ZooVirginia, US

Virginia Living Museum

Discover Virginia's natural wonders at the Virginia Living Museum, where wildlife, science, and the outdoors converge in an engaging experience for all ages.

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About

Discover Virginia's natural wonders at the Virginia Living Museum, where wildlife, science, and the outdoors converge in an engaging experience for all ages. More than just a zoo, this unique institution blends elements of an aquarium, botanical garden, science center, and planetarium, focusing exclusively on the native species and ecosystems found across the Commonwealth. Visitors can explore diverse habitats, from the majestic mountains to the vibrant Chesapeake Bay, all within a single location. The museum's design invites guests to encounter over 250 species of animals and plants in naturalized settings, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for local biodiversity. The visitor experience is a captivating blend of indoor and outdoor exploration. Indoors, galleries transport you through Virginia's distinct regions, featuring a dramatic 30,000-gallon Chesapeake Bay Aquarium teeming with aquatic life and the intriguing "World of Darkness" exhibit showcasing nocturnal creatures. Outdoors, a scenic 3/4-mile boardwalk trail winds through woodlands and wetlands, providing opportunities to spot native animals like playful river otters, majestic bald eagles, and the elusive red wolves in their expansive habitats. Beyond live animals, guests can delve into prehistoric times at the Dinosaur Discovery Trail, offering a fun, interactive area with life-sized dinosaur sculptures and fossil digs. A visit to the Virginia Living Museum is worthwhile for its commitment to conservation education and its hands-on approach to learning. The museum inspires curiosity through interactive exhibits, daily keeper talks, and unique animal encounters, highlighting the importance of protecting Virginia's natural heritage. Whether you're peering into the depths of the Chesapeake Bay, wandering through a re-created mountain cove, or gazing at the stars in the Abbitt Planetarium, the museum provides a comprehensive and inspiring look at the incredible interconnectedness of life in Virginia. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The Virginia Living Museum has a rich history of evolving its mission to connect people with nature. It first opened its doors on November 13, 1966, as the Junior Nature Museum and Planetarium, an initiative co-founded by Harry Wason, the Junior League of Hampton Roads, and the Warwick Rotary Club. In 1976, the facility expanded its focus to include physical and applied sciences, leading to its renaming as the Peninsula Nature and Science Center. A significant transformation occurred in 1983 when the museum's Board of Trustees adopted the "living museum" concept, drawing inspiration from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This marked a shift towards integrating living exhibits and preservation land with traditional displays. It officially reopened as the Virginia Living Museum in 1987. The museum continued to expand throughout the 1990s and 2000s, adding the Coastal Plain Aviary in 2001 and a new 62,000-square-foot main building in 2004, solidifying its role as a leader in conservation, wildlife care, and environmental education.

What to do here

Explore the indoor galleries representing Virginia's different geographic regions, walk the outdoor boardwalk to see native wildlife, catch a keeper talk or animal feeding session, visit the Dinosaur Discovery Trail, and immerse yourself in a show at the Abbitt Planetarium. Don't miss the chance to touch marine life at the Touch Pool.

Seasonal info

Mornings offer cooler temperatures for comfortable outdoor exploration, especially during warmer months. The air-conditioned indoor exhibits provide a welcome escape from summer heat or a great option on rainy days.

Accessibility

The Virginia Living Museum is committed to accommodating all visitors. All public areas and classrooms are accessible for mobility aid users, and wheelchairs and baby strollers are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the Admissions Desk. Handicapped accessible restrooms and a family restroom are also available. The museum is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive™ location, providing sensory bags (with fidget toys, noise-reducing headphones, and visual cue cards) and weighted lap pads at the Front Admissions Desk to support guests with sensory needs.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: While school groups are advised to allow 1.5 to 2 hours for indoor and outdoor exhibits, visitors looking to explore every nook, attend a planetarium show, and truly immerse themselves should plan for at least 3-4 hours, or even a full day.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, especially right at 9 AM, are typically the quietest, allowing for a more serene experience before school groups arrive. Late afternoons after 2 PM on weekdays can also be less crowded. Mornings are also ideal for exploring the outdoor trails when the air is cooler and animals are more active.
Location: Virginia, US
Species in this guide: 13

Best for

Families With Young Children: Engaging Hands On Exhibits, A Dinosaur Trail, And Stroller Friendly Pathways Make It Ideal For Kids Under 10.Nature Enthusiasts: Offers A Comprehensive Look At Virginia's Native Ecosystems, Plants, And Wildlife.Science Learners: Integrates Aspects Of A Science Center, With Interactive Discovery Centers, Planetarium Shows, And Educational Programs Focused On Conservation.Wildlife Photographers: Provides Close Up Views Of Native Animals In Natural Habitats And Allows Personal, Non Commercial Photography.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Outdoor Boardwalk Trail

A 3/4-mile elevated boardwalk where you can observe animals like red wolves, river otters, bobcats, and bald eagles in natural habitats.

Chesapeake Bay Aquarium

A massive 30,000-gallon aquarium showcasing the diverse marine life of the Chesapeake Bay.

World of Darkness Gallery

An indoor exhibit designed to highlight nocturnal animals, including various owls, snakes, and other creatures.

Dinosaur Discovery Trail

An outdoor area featuring life-sized dinosaur sculptures, fossil digs, and interactive elements.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

North American River Otter

Bald Eagle

Bobcat

Seahorse

North American Porcupine

Raccoon

Pipefish

White Tailed Deer

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Check the website before you go

Always verify operating hours, special events, and any potential closures on the official Virginia Living Museum website (thevlm.org) before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Arrive early on weekdays

For a quieter experience and better viewing opportunities, especially on outdoor trails, aim to arrive right when the museum opens at 9 AM, particularly on weekdays.

Plan around keeper talks and feedings

Check the daily schedule upon arrival for keeper talks or animal feeding times, which offer fascinating insights and memorable close-up animal encounters.

Explore both indoors and outdoors

The museum offers diverse experiences both inside and out. Utilize the indoor galleries to cool off during warm weather or escape rain, and enjoy the outdoor trails during cooler parts of the day.

Consider online ticket purchase

Buying tickets online in advance can help streamline your entry, especially during peak times, allowing you to bypass ticket counter lines.

Bring your camera

Personal photography and videography are encouraged, and flash is permitted, so bring your camera to capture the diverse wildlife and exhibits.

Frequently asked questions

: The Virginia Living Museum is home to over 250 species of animals and plants native to Virginia, representing all the state's geographic regions from the mountains to the coast. This includes mammals like red wolves, river otters, bobcats, and white-tailed deer; birds such as bald eagles and various coastal species in the aviary; a wide array of reptiles and amphibians; and diverse aquatic life in the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, including sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays.
: Yes, the Virginia Living Museum strives to be accessible for all visitors. All public areas and classrooms are mobility aid accessible, and complimentary wheelchairs and baby strollers are available at the Admissions Desk. The museum also offers handicapped accessible restrooms and a family restroom. Furthermore, it is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive™ location, providing sensory bags with fidget toys, noise-reducing headphones, and visual cue cards, as well as weighted lap pads, for guests with sensory processing disorders.
: Yes, visitors are permitted to take photographs and shoot videos for personal, non-commercial use at the Virginia Living Museum. Flash photography is allowed. However, commercial use of photos or videos requires prior approval from the Marketing Department. Visitors are asked not to disturb exhibits, animals, or block pathways while photographing.