Virginia Living Museum

Virginia Living Museum Connecting you to nature by visiting more than 250 living species native to VA. Celebrating 60 Years of Wild Wonder! 1966-2026
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Don't let the word "museum" fool you. Much of what you see at the Virginia Living Museum is very alive and interactive. There is no better place to experience Virginia's rich natural heritage from the mountains to the sea. Located just 20 minutes from Williamsburg, the VLM is part zoo, nature park, aquarium, botanical garden, planetarium and science center. Visitors can view 700 plant and animal s

pecies including the red wolf, bobcat, otter and bald eagle. Discover native Virginia animals in naturalized habitats including a limestone cave, mountain cove and cypress swamp. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay with a loggerhead sea turtle and touch a horseshoe crab. Enter an aviary of coastal birds, See spectacular views of the sun from the observatory and voyage across the galaxies in the state-of-the-art planetarium theater Learn how to build, live and garden "green." Young kids particularly enjoy the Nature Playground and the "Wild & Well" exhibit where kids can role play to be a vet and zoo keeper. Explore our new permanent outdoor Dinosaur Discovery Trail with 16 life-like dinosaurs, paleo camp and dig pit. Explore Virginia's natural world while creating lifetime memories with your family!

Today on World Environment Day, we're celebrating one of the many ways conservation happens right here on our campus.As ...
06/05/2026

Today on World Environment Day, we're celebrating one of the many ways conservation happens right here on our campus.

As part of an ongoing effort by the Virginia Living Museum's Conservation Committee to improve the health of our lake ecosystem, staff recently expanded our floating wetland system with the addition of new floating wetland structures. Native plants grown by our horticulture team were carefully installed before the wetlands were launched from our dock.

We were also grateful to have a Virginia Tech student join us as a volunteer. As part of her studies of floating wetlands, she was eager to gain hands-on experience and assist with the planting process.

As these wetlands continue to grow, their roots will provide valuable habitat for aquatic life, help filter and improve water quality, and support a healthier ecosystem overall. Later this month, the wetlands will be moved to their semi-permanent location in the lake, where they will continue contributing to the health of our waterways and serving as a visible example of conservation in action.

World Environment Day is a reminder that protecting our planet starts close to home. Through ongoing projects like this, local partnerships, and everyday stewardship, we can all play a role in creating healthier ecosystems for wildlife and people alike.

Happy World Environment Day!

Flutter into a world of wonder as we celebrate the opening of Butterfly Haven!Step inside our immersive walk-through but...
06/04/2026

Flutter into a world of wonder as we celebrate the opening of Butterfly Haven!

Step inside our immersive walk-through butterfly house, where native plants, colorful blooms, and free-flying butterflies create a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Watch butterflies sip nectar, rest among the flowers, and if you're lucky, witness one of nature's most incredible transformations as chrysalises prepare to emerge into beautiful winged adults.

As part of Wings & Wonders, enjoy a day filled with family-friendly activities, including fairy-led story times, meet-and-greets with our enchanting fairy character, nature-themed games, crafts, and special experiences throughout the Museum. Guests can create their own pipe cleaner butterfly, test their skills with Ladybug Toss and Nature Tic Tac Toe, and take home a Monarch Trading Card to remember their visit.

New this year, Pollinator Picnic Cups will be available for just $2, giving guests the opportunity to participate in butterfly feedings inside Butterfly Haven.

Fairy story times will take place at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., with meet-and-greet and photo opportunities throughout the day.

Butterfly Haven will remain open throughout the season, offering a peaceful space to slow down, connect with nature, and learn how native plants and pollinators work together to support healthy ecosystems.

Wings & Wonders is included with Museum admission. Butterfly Haven is open daily during regular Museum hours.

Go beyond the exhibit and get face-to-face with two of Virginia's most beloved native animals, our white-tailed deer Art...
06/04/2026

Go beyond the exhibit and get face-to-face with two of Virginia's most beloved native animals, our white-tailed deer Artemis and Orion.

This exclusive behind-the-scenes experience gives you a glimpse into the daily lives of our deer and the dedicated care that keeps them healthy and thriving. Visit the animal care area where their browse and daily diets are prepared, and learn how our team uses enrichment, training, and specialized nutrition to encourage natural behaviors and support their wellbeing.

Then comes the highlight of the tour. Venture behind the deer habitat to a private viewing area where you'll meet Artemis and Orion up close at the fence line. You'll have the opportunity to hand them fresh browse, watch them nibble their favorite snacks, and discover their unique personalities in a way few guests ever get to experience.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, aspiring naturalist, or simply love animals, this memorable encounter offers a rare chance to connect with one of Virginia's most iconic species.

Available Sundays and Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. Book your experience: https://thevlm.org/encounter/deer-tour/

When the task requires 0 animals...Our keepers: "We're just going to do some routine habitat cleaning."The coyote pup: "...
06/03/2026

When the task requires 0 animals...

Our keepers: "We're just going to do some routine habitat cleaning."

The coyote pup: "Whatcha doing?"

The spider crab: "Can I inspect that?"

The alligator: "I'm going to stay right here and supervise."

The snapping turtle: "Have you considered cleaning around me instead?"

Some animals see habitat cleaning as a perfect opportunity to investigate, supervise, and generally make sure everything is being done to their standards. While our animal care team is hard at work, our residents are often just as interested in the process as we are.

Who do you think would be the most helpful coworker?

The countdown to launch is almost over.Beginning June 13, the Virginia Living Museum Planetarium will once again open it...
06/03/2026

The countdown to launch is almost over.

Beginning June 13, the Virginia Living Museum Planetarium will once again open its doors to curious minds, aspiring astronauts, and explorers of all ages. Step beneath the stars, journey to distant worlds, and discover the wonders of our universe through an all-new lineup of shows and updated programming designed to ignite imagination and inspire discovery.

Whether you're gazing at the night sky for the first time or nurturing a lifelong passion for space, there's never been a better time to explore the cosmos.

We are incredibly grateful to the James A. Winker Trust Foundation for helping make this exciting new chapter possible. Their support is helping us connect our community with the awe, beauty, and endless possibilities of the universe.

Adventure awaits. See you under the stars on June 13.

When the browse are just too good.Our North American porcupine, Danni, enjoying some fresh browse, which is the term zoo...
06/02/2026

When the browse are just too good.

Our North American porcupine, Danni, enjoying some fresh browse, which is the term zookeepers use for leafy branches, twigs, and other plant material offered as enrichment and part of an animal's diet.

In the wild, North American porcupines spend much of their time foraging on leaves, buds, bark, and twigs from a variety of trees and shrubs. Providing browse encourages natural feeding behaviors, keeps animals mentally engaged, and offers a tasty way to explore different textures, scents, and flavors.

With strong teeth that never stop growing, porcupines are perfectly adapted for chewing through tough plant material. Watching them work through a bundle of browse is a great reminder that enrichment can be both fun and nutritious.

Next time you visit, see if you can catch Danni enjoying a snack!

Slip into your coziest pajamas and join us for the very first Pajama Jams at the Virginia Living Museum on June 19 from ...
06/02/2026

Slip into your coziest pajamas and join us for the very first Pajama Jams at the Virginia Living Museum on June 19 from 6-8PM. This fun-filled evening is the perfect way for kids and families to kick off summer with music, dancing, games, and hands-on activities in a whimsical Frogs and Fairies themed celebration.

Guests can enjoy a DJ-led dance party, light snacks and lemonade, a scavenger hunt, games throughout the evening, and a take-away craft to bring the fun home. Pajama Jams is designed to create a playful and memorable evening where families can laugh, explore, and celebrate the start of summer together.

Advance tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Day-of pricing increases to $12 for members and $18 for non-members.

We cannot wait to welcome everyone for an evening of dancing, discovery, and summer fun at the museum.

At the Virginia Living Museum, we believe nature is for everyone. Just as healthy ecosystems thrive through biodiversity...
06/01/2026

At the Virginia Living Museum, we believe nature is for everyone. Just as healthy ecosystems thrive through biodiversity, our community is strengthened by the many perspectives, backgrounds, identities, and experiences that make each person unique.

This month, we celebrate our community and reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space where all visitors, staff, volunteers, and partners feel seen, valued, and connected.

Our mission is to inspire people to care for the natural world, and we know that meaningful connections with nature grow stronger when everyone feels they belong. We are proud to foster a museum community rooted in curiosity, compassion, respect, and the shared wonder of discovering the world around us together.

Thank you to the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) for joining us at the Virginia Living Museum for an e...
05/31/2026

Thank you to the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) for joining us at the Virginia Living Museum for an evening celebrating sustainability, creativity, and nature-inspired design!

Guests took part in a floriculture workshop featuring native greenery incorporated into handcrafted wreaths and bird nests while learning sustainable approaches to event décor. The evening was filled with color, creativity, and connection as members enjoyed a behind-the-scenes horticulture tour, a stroll along the boardwalk, delicious food, beautiful violin music, and hands-on workshop fun.

Interested in hosting your own unforgettable after-hours experience at the Museum? From team events to private gatherings, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Email [email protected] to learn more!

Today is our Claire Hubbard Day of Service!Thank you .arborists for donating your time and expertise to helping the safe...
05/30/2026

Today is our Claire Hubbard Day of Service!

Thank you .arborists for donating your time and expertise to helping the safety and tree health on our campus. As you visit today, please give a wave and a thank you to this team and feel free to watch them work!

Address

524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA
23601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(757) 595-1900

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