Welcome to the Virginia Living Museum
Virginia’s Animal Attraction & Dino Destination
The Virginia Living Museum is a successful public-private partnership, since 1966, between the City of Newport News and the Virginia Living Museum, a public non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (54-6055922). Together we connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation.
BUILT by the Community, BELOVED by the Community and SUSTAINED by the Community, the Museum depends on private donations to succeed. We appreciate your financial contribution to support engaging education, animal welfare and conservation experiences for you and your family. Please consider a gift to our Annual Fund or a planned gift to our Endowment for future sustainability.
What Youβll See
Animals in Action
The Virginia Living Museum is home to more than 250 species of animals found in Virginia including reptiles, mammals, birds and fish. We provide a sanctuary for orphaned,Β non-releasable or injured animals.
Plants in Action
The Virginia Living Museum has one of the largest displays of native plants in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Geology in Action
The Virginia Living Museumβs Underground Gallery is a journey back through Virginiaβs ancient past, a past that has created a rich and colorful present.
Planetarium in Action
Travel the universe in the digital state-of-the-art Abbitt Planetarium Theater. The 71-seat planetarium theater, renovated and upgraded in 2008, offers a fully digital simulation of the sky.
Conservation in Action
The Virginia Living Museum is a certified Virginia Green attraction committed to minimizing its environmental impacts by preventing pollution wherever feasible in its operations.
Happening Today
Animal Feedings
Museum Public Events
Happening Now on Social Media
π³π² Get ready to dive deep into the enchanting world of the Pileated Woodpecker this #VLMWildWednesdays! π¦ These majestic birds are the epitome of forest dwellers, favoring older and more mature forests where they can find their preferred prey: wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants. πͺ²πTheir distinctive drumming echoes loudly through the trees, marking their presence in the woodland symphony. π₯
Sadly, the clearing of forests once threatened these beautiful creatures, diminishing their natural habitats. However, thanks to conservation efforts and growing awareness, their numbers have gradually increased over the years, offering a glimmer of hope for their survival. π
Join us in celebrating the resilience of the Pileated Woodpecker and all tree-dwelling creatures at the #VirginiaLivingMuseum exhibit TreeHouses: Look Whoβs Living in the Trees! Share your own encounters with tree-dwelling critters using #VirginiaLivingMuseum, and your photos might just be featured in our next #VLMWildWednesdays! πΈβ¨ Let's continue to protect and cherish the wonders of our natural world together. πΏ
π¦β¨ Spring is here, and so is the incredible journey of bird migration! πΌ Did you know that millions of birds are currently passing through Virginia on their way to their summer homes?
Want to know how you can support these amazing travelers? Dim your lights at night, especially during peak migration times, to help reduce light pollution and make the journey safer for our feathered friends.
π‘ Inside, turn off non-essential lights and choose blinds to prevent light from escaping
π‘ Outside, point lights downward or use motion sensors
Want to know when the migration peaks in your area? Check out the migration forecast map on the BirdCast website! It's a fantastic tool to stay informed and contribute to the conservation of these beautiful creatures.
BirdCast website: birdcast.info/
πΈ: Blackburnian Warblers migrate through Virginia, joining other neotropical songbirds along the Atlantic Flyway.
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#birdmigration #springmigration #MigrationAwareness #lightpollution #ConservationEfforts #atlanticflyway #natureconservation