Richmond, Virginia

Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Virginia’s storied history at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Owned and operated by the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society, the museum was established in 1831 as a private and entirely non-profit institution. While the museum has several incredible exhibits to explore, the featured gallery entitled “The Story of Virginia” and beautifully encapsulates the 16,000-year history of Virginia through over 500 artifacts, letters, diaries, and maps. As a whole, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is home to over 19 million objects and artifacts, so make sure to leave enough time to thoroughly enjoy the museum’s galleries.

428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220, Phone: 804-340-1800

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art and the study of arts in order to enrich the lives of the community. The museum is home to a distinguished permanent collection of more than 33,000 works of art from a range of cultures around the world, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern and Contemporary American art, as well as French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

The museum offers a variety of educational programs and community outreach projects for students and adults of all ages, as well as guided tours, private tours, and group tours through the museum. There are two dining facilities at the museum – the fine dining Amuse Restaurant and the casual, light-filled Best Café that overlooks the reflecting pool and the Robins Sculpture Garden. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the top Richmond attractions.

200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-340-1400

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Maymont is a beautifully preserved estate and garden that is open to the public to enjoy. Donated by James and Sallie Dooley, the estate, which stands as an expression of Gilded Age luxury and opulence, features the magnificent Maymont Mansion, elaborate Japanese and Italian gardens, a nature and wildlife center, and a children’s farm. Begin with a visit to Robin’s Nature & Visitor Center where you will find a wealth of information about the history of the estate, the gardens, and the other delights to experience.

Then take a stroll through the manicured gardens, which are home to beautiful Italian, Japanese, and Specialty Gardens, as well as a gorgeous arboretum. Explore the local wildlife at the Nature Center or at the unique Children’s Farm where you can pet a goat or enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-358-7166

Spanning more than 50 acres, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is open to the public year-round and offers an array of spectacular flora, specialty and themed gardens, and a classic conservatory. Themed gardens include Asian Valley, Cochrane Rose Garden, Cherry Tree Walk, and a Children’s Garden, where visitors can learn all about the garden’s collections, enjoy the world-class botanical displays, and take in the striking surrounding natural beauty. If you are wondering what to do in Richmond with kids, this is a great place to visit.

Savor delicious cuisine at one of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s two restaurants — the Garden Cafe or the Robins Tea House – both of which boast beautiful settings and fresh, seasonal menus. Take a memento of the gardens home with you from the gift shop, which stocks a range of items, from gardening books and home décor trinkets to seeds and gardening tools.

1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-262-9887

Located in Richmond, the Virginia State Capitol is the seat of the state government of Virginia and home to the General Assembly, the oldest continuously operating legislature in the Western Hemisphere. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Capitol was constructed in the Monumental Classical style, which paved the way for the design of countless government buildings after that. It was completed in 1788 and has since been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

There are several exhibitions and displays at the Capitol, as well as a 20-minute visually interactive film about the Virginia’s central role in American history called Keepers of the Flame. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through the buildings of the Capitol.

1000 Bank Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-698-1788

Dedicated to preserving the sobering history of the Holocaust, the Virginia Holocaust Museum welcomes visitors year-round to learn about one of the most horrific moments in history. The goal? To honor those who fought to survive, and to serve as a reminder of what should never happen again. Founded in 1997, the museum has become of the most visited museums in Virginia thanks to a core exhibit that features over 300 artifacts and stories of local Holocaust survivors. Hear stories that will tell the chilling realities of this tragic time in our world’s history and watch films about what life was like in concentration camps.

2000 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, Phone: 804-257-5400

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Science Museum of Virginia is dedicated to inspiring the community to take an interest in science and use it to enrich their lives. The museum features a wealth of outstanding experiential exhibits, dynamic displays, interactive technologies, and hands-on programs that challenges visitors to open their minds to new ideas. The Science Museum of Virginia is one of the best things to do in Richmond, VA with kids.

Permanent exhibitions include displays that focus on space, electricity, health, and the earth; they are laid out in vast gallery spaces. The museum is home to The Dome, a 76-foot amphitheater housing Virginia’s largest movie screen that screens a range of space and science-related films.

2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-864-1400

Overlooking the James River in Richmond, Agecroft Hall is a beautiful replica of the original Elizabethan manor house that rested on the banks of the River Irwell in Lancashire, England. Standing as a tribute to our rich history, Agecroft Hall was built in a combination of Tudor and 20th century styles, incorporating many features and decorative elements of the original house in England. Its interior features opulent furnishings, period paintings, and ornate wood panelings.

The manor house is surrounded by magnificent Elizabethan-style gardens, including an intricate knot garden, aromatic rose gardens, and stately boxwoods. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, including Life on the Manor, and Fauna and Flora.

4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-353-4241

The Poe Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and works of a famous literary master, Edgar Allan Poe, and it is also home to the world’s finest collection of his works. Known as “America's Shakespeare,” Edgar Allan Poe was a master of a variety of literary genres, ranging from short stories and fiction to lyric poetry and horror stories.

The museum’s collection includes first editions, manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia from his life and provides a closer look at his life in early nineteenth century, Richmond. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and visitors can enjoy self-guided tours or pre-arranged private guided tours.

1914-16 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-648-5523