Welcome to the Virginia Living Museum, where we connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation!
In order to provide the best guest experience, we now offer timed admission.
All guests and members (including ages 2 and under) are encouraged to secure a timed admission ticket in advance. Upon timed arrival, members and guests can enjoy the Museum and grounds at their own pace.
Members and guests who reserve a timed admission ticket in advance will be admitted at that time, non-ticketed members and guests will be accommodated as space is available in a timed admission slot. Daily admission remains free for members. Members reserving admission tickets must do so for all guests, those included on the membership and those not included (paid admissions.)
Events Calendar
Ticket prices
Members
FREE with valid membership
Adults (ages 13 and above)
$19.95 – $23.95
Children (ages 12 and below)
$16.95 (ages 2 & under free)
Add a Planetarium Show
Schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 12:30pm
Members
FREE with membership
Non-Members
$6 additional per guest (ages 2 & under free)
Behind the Scenes Tours
Go behind the scenes and get a closer look at the Virginia Living Museum’s animals and exhibits!
Ticket times reflect the arrival time only; members and guests may stay at the museum for as long as they like until closing.
Changes to timed admission tickets may be made in advance (based on availability) by emailing [email protected].
Please note: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied at all times by an adult guardian 18 or older.
Admission Discounts
Military: The VLM offers active military personnel and veterans $1.00 off admission with valid ID.
Senior: The VLM offers seniors 65 and older $1.00 off admission. Must present a photo ID at the front admissions desk to receive discount.
AAA: The VLM offers $1.00 off admission to AAA members. Must present a current AAA membership card at the front admissions desk to receive discount.
Enhance Your Experience with a Behind the Scenes Encounter!
Public Ambassador Animal Encounters
The Virginia Living Museum cares for a wide variety of animals, but some aren’t commonly seen in the wild. Join our education team for an up-close ambassador encounter with one of our skunks or opossum where you will learn about their adaptations, habitats, how we care for them, and their role in our ecosystem. Our expert educators are happy to answer your questions and share all about our amazing animals.
- Capacity: Up to 10 guests
- Timeframe: Saturday and Sundays 1:00 - 1:30 PM
- Cost: Member Price: $15 per person; Non-Member Pricing: $20 per person (does not include museum admission)
Horticulture Consultations & Tours
Go behind the scenes with our Horticulture department to learn how they take care of our museum, or book a home visit for tips on how you can manage your own plants!
- Includes a walking tour of the behind-the-scenes world of the Horticulture department.
- A deep dive into how the horticulture department works here at the VLM. We start with seedlings, move to cuttings, and end with full-grown perennials, trees, and shrubs.
- Guests will receive one one-on-one time to ask their burning plant questions and learn from professional horticulturists.
- Guests will learn about how native plants support the local environment, and what alternatives to invasives and non-natives are available.
Private Ambassador Animal Encounters
The Virginia Living Museum cares for a wide variety of animals, but some aren’t commonly seen in the wild. Join our education team for an up-close ambassador encounter where you will learn about their adaptations, habitats, how we care for them, and their role in our ecosystem. Our expert educators are happy to answer your questions and share all about our amazing animals.
- Capacity: Up to 10 guests
- Cost: Member Price: $150 / Non-Member Pricing: $175 (does not include museum admission)
Ectotherm Babies!
The ectotherms department (reptiles, amphibians, fish & invertebrates) has been raising lots of babies lately… Come meet some of them in this *limited time* behind the scenes tour option. Meet the smallest members of our ectotherm collection and learn how and why we at the VLM breed some of our animals and what their role is in conservation education.
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP or WIC benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 850 participating museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT or WIC card. Recipients may receive up to 4 general admission tickets at the reduced rate* of $3.00. Click here to find other participating institutions.
*Reduced admission does not apply to special events and exhibits.
Who is eligible?
The offer is valid for individuals and families receiving food assistance benefits through SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or WIC and includes up to four visitors per EBT card.
What do you need to bring?
Bring your SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or WIC card and valid photo ID to the front admissions desk at the museum.
What is included?
- Single day admission during normal operating hours.
- Access to daytime special events and changing exhibits that are included with museum admission offered throughout the year. Reduced admission does not apply to separate ticketed programs and events.
