The museum building originally functioned as a passenger train terminal until 1975.
The signature dome was once the station's concourse ceiling and is now one of the world's largest digital projection screens.
A retired SR-71 Blackbird spy plane is permanently exhibited on the grounds.
The building's architecture is inspired by the Roman Pantheon.
The museum operates a massive Foucault pendulum to demonstrate the Earth's rotation.
The site hosts a permanent collection dedicated to the physics of motion, featuring a range of historical vehicles.
The museum integrates energy efficiency research directly into its building operations as part of its exhibits.
The Science Museum of Virginia is housed in the historic Broad Street Station, a neoclassical structure designed by John Russell Pope. The museum focuses on interactive STEM learning, featuring rotating galleries dedicated to physical sciences, biology, and space exploration. Its centerpiece is the Dome, a large-format digital projection theater that offers immersive astronomical shows. The facility includes the Speed gallery, which showcases the history and physics of transportation. Guests can explore climate science, environmental sustainability, and the microscopic world through various lab-based exhibits. The museum serves as an anchor for the surrounding Scott’s Addition neighborhood. Permanent installations emphasize the application of scientific principles in everyday life. Outdoor displays often include kinetic art and environmental monitoring stations.
The rotunda beneath the massive dome or in front of the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft outside.
Check the Dome schedule immediately upon arrival to secure tickets for specific showtimes.
Plan your visit to coincide with one of the daily live lab demonstrations.
Use the museum’s outdoor green space for a break if visiting with high-energy children.
Do not attempt to see all exhibits in a single two-hour window, as the interactive nature of the displays requires significant time for engagement.
Typically closed on Mondays.
Casual, comfortable attire and closed-toe walking shoes are recommended due to the amount of standing and walking.
