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
Happening Now on Social Media
Earth Day is in two days! How will you celebrate this year? There are many simple things you can do to make your home planet a better place to live: plant a garden, clean up litter, install solar powered outdoor lighting, or even just repurpose plastic containers to keep them out of a landfill. Whatever you choose to do, take a moment to pause and think about the amazing planet that we call home. It's up to us to make sure that future generations get to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the Earth. Happy Earth Day!
🎉✨ Ready to sweep someone off their feet? 💖 It's promposal time! 🌟 Invite your friend or date to join you at our Adult Prom: Starry, Starry Night! 🌠💫 Whether you're asking your crush or surprising your bestie, this will be an unforgettable night under the stars. 💃🕺
📅 May 3 🕖 6-9 pm 📍 Virginia Living Museum
Get ready for: 🎶 Music and dancing with DJ Jay Daum 🌌 Sky-readings by Dr. Kelly Herbst, revealing the cosmic secrets of the day you were born 👑 Prom King & Queen Contest – which animal "couple" will take the crown? 🌮 Delicious eats from BLZN Tacos food truck 🍹 Cash bar with drink tickets at $4 each 🌠 Virginia Skies Planetarium Shows 🎩👗 And of course, come dressed to impress in your finest prom attire – sequins, ruffles, and throwback looks encouraged!
Plus, cheesy photo-ops, origami corsages, and more surprises await!
Don't wait – secure your tickets now at thevlm.org and get ready to dance the night away under the stars!
🎟️ $18 for non-members 🎟️ $15 for members (includes one drink ticket) 🎟️ Prices increase day of event, so snag yours early!