VLM | Solar Eclipse in our Backyard!

Naturally Speaking: The Great American Eclipse - Thursday - August 17

The Great American Eclipse - Monday - August 21

Summer Thursdays - Stay Late 'til 8 pm | Thursdays through Aug 31

Nature Connects: Art With LEGO® Bricks - Through Nov. 26

Virginia Living Museum e-newsletter 8-15-17

Naturally Speaking:

Great American Eclipse Talk

August 17 - 6-7pm

Speaker: Dr. Kelly Herbst, VLM Astronomy Curator

Registration is required - sign up for this learning adventure today!

This Monday, August 21 the United States will experience a rare celestial event - a total eclipse of the Sun. Learn all the information you need to know about how, when and where to view this astronomical spectacle safely.

Cost: No added fee - included in museum admission, advance registration required.

Sponsored by:

Great American Eclipse

August 21 - 1:30-4:30pm

Get ready for the Eclipse! View this rare celestial event safely among our experts at the VLM. We will be viewing a partial solar eclipse. The Abbitt Planetarium will be live-streaming the total solar eclipse, if possible - weather permitting. Free eclipse glasses (while supplies last) will be given to guests.

Cost : Viewing included in museum admission. Eclipse glasses free while supplies last.

Plus, enjoy a special showing of "Eclipse 2017" in the Abbitt Planetarium.

Join us for this timely program that will give you all the information you need to know about how, when and where to view this astronomical spectacle safely.

August 21 Showtimes: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm

Also airs daily thru Sept. 4, 12:30pm.

Recommended ages: ages 10 and above

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Nature Connects: Art with LEGO^® Bricks

Open Daily Through November 26

Join us for Giant LEGO^® brick sculptures, designed by Brooklyn artist and children's author Sean Kenney, t hat brings nature to life with a six-foot hummingbird hovering over a trumpet flower, a deer family made from 48,000 bricks, a giant tortoise, a seven-foot long dragonfly, and much more. This spectacular combination of nature and art is an award-winning, record-breaking exhibition created with over a half million LEGO^® bricks.

The exhibit is located in the Conservation Garden where visitors can view the 16 amazing sculptures, as well as, create structures in the Big Block Build Zone . A LEGO^® Brick Creation Station will put guests' creativity to the test.

Plus, Hampton Roads LEGO Users Group (HARDLUG) will join us on Saturday and Sunday(Aug 19 and 20) for an amazing demonstration in our Changing Exhibit Gallery along with the VLM's own My Own Creation Contest available for LEGO® enthusiasts of all ages.

Cost: Included in museum admission

Presenting sponsor:

Sculpture Sponsors: Wild Birds Unlimited-Yorktown , Consumer Litigation Associates, P.C. , Newport News Arts Commission , York County Arts Commission, Newport News Cultural Attractions , PMA Architecture, and Gately Communication Co ., and BrickHeadZ LLC .

Calling all LEGO Artists!

Excitement is BUILDING.

This weekend is the next MyOwn Creation (MOC) Contest!

Age level contest dates found here.

This weekend August 18-20... ages 13-17 !

WHEN: August 19th - Voting for favorites in museum's changing exhibit gallery!

WHO: builders ages 13-17

WHAT: Bring your "Creation" Friday, Aug 18 to the VLM to be eligible for great prizes.

Complete information on website. Future weekends will focus on other age groups.

Cost: Included in Museum admission. MOC Contest sponsor:

Summer Thursdays - Stay Late 'til 8

Thursdays through August 31

Our doors are open until 8pm (Trail closes at 7:30pm) every Thursday through August 31.

Enjoy our NATURE CONNECTS: Art with LEGO Bricks exhibit in the Conservation Garden - including the Big Block Build Zone and LEGO Brick Creation Station.
Naturally Speaking Series: Great American Eclipse Talk 6-7pm
Human Hamster Ball - come play inside with large inflatable ball ($5)
Animal Encounters
Pedal Boat and Canoeing - Free
Outdoor Trail Open Until 7:30pm
Wild Side Café Family Dining Options - enjoy grab-and-go dinners and sit in the garden
Music by DJ Big L, 5:30-7:30pm
Planetarium Shows: Kaluoka'hina 4:30pm and Virginia Skies at 5:30pm Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission
Stop by the Wild Things Museum Store for a featured 30% item from 5-8 pm. This week's featured items are the astronaut role playing set and selected stargazing guides.