Richmond, VA Tourist Attractions

In Capitol Square in Richmond is the imposing State Capitol, built in 1785-8 to the design of Thomas Jefferson, who took as his model the Roman temple known as the Maison Carree in Nimes. The Capitol was the scene of major events in American history, including the ratification of Virginia's secession and Robert E. Lee's appointment as commander of the Southern army. The statue of George Washington in the lobby was the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828).

South of the State Capitol is the start of Canal Walk, which runs along the James River-Kanawha Canal, built at the suggestion of George Washington.

Formerly a 16th-century English country manor home, Virginia House was dismantled and relocated block by block to Richmond in 1925. It was the home of Ambassador and Mrs. Weddell from 1928 to 1948. Virginia House is now a historic house museum owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society.Warwick to Windsor Farms: Building Virginia House, a long-term exhibition on display at Virginia House, showcases the design and building of the home of Alexander and Virginia Weddell. Mrs. Weddell's talents as an interior designer are evident in vast rooms decorated with English and Spanish antiques, silk draperies, Oriental carpets, and fine silver and china. The house is preserved much the same as it was when the Weddells resided there.It took 20 years for Virginia Weddell, working with noted landscape architect Charles Gillette, to create the more than eight acres of picturesque gardens at Virginia House. Today, close to 1,000 types of ornamental plants thrive throughout formal and naturalistic gardens creating a sense of both mystery and tranquility. The grounds provide a rich tapestry of texture and color throughout the year.

To the east of the State Capitol, beyond I 95, is the Church Hill Historic Area, with some 70 antebellum houses that give some impression of what Richmond was like before the Civil War.The district is named after St John's Episcopal Church (1741; 25th and Broad Sts.), in which Patrick Henry made his famous speech.The Old Stone House (1737) at 1914 East Main Street, the oldest building in Richmond, now houses the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Poe lived in the town for several years and worked on a local newspaper.The principal treasure of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a collection of Faberge eggs. South of the Museum is Monument Avenue, which is lined with statues of Confederate heroes.

The Richmond National Battlefield Park located in the city of the same name highlights the activities of the civil war. Richmond was considered a key city to capture and the Richmond National Battlefield Park illustrates the various campaigns over 5 years to that end. The National Park Service manages the park and a fee is charged to visit the site. Excellent interpretive services are available along with walking trails throughout the area. The NPS also puts on several special events throughout the summer season, be sure to call to see what is coming up. The Richmond National Battlefield Park is located 100 miles South of Washington DC.

Maymont was an estate left to the city of Richmond by James and Sallie Dooley. The complex consists of the Maymont House Museum, numerous gardens including an arboretum and 100 acre park, a carriage collection, children's farm, and more.The Maymont House Museum is an elaborate mansion that has been restored to show visitors the grandeur associated with late 1800s. It is definitely worth a visit. Also on site is a Nature Center describing the natural history of the James River, which the estate over looks.

In Clay Street in the Court End district two blocks north of Capitol Square, is the Valentine Museum (1015 E Clay St.), which is devoted to the social and industrial history of Richmond. The Museum of the Confederacy (1201 E Clay St.) traces the history of the Secession and the subsequent war. The White House of the Confederacy (12th and E Clay Streets) was the seat of Jefferson Davis, President of the southern states.

To the south of Richmond city centre (I 95, exit 69) is the Philip Morris Manufacturing Center, where visitors can see round the factory on a guided tour (no charge).Recently the Philip Morris Manufacturing Center has begun work on the Center for Research and Technology. When the center is complete the company will have nearly twice as much research space.

The Virginia Fire and Police Museum is a great place to take the family. All kinds of fire fighting equipment including hoses and pumpers are on display as is a 19th Century police station. The building that the museum is housed in is notable as being the only building to survive a fire that leveled the rest of Richmond. The building was built in 1849 and is one of the oldest fire halls in the United States.

The fascinating history of Agecroft Hall makes this attraction well worth a visit. The Tudor style building is over 500 years old and has been built, disassembled, shipped across the Atlantic in crates, and then rebuilt. Today the beautifully restored Agecroft Hall is open to visitors and is surrounded by stunning English style gardens.

The Museum of the Confederacy located in Richmond provides an excellent overview of the Confederacy. On display are period piece, artifacts, photos, and flags among many other interesting items. The museum also runs an active research facility and education program. A museum store is on site to allow visitors to take home a memento of their special visit.

The Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond features permanent exhibits as well as visiting exhibitions. Everything at the museum is designed to be fun and educational with many interactive displays. The museum deals with a broad range of science topics, including biology, electricity, computers, space, waves, and astronomy to name a few.

The Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium features a 50,000 gallon aquarium that gives the visitor a view of the underwater world. The Nature Center has hands-on activities and exhibits including information on the three lakes, wetlands, forests and animal life in and around the park. Nature trails and fishing are also available.

The Virginia Historical Society, Center for Virginia History located in Richmond is the state's repository for anything historical related to Virginia. Archives, photos, a library, and a museum are all on site and available to visitors. The center hosts five long term exhibits and a rotating schedule of traveling exhibits, check to see what's on by contacting the box office.

The Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond has a variety of interactive exhibits that show what life was like during the Holocaust. Inside visitors will find a cattle car, ghetto, and a recreated concentration camp. The museum has a focus on education to ensure that events like this do not happen again.The museums latest exhibit is the Nuermberg Trials Courtroom, the only replica still in existence.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts located in Richmond showcases a wide rage of artistic styles. The museum is particularly known for its collections of Art Nouveau and Art Deco items. In addition to this the museum also hosts a regular selection of international traveling exhibits so be sure to check and see what's on when you are in town.

The Virginia War Memorial overlooks downtown Richmond and the James River. On the walls of the memorial are listed the names of Virginia's soldiers who lost their lives in wars. The structure itself is quite impressive, with glass and stone walls, the Memory Statue with an eternal flame burning at the base, flag court, and a modern computer system that allows visitors to research those who served.

The Black History Museum and Cultural Center is a tribute to prominent Black figures in Virginia's history. The museum also seeks to preserve the history and culture of Blacks in the state. The permanent collection is titled Banks, Boutiques and the 'Deuce': the Legacy of Jackson Ward.

John Marshall House in Richmond is one of the few remaining Federal style homes built in this area. The home is filled with the nation's largest collection of Marshall family relics and furniture. The home is within walking distance of the State Capitol building so the two attractions can easily be combined in one day.

The Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature at the University of Richmond has an impressive collection of objects on a wide variety of topics, from natural history to art. In addition to the extensive permanent collection the museum also presents temporary exhibits.

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond provides visitors with insight into the life and times of Maggie L. Walker. Her achievements as an African American in the world of banking are explained through interesting displays. Tours are available and the park hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.

The Valentine Museum and Richmond History Center located in Richmond is a treasure trove of interesting attractions all related to Virginia. The museum has several permanent galleries and frequently hosts traveling exhibits. The Valentine Museum and Richmond History Center is also noted for its educational programs.

William Byrd Park in Richmond is a pleasant spot to while away an afternoon. Picnic tables and benches provide a great spot to perch and watch the people of Richmond go about their business. The park dates from 1874 and a statue of Christopher Columbus is in the Northwest section of the park.

The Wilton House Museum in Richmond is located on a former plantation and was built in the mid 18th Century. Here visitors will find a beautifully restored home outfitted in period pieces. The home also contains information on the Randolph family and several interesting portraits.

The Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives in Richmond features documents and items related to Kahal Kadosh Beth Shalome and Congregation Beth Ahabah. On display are a range of artifacts from the 18th Century to present day.

The architects Thomas Jefferson & Charles Louis Clerisseau designed the Capitol Square building in Richmond. The building was constructed from 1785-1792 and is Neo Classical in design. Expansive lawns, perfect for a stroll, frame the building.

The Children's Museum of Richmond makes for an exciting family outing. Interactive displays will thrill and teach the youngsters. The museum has an active event calendar so be sure to check to see what's coming up.

The Lewis Ginter Garden in Richmond is a delight for the senses. Beautiful gardens of lovingly tended flowers, and trees that smell and look amazing. The gardens are spread over 40 acres and feature walking trails and a treehouse for children.

St Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond is a beautiful church located on Capitol Square. The church is fronted by 6 large columns and features some beautiful stained glass windows inside. Regular services take place all week.

The Virginia Opera in Richmond offers a full season of musical performances. Check the website or call to see what is playing. The Virginia Opera also features a variety of programs, many of which are targeted at students.

The Federal Reserve Money Museum in Richmond displays currency including coins and rare notes.

Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond was begun in 1847 and houses the remains of such famous historical figures as president James Monroe and John Tyler.

The commonwealth's records from 1823 to present are housed in the library. Books, manuscripts, maps and artwork are featured exhibits.

Old Dominion Railroad Museum explores the history of the railroad in Richmond.