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Welcome to the Virginia Living Museum
Virginia’s Animal Attraction & Dino Destination
The Virginia Living Museum is a successful public-private partnership, since 1966, between the City of Newport News and the Virginia Living Museum, a public non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (54-6055922). Together we connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.
BUILT by the Community, BELOVED by the Community and SUSTAINED by the Community, the Museum depends on private donations to succeed. We appreciate your financial contribution to support engaging education, animal welfare and conservation experiences for you and your family. Please consider a gift to our Annual Fund or a planned gift to our Endowment for future sustainability.
What You’ll See
Animals in Action
The Virginia Living Museum is home to more than 250 species of animals found in Virginia including reptiles, mammals, birds and fish. We provide a sanctuary for orphaned, non-releasable or injured animals.
Plants in Action
The Virginia Living Museum has one of the largest displays of native plants in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Geology in Action
The Virginia Living Museum’s Underground Gallery is a journey back through Virginia’s ancient past, a past that has created a rich and colorful present.
Planetarium in Action
Travel the universe in the digital state-of-the-art Abbitt Planetarium Theater. The 71-seat planetarium theater, renovated and upgraded in 2008, offers a fully digital simulation of the sky.
Conservation in Action
The Virginia Living Museum is a certified Virginia Green attraction committed to minimizing its environmental impacts by preventing pollution wherever feasible in its operations.
Happening Now on Social Media
Step into Santa’s Nature Reserve in Newport News!
Follow Santa’s boardwalk trail into the woods amongst the beauty and wonder of sparkling nature. Soft lights along the wooded trail lead you to StoryBook Village and a family Dinosaur Tale. Sip hot chocolate and munch a festive cookie you decorated yourself in the Reindeer Cookie Workshop. Take a family picture and share your holiday thoughts with Santa in the Goodson Living Green House. Celestial programs in the Abbitt Planetarium and shopping at the Wild Things Museum Store are additional opportunities.
Start the season with a healthy dose of cheer in a beautiful natural setting that’s perfect for the whole family!
December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, & 23.
Purchase your tickets here: thevlm.org/events/museum-events/calendar/events/nature-nights-holiday-lights-2022-2022-12-09/
Wild at Art is OPEN!
The Wild at Art Show celebrates art and conservation in the world around us. Virginia sculptors David and William Turner and painter Jim Wilson, passionate advocates for Virginia wildlife, will feature works of art to enrich and inspire appreciation of one’s relationship with nature.
This art exhibition is FREE and open to the public, located to the left of the front desk upon entry. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the work of these talented artists!