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The 10 Best Museums in Richmond

Experience the history of Richmond, VA!

Richmond movers welcome you to Richmond, the capitol of Virginia. Richmond is one of America’s oldest major cities. Founded by Patrick Henry, a Founding Father of the United States, Richmond has many pieces of history woven into it that are perfect for a day out on the town.

If you are planning a move to Richmond and are looking for something fun and educational to do, start at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and make your way over to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Should you be spending the day with family, the Children’s Museum of Richmond is always a great option too. For other great museum options, Richmond local movers have made a list of the 10 best museums in Richmond, VA.

Infographic about the museums in Richmond

Museums in Richmond

Richmond long-distance movers know that long distance traveling can be draining, especially when your long-distance travel is actually a move. We recommend leaving the packing and unpacking to our professional who offer Richmond packing services while you unwind and explore Virginia.

1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Getting its start in 1936 during the Great Depression, the VMFA is one of the largest museums in North America. The exhibits are always changing, so visit as many times as you would like to see something new. You can also plan a trip to the museum to see an upcoming exhibit, if you’d like!

2. American Civil War Museum: Visit this multi-site museum located in the Greater Richmond Region, dedicated to the history of American Civil war. There are three sites to visit: The Museum and White House of the Confederacy, The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, and The Museum of the Confederacy – Appomattox in Appomattox, VA.

3. Virginia Holocaust Museum: See preserved documents in the exhibits of the VHM. This public history museum is dedicated to illustrating the Holocaust through the testimonies of its victims. VHM uses the history of the Holocaust and other genocides to inform and encourage future generations of Virginians to become active in the fight against prejudice and indifference.

4. Virginia Museum of History & Culture: This museum was founded in 1831 and originally started as the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society. Stop by to see the largest display of Virginia artifacts on permanent view. This is the only museum where all of Virginia’s history is in one place.

5. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum:  If you are a literary enthusiast, this museum is perfect for you! Dedicated to American author Edgar Allan Poe, this museum commemorates the time he spent living in Richmond. Visitors can enjoy the Enchanted Garden and see the shrine that is dedicated to Mr. Poe.

6. Children’s Museum of Richmond: Should you be spending the day with family, the Children’s Museum is one of the best museums in Richmond. Beginning in 1977, this museum aims to create a community that accepts and welcomes the way children grow and learn through playing.

7. Black History Museum and Cultural Center: Founded in 1981 by Carroll Anderson, Sr. This museum celebrates the abundant culture and fluid histories of African American people in Virginia. It also celebrates their contributions to the United States overall. Visit and see the stories African American pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks.

8. Virginia House: This manor house sits hillside, overlooking the James River in Virginia. It is made from materials dating back to the 16th Century from a previous English manor home. Take a stroll through the eight acres of gardens and enjoy the sights of over 1,000 different decorative plants.

9. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site: Visit this 1975 US National Historic Landmark to learn about the story and life of Maggie L. Walker – the first woman of color to serve as a president of a bank in the US. See the original pieces and belongings of Walker when you take a tour.

10. Virginia Executive Mansion: Also known as the Executive Mansion, is the oldest occupied governor’s mansion in the US and has been a part of Virginia history since 1813. You can take a tour of the mansion most days out of the week, if you’re planning a visit.