The Valentine

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The Valentine The Valentine collects, preserves and interprets Richmond Stories. Admission includes 2 hours of parking and access to all exhibition galleries.
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The Valentine has been collecting, preserving and interpreting Richmond’s 400-year history for over a century. Located in the heart of historic downtown, the Valentine is a place for residents and tourists to discover the diverse stories that tell the broader history of this important region. A comprehensive program of exhibitions, tours, special events, research opportunities, school programs and other public programs engage the broadest audience in an ongoing dialogue about the significance and relevance of the city's history.

Don't miss our last East End Bike Tour of the season happening this Saturday, October 17 at 10:00 a.m.Learn about the la...
10/14/2026

Don't miss our last East End Bike Tour of the season happening this Saturday, October 17 at 10:00 a.m.

Learn about the layered history of Richmond’s East End neighborhoods, from Chimborazo to Union Hill – on wheels! Bring your bike and take a group ride exploring East End landmarks like Oakwood Cemetery, Robinson Theater, and Jefferson Park. Plus, come by between 9:30-10:00am for a free tune-up with Rag & Bones, a volunteer-run bicycle co-operative.

Snag your tickets at: https://3196a.blackbaudhosting.com/3196a/East-End-Bike-Tour-17Oct2026

Bike tours (and all of our walking tours) are free for Season Pass holder!

The 14th season of Controversy/History kicks off this Thursday, October 15 at the Valentine. This series invites Richmon...
10/13/2026

The 14th season of Controversy/History kicks off this Thursday, October 15 at the Valentine. This series invites Richmonders to take stock of the city’s most pressing issues. Everyone in the room is encouraged to share their perspective on hot-button topics, engaging with historical case studies, data, and expert voices along the way.

Does artificial intelligence have a place in museums? Can AI-powered tools improve access and efficiency for libraries and archives? What are the ethics of using AI to represent the past? Join us for an honest look at the opportunities and challenges associated with this rapidly evolving technology. Hear from experts representing Richmond’s cultural institutions as they navigate this changing environment, and join the conversation for yourself.

Panelists:

Ash Moore, Board of Directors at Gallery5
Dr. Robert Nelson, Director of the Digital Scholarship Lab at the University of Richmond’s Boatwright Memorial Library
Christina Vida, Elise H. Wright Curator of General Collections at the Valentine
Scott Weingart, Chief Technology Officer at the Library of Virginia

Controversy/History is free and open to the public. Registration is encourage. Learn more and register at: thevalentine.org/event/controversy-history-ai-and-cultural-institutions/

Have you stopped by our newest exhibition yet? Two generations of the Silvette family resided in Richmond as talented po...
10/09/2026

Have you stopped by our newest exhibition yet?

Two generations of the Silvette family resided in Richmond as talented portrait painters, depicting famous Americans and the family friends alike with stunning skill and vitality. To learn more about the lives of these artists, their subjects, and their communities, plan your visit to see Life on Canvas: Portraits from the Silvette Family today!

For all of the Phish fans wondering what alligators have to do with Richmond, you may be surprised to learn that the Jef...
10/07/2026

For all of the Phish fans wondering what alligators have to do with Richmond, you may be surprised to learn that the Jefferson Hotel was home to more than a few alligators over the years. 🐊

Around the same time that Lewis Ginter opened the Jefferson Hotel in 1895, a successful marketing campaign lured thousands of tourists to visit Florida. The sale of live baby alligators, often purchased as a tourist souvenir, was common before 1967 (when they were protected as an endangered species).

The Jefferson Hotel served as a pit stop for travelers heading North on their way home from Florida, and it was not unusual for owners of a baby alligator to leave them behind when they checked out. Baby alligators would reside in the hotel’s Palm Court fountain. Sometimes these alligators would climb out of the fountain and head into the lobby to lounge and sleep. Over time, hotel guests donated more alligators to add to the growing reptile family.

Learn more about the Jefferson's history of checking in alligators in our featured story, "Alligators: The Invasion of the Jefferson Hotel": https://thevalentine.org/explore/richmond-stories/featured-stories/alligators-the-invasion-of-the-jefferson-hotel/

Image: Alligators in the center of the Jefferson Hotel’s Palm Court, Cook Collection, The Valentine

This weekend marks the 38th year of Second Street Festival! Second Street Festival is a celebration of the rich history ...
10/03/2026

This weekend marks the 38th year of Second Street Festival! Second Street Festival is a celebration of the rich history of Jackson Ward. Before the Civil War, it was home to a diverse mix of free Black residents, European immigrants, and white artisans. Afterward, it became the largest African American community in Richmond, known as The Harlem of the South and The Black Wall Street. The area thrived with banks, businesses, and social institutions but faced decline after the 1950s, when the construction of I-95 displaced residents and split the community. Despite these challenges, Jackson Ward is undergoing revitalization, spurred by VCU’s expansion, historic preservation efforts, and new businesses. The neighborhood’s rich legacy of arts and culture continues to shape its future.

To celebrate, enjoy some snapshots from our archive of life in Jackson Ward over the years!

Image credits:

Wayne Ellison in a conversation with Vinia Harrison, 96, at the Second Street Festival in Jackson Ward.
(1989) Jay Paul, photographer. Richmond Times-Dispatch Photograph Collection. V.91.04.457. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

Three Armstrong High School cadets in uniform standing side by side; identified as Matthew Allen, James Ammons and Clarence Townes.
(1945) Ammons Family Photograph Collection. V.89.296.40. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

People standing in circle around the statue of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in Jackson Ward.
(1978) David Ryan, photographer. Richmond Times-Dispatch Photograph Collection. V.85.37.1328. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

Engine Company Number 9 of the Richmond Fire Department in Jackson Ward.
(Circa 1895) George D. Rust Photograph Collection. V.56.201.60. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

Young couple, Dana and Jonathan Davis, looking at houses in Jackson Ward.
(Circa 1989) Clement Britt, photographer. Richmond Times-Dispatch Photograph Collection. V.91.04.1555. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

Three children next to a tree on a brick sidewalk in Jackson Ward.
(Circa 1940) Fisher Photograph Collection. V.88.49.19. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

10/02/2026

We'd like to wish Rachel, our Collections Project Manager and Registrar, a very Happy Birthday!

For this special occasion, we're happy to present a new episode of Collections Connections! In this episode, Rachel shares an object that gives us a peek into the evolution of Richmond's road rules.🎁🎉🎊🐴

Does artificial intelligence have a place in museums? Can AI-powered tools improve access and efficiency for libraries a...
10/01/2026

Does artificial intelligence have a place in museums? Can AI-powered tools improve access and efficiency for libraries and archives? What are the ethics of using AI to represent the past? How is artificial intelligence reshaping citizenship, community and civic dialogue?

These are just a few of the questions that we'll be considering during this season of Controversy/History: Beyond the Artificial.

Returning for its 14th season, the Valentine’s Controversy/History series invites Richmonders to take stock of the city’s most pressing issues. Everyone in the room is encouraged to share their perspective on hot-button topics, engaging with historical case studies, data, and expert voices along the way. Hear from fellow Richmonders, community leaders, and cultural institutions as they navigate this changing environment, and join the conversation for yourself.

Our first session topic of the season will be AI & Cultural Institions, on October 15. Follow the link for more details: https://thevalentine.org/event/controversy-history-ai-and-cultural-institutions/

Controversy/History is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Sculptor Leslie Bolling, tennis athlete Arthur Ashe, and Reverend John Jasper, founder of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Churc...
09/30/2026

Sculptor Leslie Bolling, tennis athlete Arthur Ashe, and Reverend John Jasper, founder of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, are just a few of the beloved Richmonders buried in historic Woodland Cemetery.

Established in 1916 as a rural garden cemetery park, this landscape fell into disrepair as families moved away and died out. Then in 2020, a miraculous transformation of the grounds began, when public and private organizations and community volunteers joined to restore this historic African American burying ground.

Join us this Saturday for the Valentine's walking tour of Woodland Cemtery, as we stroll the restored grounds to honor community leaders and heroes, patriots of the American armed services, and many others.

Further details and tickets can be found here: https://thevalentine.org/event/historic-cemeteries-tour-series-woodland/

Image credits:

African-American sculptor Leslie Bolling (1898-1955) in a cardigan and tie, standing outside in the yard of his studio.
(1935) Cook Photograph Collection. 1454. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

Black and white photograph of Arthur Ashe (1943-1993) holding a tennis racket, wearing sunglasses and a collared shirt, conducting a tennis clinic at the Valentine Museum.
(1970) Richmond Times-Dispatch Photograph Collection. P.71.03.01. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

Studio portrait of African-American preacher John Jasper (1812-1901), in three-piece suit, standing with hat in one hand and other hand resting on carved table.
(1880 - 1920) Cook Photograph Collection. 1567. The Valentine, Richmond, Virginia.

On October 8, unplug and connect with fellow Richmonders during this low-tech craft session at the Valentine!Bond with y...
09/28/2026

On October 8, unplug and connect with fellow Richmonders during this low-tech craft session at the Valentine!

Bond with your friends and neighbors while DIY-ing your own Richmond city outline postcards and paper flower bouquets. All materials will be provided by the Valentine, along with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Register for this free, phone free, event today: https://3196a.blackbaudhosting.com/3196a/Analog-Night-Crafting

The Valentine joins the Richmond community in mourning the loss of Jim Ukrop. Jim was a longtime friend, trustee and ste...
09/28/2026

The Valentine joins the Richmond community in mourning the loss of Jim Ukrop. Jim was a longtime friend, trustee and steadfast supporter of the museum, reflecting his deep commitment to local institutions. His impact extends beyond his own community involvement. Richmond continues to benefit from his legacy through the values he and his wife, Bobbie, instilled in their children and their family’s continued leadership, engagement and support. We extend heartfelt condolences to the Ukrop family and the many people throughout Richmond whose lives Jim touched.

Photo: Jim and Robert Ukrop standing on either side of a sign that reads "Ukrop's", 1987, V.88.68.134.

Address

1015 E Clay Street
Richmond, VA
23219

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18046490711

Website

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