CLOSED FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd at 2PM for BACCHUS

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NEW River Otter Experience

Join an animal keeper behind the scenes and learn all about our river otters! As a special guest, you will learn about our animal enrichment program and how it keeps our animals mentally and physically healthy. Take a tour of where our animals' diets are prepared and even have an opportunity to meet and FEED the otters, Moe and Molly from the observation deck!

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Members! Spread the love and recommend a friend sign up for a membership to receive an additional month onto your membership!

Naturally Speaking

An invasion is happening on Earth out of sight – and the invaders have not finished conquering. Striking and hypnotic, the invasive lionfish is believed to be one of the most successful invasive species ever, ravaging reef ecosystems all the way from Maine to Brazil. In 2022, Jeff Boedeker wrote and produced the nationally broadcasted PBS NOVA special, Ocean Invaders – a documentary that dives into the epic science of invasions through the extraordinary story of the invasive lionfish. After a screening of the film, join Jeff for a Q&A, to discuss everything from the science of invasions, to submarine dives in the Caribbean and techniques for producing nature documentaries.

Get Tickets Here

Coming Soon!

The museum connects visitors to Virginia habitats and native species, but we are part of a bigger ecosystem. We must think about how we are connected to everything in this world and beyond. In our Wason Education Center, explore our one big ecosystem through many interactive displays and the immersive Abbitt Planetarium.

Explore the museum's amazing exhibits, meet live animals, participate in science activities, and immerse yourself in the newest exhibit gallery - One Big Ecosystem in the Wason Education Center.

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Join an astronomical stargazing or laser event! 


Choose from four different programs and experience the Museum in a new light- or a few of them!


*Stargazing is free and weather dependent* 

Tickets Here

Seasonal Exhibit Mazes and Brain Games

NOW OPEN!

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Celebrating Black History Month

Benjamin Banaker


  • Born in 1731 in Baltimore, Mayland as a free man to educated African-American homesteaders which was not common for the time
  • Baker gained many science and engineering skills such as clock making, mechanics, surveying, and astronomy, though he was well known for his popular and reliable almanac publishing. 
  • His observations of cicadas was the first in history to notice the cicada’s 17 year cycle and recent historians are making a large effort to credit him for this discovery.

Rue Mapp



  • Rue Mapp created a blog in 2009 dedicated to connecting Black Americans to the outdoors which turned into a nationally recognized nonprofit called Outdoor Afro. 
  • Her work has helped to minimize the stereotypes of Black Americans in the outdoors as well as connect Black American with similar interests in a culturally stigmatized subject.
  • Mapp became a National Geographic 2019 Fellow, Heinz Awards Honoree, and National Wildlife Federation Communication Award recipient, among many other recognitions.


Marie Clark Taylor


  • Marie Clark Taylor was the first woman of color to earn a PhD in botany which she received at Fordham University in 1941 and later became Head of the Botany Department at Howard University.
  • Her research focused on plant photomorphogenesis, the impact of light on plant growth. 
  • Organized a series of summer science institutes for high school teachers in order to introduce them to new methods of teaching science. She encouraged teachers to adopt her innovative methods, such as using real botanical materials and light-microscopes to study living cells.


Imani Black


  • Imani Black is the Founder and CEO of Minorities in Aquaculture, an organization that connects minority populations to sustainable seafood. Aquaculture is the process of breeding, raising, and harvesting fish and shellfish.
  • Born in Maryland, Imani attended ODU and interned with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s VA Oyster Restoration Team. Imani has also participated with VIMS’ Oyster Aquaculture Training program. 
  • As a Chesapeake Bay oyster farmer, Imani shares her passion for aquaculture by educating and encouraging minorities to participate in sustainable farming.


More Upcoming Events


Now - April 23 - Cosmic Colors Abbitt Planetarium Show


March 11 - FREE Star Gazing and Laser Nights


March 16 - Naturally Speaking: Lighting Matters, An Introduction to Light Pollution


March 17-19 - Reptiles and Amphibians Weekend

April 1 - Pajama Jam


April 20 - Plant Sale Member Preview


April 22-23, 29-30 - Plant Sale Weekends

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