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
Exciting Week Ahead at the VLM! as we kick off the summer season!
🌿 New Indoor Exhibit 🌿 Wild Exploration opens Memorial Day Weekend! Let your imagination run wild as you discover the wonders of the natural world right in your own backyard. Dive into interactive displays and immerse yourself in the joy of classic lawn games that highlight the diversity of flora and fauna. Kick off your summer season with this exciting new exhibit!
🌠 Summer Schedule of Shows at the Abbitt Planetarium 🌠 Starting this Thursday (May 23), join us for planetarium shows every Thursday–Sunday, and even Memorial Day Monday! From "Beyond the Night" to "Stars to Starfish" and "Virginia Skies," there's a show for everyone.
🏖️ Registration Still Open! 🏖️ Don't miss out on our Beach to Bay Family Safari on June 15! Register now before spots fill up and explore the shores and waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Learn about marine life and discover ways we can better protect these incredible creatures.
📅 Visit VLM.org/museum-events for more info and a full list of upcoming events and programs. Don't miss out on a week filled with exploration, education, and fun!
Polaris, also known as the North Star, is one of the most important stars in the sky. But what makes it so special? This unassuming stars sits directly above the Earth's North Pole - if you were standing at the North Pole, Polaris would be directly overhead. This means that where Polaris is in your sky also tells you your latitude. Here in Newport News, Virginia, Polaris lies approximately 37 degrees above the horizon - exactly matching our latitude of 37 degrees North. #VASkies #valivingmuseum