The best arts & culture spots in Richmond

“Skip the textbook this week and step into the White House of the Confederacy, part of the American Civil War Museum, where interpretive tours explore the causes, course, and consequences of the war in Richmond, turning familiar streets into a deeper story you’ll actually remember.”

From the Richmond newsletter, September 7, 2026

“The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is serving up We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth, a timely, people-first look at how immigrants have shaped Virginia. Hit the Threads & Bridges Festival today, or the We The People Highlight Tour this Saturday, then dive deeper in the research library.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Science Museum of Virginia keeps curiosity buzzing with The Dome’s jaw-dropping space shows, hands-on tinkering in The Forge, and quirky live demos that sometimes involve rat basketball. New exhibits like Rescue and creature-centric Survival of the Slowest make it an easy yes for rainy Saturdays and kid energy alike.”

From the Richmond newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Virginia Museum of Fine Arts packs more than 50,000 works into an easygoing hometown space, from Fabergé showstoppers to modern, ancient, and Asian standouts.”

From the Richmond newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Housed in a restored Southern Railway station, The Richmond Railroad Museum packs Richmond rail history into authentic fixtures, engaging exhibits, and the city’s largest HO scale model railroad. Wander past a Porter tank-style steam locomotive, a baggage car, a caboose, and classic signals...”

From the Richmond newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Wilton House Museum lets you wander a 1753 Georgian home that survived two wars, passed through six families, then got picked up and moved. Go for guided tours, thoughtful exhibits, and smart storytelling that ties 18th-century elegance and hardship to the way life still works in RVA today.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Set inside a stately historic house, The Branch Museum of Design is serving up smart, design-forward exhibits like Americana and Southern Gothic, plus the Live at The Branch concert series. Pro move, drop in for the Americana Curator Tour on August 28 and flex those local culture muscles.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Whether your kid needs to move, create, farm, draw, or just channel that endless energy, Children's Museum of Richmond turns chaos into hands-on learning. Fresh play spaces and a busy calendar mean Process Art Adventures, story times, and pretend play that fills the tank for them and buys you a quiet ride home.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Whether you're a lifelong Richmonder or just in a gothic mood, The Poe Museum packs real-deal artifacts like Poe's engagement ring, a fragment of his coffin, and his pocket watch into the city’s oldest stone house, plus quirky UnHappy Hour nights and smart Tell-Tale Talks that hit just right.”

From the Richmond newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Skip the dusty textbook and wander American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar for Tredegar History Tours, musket-firing demos, the new The Impending Crisis exhibit, and this week’s August 26 cocktail-history night with live music.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 29, 2026

“A Compromised Freedom anchors the season at Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia with 250 years of Black life in Virginia, and the Duke Ealey tribute wraps August 30. Thoughtful curation, local stories, zero fluff that doubles as midweek brain food.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Altria Theater is the big stage on the Virginia Commonwealth campus bringing touring musicals, national concerts, and comedy under one gorgeous roof. When you need a midweek pick-me-up or a full-on night out, check the lineup and treat yourself.”

From the Richmond newsletter, August 14, 2026