The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. In addition to presenting a wide array of special exhibitions, the museum provides visitors with the opportunity to experience a global collection of art that spans more than 6,000 years. VMFA’s permanent holdings encompass nearly 40,000 artworks, including the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris, and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, and French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British sporting, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.

Agecroft Hall is a 16th-century Tudor-style manor house that was moved from England in 1925 and rebuilt on the banks of the James River. The grounds and gardens reflect the glorious style of England's Tudor and early Stuart periods.

Tucked behind a 27,000 square-foot Tudor-Revival mansion (now home to the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design) is a walled garden with an appealing and secluded simplicity. Relax in this little-known public green space located on Monument Avenue, "One of the 10 Great Streets in the Country." Garden secret: This is one of the largest backyards in the Fan - a historic neighborhood named for its "fan" shaped array of streets.

The Enchanted Garden was designed in 1921 as Virginia's first monument to a writer and its layout was taken directly from Poe's poem "To One in Paradise." Look for plants mentioned in his literary works among a pergola, walls, paths, and benches created from materials salvaged from buildings where Poe lived or worked. Garden secret: The ivy came from Poe's mother's grave in St. John's Church.

Maymont, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, is a well-preserved 100 acres where all are welcome to connect with history, nature, wildlife and each other. Built as a Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River, Maymont opened to the public in 1926 and today offers free admission to explore miles of walking paths through rolling hills, enjoy historic landscaped gardens, and meet friendly farm animals and the rescued native animals of the Virginia Wildlife Trail.

The Science Museum of Virginia is a catalyst for inspiration, a place that sparks curiosity and generates ideas. Through hundreds of experiential exhibits, awe-inspiring artifacts and interactive technologies, the Museum presents dynamic programming to hundreds of thousands of guests each year. The Science Museum features permanent hands-on exhibits about wellness, innovation and speed—to name a few—and hosts touring exhibitions from around the world. At 76 feet, The Dome features the largest theater screen in Virginia and provides guests with the ultimate "you are there" experience.

By appointment only. Great for a group activity; access to a car is required.

Nestled along the banks of the James River, this 8,200-square-foot gallery evokes the spirit of pre-Revolutionary Russian patron estates, where artists found both inspiration and sanctuary. Lazare Gallery offers a carefully curated collection representing over 70 artists spanning the 19th century to the present. Nineteen of these artists are distinguished alumni of the Surikov Institute—one of Russia’s most revered centers of classical training. The remaining works are rare and meaningful discoveries from across the post-Soviet world and select American painters who share a commitment to traditional realism. The gallery also holds a significant collection of 20th-century Russian masters, offering collectors a unique opportunity to explore the enduring lineage of this rich artistic tradition.

Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year. Most Historic Trades and Sites are open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. After hours, check out Evening Programs, which run well into the night. The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are open daily from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Restaurant and store hours vary.

The Virginia Air and Space Science Center (VASSC) is a world-class facility where aviation and space exploration come to life. Since opening its doors in 1992, VASSC has welcomed millions of visitors with immersive, hands-on exhibits designed to inspire and educate. The Center proudly houses over 30 historic aircraft and rare space artifacts, including the Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper, Mercury and Gemini capsules, and the Orion Pad Abort- Test Vehicle. Alongside these treasures, guests can engage with over 35 interactive STEM experiences highlighting innovation, courage, and discovery at the heart of air and space sciences. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or a curious explorer, the Virginia Air and Space Science Center offers an unforgettable journey through flights past, present, and future.

From inspiring stories of mariners who risked it all for freedom to true tales of man conquering the wild seas, our indoor galleries will spark curiosity, wonder, and an appreciation for our shared maritime heritage.

The Mariners' Museum is home to the USS Monitor Center. The ironclad Monitor was made famous in the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862 during the American Civil War, and its remains were located on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean about 16 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The wreck site was designated as the United States' first national marine sanctuary, the only one of the 13 national marine sanctuaries created to protect a cultural resource rather than a natural resource or a mix of natural and cultural resources.