Virginia Living Museum

Virginia Living Museum Connecting you to nature by visiting more than 250 living species native to VA. Founded in 1966. Don't let the word "museum" fool you.
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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 species 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!

Happy Giving Tuesday! Today, we’re not here with an ask—just heartfelt gratitude.As we look back on the past year, our h...
12/02/2025

Happy Giving Tuesday!

Today, we’re not here with an ask—just heartfelt gratitude.
As we look back on the past year, our hearts are full. Every visit, every encouraging word, and every moment of wonder shared here at the Virginia Living Museum reminds us how lucky we are to be part of such an incredible community.

Thank you for believing in our mission.
Thank you for bringing your families to learn and explore.
Thank you for supporting native wildlife, conservation, and education in our region.
Thank you for helping us continue 59 years of inspiring curiosity and deepening our connection to nature.

We’re honored to serve you—and so grateful for the joy, kindness, and enthusiasm you bring through our doors. None of what we do would be possible without you.

With appreciation,
The Virginia Living Museum Team
https://thevlm.org/support/donate/

This holiday season, give a gift that lasts far beyond the wrapping paper. The Virginia Living Museum’s Holiday Gift Gui...
12/02/2025

This holiday season, give a gift that lasts far beyond the wrapping paper.

The Virginia Living Museum’s Holiday Gift Guide is filled with meaningful ways to support wildlife, inspire wonder, and create memories together — from memberships and animal adoptions to unforgettable experiences.

Memory-making begins here: https://thevlm.org/holiday-gift-guide/

It’s the last day of our Fill the Canoe in partnership with ! We wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who donate...
11/30/2025

It’s the last day of our Fill the Canoe in partnership with ! We wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who donated to help feed our community ❤️

This week, we honor Harry Wason, the visionary founder of the Virginia Living Museum!In 1966, Mr. Wason’s dream took sha...
11/28/2025

This week, we honor Harry Wason, the visionary founder of the Virginia Living Museum!

In 1966, Mr. Wason’s dream took shape: to build a nature facility that would put science directly into the hands of families and students across our region. His mission—connecting people to nature—remains just as vital today as it was when it all began.

Today, his legacy lives on through the Education Center, the original Museum building that proudly bears his name. It stands as a lasting reminder of his dedication to inspiring curiosity, learning, and stewardship of the natural world.

Please join us in wishing Harry a very special day. Happy Birthday from your Virginia Living Museum family!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Virginia Living Museum! Our animals may not celebrate with mashed potatoes or pie, but they’...
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the Virginia Living Museum! Our animals may not celebrate with mashed potatoes or pie, but they’re definitely thankful for your support!

Because of you, we’re able to care for native species, create unforgettable learning experiences, and inspire the next generation of conservation heroes. We’re grateful for YOU today and every day.

Please note: The Museum is closed today for Thanksgiving, but we’ll resume normal hours on Friday.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday!

The Berry family (Dan, Stephanie & DJ) enjoyed an otter themed behind-the-scenes tour as an expression of our gratitude ...
11/21/2025

The Berry family (Dan, Stephanie & DJ) enjoyed an otter themed behind-the-scenes tour as an expression of our gratitude for their outstanding generosity supporting the North American River Otter habitat.

Life support systems are critical to operations for the animals in our care. The Museum team is grateful to Berry & Company for building (& service!) a new filtration system for Nora.

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

Website

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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 species 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 sandbar sharks 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!