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
Spring is in full swing, and the stars of the season are dominating the sky. Look high overhead in the early evening to find the Big Dipper. This familiar seven star pattern is easily recognizable, even from heavily light polluted areas. You can use the Big Dipper to help you find your way to the King of the Spring skies - Leo the Lion. Just follow the two bowl stars from where the handle of the dipper attaches through the bottom of the bowl. They'll guide your eye to the bright star Regulus, which marks Leo's heart. Good luck hunting for the Lion! #VASkies #valivingmuseum
🦉🌲 Who's heard but rarely seen? Barred owls, the masters of stealth and the stars of this week’s #VLMWildWednesdays campaign! ⭐Named for the striking bars of striped plumage adorning their bodies, these birds are excellent predators!🌙 These night hunters love to roost during the day, but don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of them in daylight. Keep your distance, though – they're fiercely territorial and will 'hoot' intruders away! 🚫💨 Known as the chattiest Eastern owls, they're quiet as a feather when stalking prey but lack the aerodynamic ability of other birds and require a lot of energy to remain airborne.🪶
Ready for a wild adventure of your own? Visit our limited-time exhibit 'TreeHouses: Look Who’s Living in the Trees' at VLM until May 5! 📸 Dive into the fun and discover WHO's calling your trees home! 🌲🌿 Share your tree-dwelling encounters using #VirginiaLivingMuseum for a chance to shine in our next #VLMWildWednesdays!
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#CanonVirginia