Virginia Living Museum Museum
Natural history museum combining live animals and exhibits
The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News combines native-animal exhibits, aquarium tanks and wooded nature trails; families visit for live animal displays, conservation programs and accessible boardwalks through local habitats.
Virginia Living Museum at a Glance#
Address: 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
Website: https://thevlm.org
Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm, closed Mondays (verify seasonal changes)
Admission: Adult admission approx. $14-$18 (check website for current pricing); children and seniors reduced rates
About Virginia Living Museum#
The Virginia Living Museum is a living collection and natural-history facility in Newport News, Virginia, focused on the flora and fauna of the Commonwealth.
Exhibits combine live-animal displays and an indoor aquarium with outdoor habitats and nature trails that interpret Virginia’s coastal, forest, and wetland environments. The site runs educational programs and seasonal events aimed at families and school groups.
Developed as a regional natural-history institution to present Virginia’s ecosystems and wildlife through living exhibits and conservation education; it has expanded its interpretive offerings and outdoor facilities over time.
Located in the City of Newport News on the Virginia Peninsula, the museum sits within the urban area of the Hampton Roads region and is reachable by local roads and public transit.
- Regional focus: Focuses exclusively on species and ecosystems native to Virginia, combining live-animal exhibits with natural-history displays and educational programming.
What to See#
- Aquarium and indoor exhibits: An indoor aquarium and interpretive exhibit spaces that focus on Virginia’s native aquatic species and local ecosystems.
- Outdoor habitats and trails: Outdoor habitats and nature trails that display native Virginia wildlife and plants, used for seasonal programs and wildlife viewing.
How to Get to Virginia Living Museum#
The Virginia Living Museum is in Newport News, Virginia, off J. Clyde Morris Blvd. It is easily reached by car from I‑64 and regional roads; public transport options vary and a car is the most convenient way to visit.
Tips for Visiting Virginia Living Museum#
- Attend an animal presentation or a planetarium show for the best mix of entertainment and learning.
- The living collections focus on Virginia species - look for the river otter and raptor displays.
- Combine a visit with nearby Colonial Williamsburg or Virginia Beach if planning a longer trip.
Best Time to Visit Virginia Living Museum#
Best in spring and fall for active animal programming and comfortable weather; indoor exhibits provide reliable options year‑round.
Weather & Climate near Virginia Living Museum#
Virginia Living Museum's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1195 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -1° - 9° | 1° | 98 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 0° - 11° | 3° | 90 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 4° - 15° | 7° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 9° - 20° | 14° | 78 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 14° - 25° | 19° | 104 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 19° - 29° | 24° | 100 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 129 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 21° - 30° | 25° | 122 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 17° - 27° | 22° | 115 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 79 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 2° - 12° | 4° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
