Virginia Museum of Natural History

08/31/2026

Only 2 spots left for the first Doodle Bugs program of the season!

Designed for children ages 3-5, the hour-long Doodle Bugs programs include imaginative stories, fun activities, games and crafts that spark creativity and curiosity!

Learn more and register online now before it's too late!

www.vmnh.net/education/doodle-bugs

08/29/2026

NOW OPEN! 🌊 The Water/Ways Special Exhibit is now on display at VMNH through November 7!

Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the exhibit explores the powerful relationship between people and water—and the many ways water shapes, sustains, and connects all of our lives—through compelling text, imagery, interactives, and video. 💦

Water/Ways is also the first exhibition to be featured in the museum’s newly dedicated special exhibit space within the research wing of the building. This new space is just the beginning of several major changes coming to the museum's exhibit galleries in the coming year!

08/28/2026

The museum's newest special exhibit is ready to make a splash during its VMNH public debut tomorrow!! 🌊

Water/Ways — an exhibit developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service — examines the relationship between people and water by exploring the centrality of water in our lives through compelling text, imagery, interactives, and video.

The exhibit is also the first to be displayed inside the newly designated special exhibit gallery within the research wing of the museum!

Learn more at Water/Ways Special Exhibit! 💦

08/28/2026

🌊 This evening, we welcomed members and supporters for an invitation-only preview of Water/Ways, the museum's newest special exhibit!

Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, Water/Ways is the first exhibition to be featured in the museum’s newly dedicated special exhibit space within the research wing of the building. At its heart, the exhibit explores the powerful relationship between people and water—and the many ways water shapes, sustains, and connects all of our lives.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this evening to be among the first to experience this remarkable exhibit, and to the dedicated staff whose hard work made the evening possible.

A very special thank-you to Bassett Furniture for helping make Water/Ways’ 10-week run at VMNH a reality!

We’re thrilled to share this thought-provoking exhibition with all of our visitors starting THIS SATURDAY! 💧

08/26/2026

🌊 Building Operations Manager Tim King (left) and Technician Darius Dillard were hanging out inside the special exhibit gallery today making a few final tweaks to a wall-hanging display in preparation for the opening of the Water/Ways Special Exhibit, which is set to make a splash here at VMNH this Saturday!! 💦

08/25/2026

🌊 Staff have been making waves behind the scenes this week in preparation for the Water/Ways Special Exhibit, which is set to make a splash at VMNH starting this Saturday!

08/21/2026

Never thought we’d be posting about Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash—but here we are. 🤘🐍

VMNH Herpetologist Dr. Jackson Roberts was part of a small research team that made some rock ’n’ roll history of its own by naming a newly discovered species of snake after the legendary guitarist.

So, why name it after Slash? Follow the link to find out! 🐍🎸

There’s a new snake in Slash’s snake pit. Scientists with the Field Museum discovered a new species of ground snake scientifically referred to as Lielaphis slashi, but officially named Slash’s groundsnake, the museum said in a news release.

08/20/2026

Hmmm...

08/18/2026

Hey, Homeschool Parents!

Ready to spark curiosity within your child? 🔬✨ Spots are filling up fast, but there’s still time to snag a spot for your child in the museum’s Homeschool Science & Engineering Academy!

Join us for hands-on science, engineering adventures, and plenty of discovery. 🚀

Programs take place twice a month from September through May. Learn more and register online at: www.vmnh.net/education/homeschool-education!