This museum was delightful. They have free parking and a suggested entrance fee (I paid the full $10). The exhibits are like a snapshot of the overall US History but more detailed. I really liked all the artifacts they had including some from the founding fathers. The weapons exhibit was also very cool as was the silver room. The one room that really caught my attention was the restored murals from the oldest part of the museum. The one of Lee and his generals was my favorite as they all looked just like their photos.

We ended up visiting here as a rainy day activity and it exceeded our expectations. We spent 2 hours here before being ushered out at 5 pm.(The guards were trailing us as it got close to 5 to make sure we were headed out). The Story of Virginia exhibit in Rooms 7 and 8 was excellent and we took our time here. The Memorial Military Murals are not to be missed. Founding Frenemies exhibit was in final preparation for October 19 opening so we were allowed to wander through by the workmen, which led to Landscapes of Diversity. The Determined: The 400 year Struggle for Black Equality was excellent to the extent we were able to spend some time there...but we did not finish since close to closing. Parking is free and we were able to park our 23 ft RV in 2 spaces since not crowded BTW, we did pay the full requested donation on the way out - great value.

We’ve lived in Richmond since 1985. This was our first visit. It is exhaustive and quite the entertainment for an afternoon or even a day, with a break for lunch. Lots of standing. We’re seniors... The story of 400 years of the African-American experience in Virginia is very impressive. Highly recommended.

Its a fine museum but unless we missed a floor or two, we felt there was some lacking. Maybe instead of ‘Virginia’ as the theme it could of been ‘Southeast’ or ‘Mid-Atlantic’ region and then there could’ve been more exhibits. I just feel there’s more history and actual items of history to display then what we saw at this museum.

This is a fabulous museum! I learn something new each time I visit. It has helped me gain a better understanding of Virginia’s past and all of the people who have lived here and the cultures they represent. The museum is privately funded and on the cutting edge of technology. This was the first museum in the area to post exhibits for adults online during the pandemic. The Banner lectures connect people with authors of new books with fascinating true stories. (These are better than fiction, because you can’t make this stuff up.) The gift shop offers an interesting assortment of books and gifts for all ages. Researchers find a treasure trove at this museum. The museum is taking advantage of the challenges brought by the pandemic to remodel, so it’s closed now. I’ll be excited to visit it again when it re-opens.

We didn't enjoy our visit. I think a significant portion was closed but entry was not reduced. We thought the exhibits we did see were dull. And why was there no history of the Native American population prior to the English arrival? Surely that is Virginian history too. As is, it's not worth the time or money.

If you want to understand how consequential Virginia was to the US. Arguably the most important State, you owe this a visit. Problem is, although next to the Fine Arts Museum, no way to take them both in at the same time or even day. Spread them out, but this is maybe why you went to Richmond as a visitor. Very educational and worthwhile.

We spent a couple hours here the other day. Because if covid it is set up as a one way walk through and masks are required. I really enjoyed reading about the earliest days of the history of Virginia. The fiat settlers in Jamestown to the conflicts with the many Indian tribes in the area. Even so far as the sailing routes of Columbus and the other explorers of the new world. The artifacts used to describe the way of life and the conflicts were very interesting. Some of the later history concerned with Our country’s founding fathers from Virginia was very good. Towards the later part of the tour you see a lot of excellent Civil War history from weaponry to medicine. I think I would have enjoyed a little more literature in why Virginia joined the other states in seceding from Union. We then see a cool room showcasing Naomi of the companies and technology developed in Richmond and Virginia. Not much about the rest of the state (Roanoke my former residence). A cool room detaining woman suffrage and the women’s movement along with the LGBT movement. It was a really good couple of hours but I need to go back as I didn’t give the last few rooms as much time as I needed.

I took my husband, the history buff, to the Va. Historical Society and then went back the next week with a visiting family with 3 children, ages 5, 9 and 11, and everyone had a great time. This museum is state of the art with interactive exhibits, videos and very interesting stories to go with each exhibit for those who like to read in depth about what they see. There is also a library for those who are doing serious research. The exhibits change, but currently you can experience life in Virginia from pre-history to the present, have your own lunch counter sit-in, become a runaway slave or a Civil War medic in the interactive exhibits, learn about the weapons of the Civil War and how they were made, try on clothing worn by colonial Virginians, learn about how to find the history in your own house, to name just a few of the things available. Admission is free, but there is a donation box by the door. Parking is available in the rear, but we easily found street parking right in front of the building. Don't let the stern and imposing facade fool you. Inside you will find history presented in ways that are interesting for adults and fun for children. Children's activities are available afternoons in August and this is a wonderful way to get your kids excited about history. I plan to return to see each new exhibit now that I've learned what a great resource we have in the Va. Historical Society.

Although the building appears to be huge, the number of collections on view are minimal. However, they're awesome and very educational for all ages. We look forward to taking visiting grandchildren this fall.