Listen, I know not everyone can be as sophisticated and artsy as me. It’s a gift. But sometimes you need to fake it until you make it. How else are you going to impress that Starbuck’s barista you met on Cary St? Luckily, my cultured self is here to help. Keep on reading for my list of the best museums in Richmond!
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
I took my first visit to the VMFA last February and was absolutely blown away! What I assumed was a handful of rooms touting the latest local talent was instead floor after floor of every kind of painting, artwork, and artifact you can imagine. There was a sarcophagus with an actual mummy inside! The paintings were sectioned off by era, dating back centuries. I was there for 3 hours and it wasn’t nearly enough. The pro move here, if you can swing it, is to plan your tour with sporadic stops by the in-house restaurant/bar Amuse and enjoy a nice glass of bubbly while you walk. Now that’s class!
The Science Museum of Virginia
Some might claim that science museums are only for kids. Oh, how wrong they are! While the SMV is a perfect place to post up with your progeny don’t knock how much fun it’ll be for you too. I had an almost embarrassingly good time. From the dome shows (penguins!), to the live session (candle making!), to the hands-on games in the Boost exhibit – the museum is a blast for folks of all ages. Just be sure to leave your ego at the door. I swear those darn kids just had to be cheating at those games!
The Virginia Holocaust Museum
This one requires a bit more of a somber tone, but it’s worth the visit nonetheless. Founded in 1977, the museum quickly outgrew its original dwelling and moved to the American Tobacco Company Warehouse in 2003. With hundreds of artifacts on site, the walkthrough tour takes you on a chronological journey through the atrocities and impact of intolerance during that most dreadful time in modern history. If you can’t make it in person, consider a virtual tour. There aren’t many left that can truly remember the Holocaust – making it even more important that we educate ourselves today.
There you have it! The three, at least in my opinion, best museums in Richmond. So grab your friends, families, or loved ones (or aspiring loved one) and start walking. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And as always, if you need help with anything else – real estate related or not – I couldn’t be happier to help! Until next time…
