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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 Today
Animal Feedings
Museum Public Events
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9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
9:00 AM - Mazes and Brain Games
Happening Now on Social Media
Not far from the bright springtime constellation of Leo the Lion, you'll find a much fainter, and far more terrifying beast - the legendary Hydra the Hydra.
Both of these giant beasts were vanquished by the incredible hero Hercules as part of his famous Twelve Labors - actually the first two he accomplished - the slaying of the Nemean Lion (he skinned it and wore the pelt from then on) and the defeat of the great Hydra of Lerna.
Both beasts now reside in the springtime evening skies, not far from each other. Leo is easy to spot...the Hydra will require patience and extremely dark skies. Enjoy!
#VASkies #valivingmuseum
It's Turtle Season!
Here are some helpful turtle tips:
- If you find a baby turtle, please just help it along out of harms way and to the edge of the nearest body of water.
- If you find an adult turtle nesting, please leave it alone if possible. If it is onsite here at the Museum, feel free to alert a staff member and we can safely monitor it and/or relocate it.
- If you see a turtle in the road, it's more than likely a female making her way back to her nesting spot. IF it's safe for YOU to stop and assist, you can help her out of the road in the direction that she was going.
- If it's a snapping turtle, be very careful. The best way to help a snapping turtle is to direct traffic around her and let her go on her own way. If you try to push her forward, she'll likely turn around and try to intimidate you with a lovely display of hissing and lunging. Never lift a snapping turtle by the tail (it is an extension of their spine after all). Remember, snapping turtle necks can reach 2/3 the length of their body, so don't underestimate the reach of that beak!
- If you find an injured turtle, call the Wildlife Response hotline at 757-543-7000.
- Please do not keep it as a pet. Turtles live 60-100 years, are very messy, can get as large as a dinner plate, and by Virginia law it is illegal to return them to the wild after a period of 30 days in human care.