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

Virginia Living Museum

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Newport News, VA
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!

09/27/2025

Meet Beatrice, our adorable new opossum ambassador joining our crew in the Wild Care Center!

She’s young, curious, and already winning hearts with her sweet and goofy personality.

✨ A little note: Beatrice may be resting quietly as she gets used to her new home. She has a permanent injury that gives her a little limp, but rest assured—she’s healthy, comfortable, and in great care.

Please be patient as she settles in—you’ll be seeing more of her soon!

09/26/2025

Do you love connecting passion with purpose? We’re looking for a skilled grant writer and fundraiser to help secure funding that powers conservation, science education, and community impact.

As Grant Officer, you’ll:

Research, write, and manage grant proposals

Build strong relationships with funders

Track impact and tell powerful stories

Work alongside a passionate team advancing conservation and education

If you’re a results-driven communicator with 4+ years of experience in grant writing/fundraising—and you’re ready to make a difference—this role is for you!

📩 Apply today: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3599968

Let’s inspire future generations together. 🌎💡

09/23/2025

Can you guess who this x-ray is for before scrolling to the end? 👀

Meet our new ambassador flying squirrel Noodle! Noodle is somewhere between 1-2yrs old and she is a social little squirrel who has expressed interest in voluntary training… in exchange for peanuts and cashews of course! 🥜

These x-rays are from her recent wellness exam and Dr. Jay wanted to share what the patagium (flap of extra skin) on a flying squirrel looks like. This little flap of skin allows flying squirrels to “fly” or really it’s actually gliding…falling with style if you will, across tree tops with a parachute-like structure that allows their tiny bodies to not only control their direction, they can also get lift by catching air under the patagium. Pretty cool right?

09/22/2025

Join us on October 11th and bring your favorite stuffed friend to the Virginia Living Museum for a check-up day!

Our vet team will give each “stuffy” a wellness exam and an official certificate of good health 🩺✅. Little ones will get a playful, hands-on peek at how our vets care for real animals at the Museum—making it the perfect mix of learning, laughter, and compassion.

This event is free with Museum admission or membership, but please register for your appointment here: https://thevlm.org/events/teddy-bear-clinic/

When you and your bestie hear about all the fun fall events at the VLM 👯‍♀️🍁Check out our events here on our Facebook pa...

09/21/2025

When you and your bestie hear about all the fun fall events at the VLM 👯‍♀️🍁

Check out our events here on our page or visit: https://thevlm.org/museum-events/

09/17/2025

Happy 7th birthday, Newt!

Since she was the size of a newt, she has won over guests hearts and today the community showed up to celebrate her 7th birthday with us!

Aside from her gourmet birthday cupcakes, Newt has received another gift this year – Virginia Peninsula Community College, who shares our mission of inspiring curiosity through immersive learning, has chosen to adopt Newt this year. Theirs and your support helps ensure that Newt continues to receive high quality ingredients for her food, top-notch care, and opportunities to educate the community about alligators and conservation.

Please join us in wishing Newt a happy birthday in the comments below!

09/15/2025

Join us at the Virginia Living Museum for exciting feedings and talks where you can watch native wildlife in action!

From deer and otter feedings on the outdoor trail to enrichment sessions with fish, alligator, and turtles—there’s something fascinating for everyone. Fun, educational, and included with your museum admission—come learn, explore, and connect with nature!

See the schedule of feedings, talks and other programs at: https://thevlm.org/museum-events/feedings-and-talks/

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

http://linktr.ee/virginialivingmuseum

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Our Story

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!