are $18.50 for adults aged 13 to 59, and $15.50 for seniors aged 60 and over and youth aged six to 12. Preschool children aged three to five pay $11, while infants aged two and under enter for free. Active duty military, retired military personnel, veterans, and teachers receive free general admission upon presentation of valid identification. Visitors can also add a feature film in The Dome to any ticket for an additional $5.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
How to get to the Science Museum of Virginia
The most direct way to reach the Science Museum of Virginia using public transport is via the GRTC Pulse, Richmond’s Bus Rapid Transit system. Passengers can take the Pulse line and alight directly at the Science Museum Station, which is located on West Broad Street immediately in front of the building.
For visitors travelling by car from central Richmond or Interstate 95, drivers should exit onto Arthur Ashe Boulevard and turn onto West Broad Street. The museum is located in the Museum District, making it easily accessible via major arterial roads.
Parking at the Science Museum of Virginia
Free visitor parking is available on the grounds of the Science Museum of Virginia. Visitors can use the large surface lot located in front of the building, or the designated multi-level parking deck situated directly between the Science Museum and the adjacent Children’s Museum of Richmond.
The parking deck is accessed by turning off West Broad Street onto Terminal Place, and then turning right onto the access road. There are no strict time limits or parking validation requirements enforced for visitors using these lots during standard operating hours.
How long to spend at the Science Museum of Virginia
Most people spend between three and four hours at the Science Museum of Virginia. This duration provides enough time to interact with the hands-on physics and biology exhibits across the main floors, watch a live demonstration, and walk through the outdoor science park.
Visitors intending to watch a giant screen film or an astronomy show in The Dome should allow an additional hour for their visit. Families with older children who plan to participate in scheduled making and engineering activities inside The Forge will also require additional time.
Accessibility at the Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia is fully accessible for wheelchair users, featuring level pathways, ramped entry points, and automated doors. Elevators connect the ground level to all public exhibition spaces, and the accessible restrooms include a dedicated family restroom.
Complimentary manual wheelchairs and motorised scooters are available to borrow from the Guest Services desk on a first-come, first-served basis. The Dome theatre features dedicated wheelchair-accessible seating at the top tier, which is reached via a specific internal elevator.
Inside / what to see at the Science Museum of Virginia
The permanent exhibits at the Science Museum of Virginia focus on physics, human biology, engineering, and space exploration. The museum is housed inside a grand 1919 neoclassical train station, and the main concourse retains its historic vaulted ceilings.
A key highlight is the “Speed” exhibition, which occupies a large portion of the main hall. This area features the SR-71 Blackbird supersonic jet suspended from the ceiling, alongside interactive displays testing human reaction times and mechanics. The “Boost” gallery provides hands-on activities that explore human health, nutrition, and physical biomechanics.
The Forge is an interactive makerspace where visitors can use tools and raw materials to solve engineering challenges or participate in scheduled workshops. The Cottrell Theater and the Barbara Thalhimer Theater host live science demonstrations, such as cow eye dissections or the Science on a Sphere digital projection.
The Dome is a 76-foot digital planetarium and giant screen theatre that screens astronomy presentations and nature documentaries throughout the day. Outside the main building, visitors can view several historic railway carriages and explore the native plant gardens.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Practical tip |
| Timing | Arrive when the museum opens at 09:30 to reserve a spot for the limited-capacity activities inside The Forge. |
| Crowds | Avoid visiting during weekday mornings in the spring, as the museum frequently hosts large school field trip groups. |
| Layout | Consult the daily schedule board upon arrival to plan your visit around the specific times of the live science demonstrations. |
| Entry process | Purchase your Dome feature upgrade at the same time as your general admission ticket to secure your preferred screening time. |
| On-site logistics | Bring a reusable water bottle, as the facility provides filtered refill stations throughout the exhibition halls. |
Frequently asked questions about the Science Museum of Virginia
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Science Museum of Virginia suitable for children? | Yes, the museum features hundreds of interactive displays, live demonstrations, and dedicated activities for younger children. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Science Museum of Virginia? | No, visitors can purchase walk-up tickets directly at the Guest Services desk, though advance online booking remains available. |
| Is the Science Museum of Virginia open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open on Sundays from 09:30 to 17:00. |
| Are bags allowed at the Science Museum of Virginia? | Standard day bags and backpacks are permitted inside the museum, though large luggage is not allowed in the exhibition spaces. |
Things to do near Science Museum of Virginia
- Children’s Museum of Richmond: Located directly adjacent on the same campus, this facility features indoor play areas and interactive educational exhibits designed for toddlers and young children.
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Situated a 15-minute walk south, this expansive gallery houses a permanent collection spanning 5,000 years of global art, including a large Fabergé egg collection.
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture: Located directly next to the fine arts museum, this institution preserves and exhibits documents and artefacts relating to the state’s historical timeline.
- Maymont: A 10-minute drive south brings visitors to this 100-acre Gilded Age estate, featuring a historic mansion, formal Japanese gardens, and native wildlife enclosures.
- Carytown: Situated a 20-minute walk south, this nine-block retail district features independent boutiques, vintage stores, cafes, and the historic Byrd Theatre.
More Virginia travel
Other Virginia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The uncomfortable slavery legacy of Mount Vernon.
- A practical visitor guide to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre in Chantilly.
- What’s so special about the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke?
- Guide to visiting Booker T Washington National Monument near Roanoke.
- Plan your visit to Natural Bridge State Park.
