Survival of the Slowest

Find out if “slow but steady” truly does win the race!

Now Open!

Extended Fridays

An evening worth hanging around for!

Fridays 5-8 p.m.

International Day of Play

Celebrate International Day of Play for $10!

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Laser Show: David Bowie

Back by popular demand: a Bowie music and light spectacle!

6:30 and 8:15 p.m.

Curious Minds of All Ages!

Science is everywhere, but sometimes discovery needs a guide. Check out our exhibitions, films, labs, makerspaces, events and much more. We're your quirky partner that's here to help you explore the most wonderfully random STEM topics.

Today's Dome Shows

Buckle your seatbelt because it's time to explore our incredible Earth and the farthest reaches of the cosmos in The Dome! 


10:30 a.m.
Wings Over Water

12 p.m.
Live Universe Exploration

1:30 p.m.
Horse Power

3 p.m.
Birth of Planet Earth

5:30 p.m.
Secrets of the Sea

6:30 p.m.
Horse Power

Today's Live Science

Watch and engage with a Museum educator who demonstrates amazing scientific experiments.


10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cardboard Animal Accessories

11 a.m.
Keeper Talk

12:30 p.m.
Illuminating Light Demo

1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Cyanotypes on Paper

1:30 p.m.
Rat Basketball

2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Cyanotypes on Paper

2:30 p.m.
Science on a Sphere

2:30 p.m.
Sloth Hang

3:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cardboard Animal Accessories

3:30 p.m.
Illuminating Light Demo

4 p.m.
Keeper Talk

6 p.m.
Keeper Talk

Front View inside The Dome featuring a galaxy on the screen
Starry Sky

The Dome

​The Dome features live astronomy shows and giant screen films on one of the most technologically advanced digital planetarium theaters in the world.

Blog

Engineering History VA250
Posted: May 18, 2026

VA250: Engineering

Engineering advancements make exploring the oceans more possible than ever before.

Submarine under water
Washed out picture of an exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia