Shark Week Programming

July 20, 2022

What: The Science Museum of Virginia is offering a packed week of shark-related programming to coincide with the Discovery Channel’s annual summer homage to the ocean’s oldest and most effective predator. During Shark Week, guests can celebrate with the following daily experiences that help them learn more about our cartilaginous fishy friends:

• “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey,” a touring exhibition including extremely rare fossils, an extraordinary collection of real teeth and jaws, awe-inspiring shark models cast from real animals, incredible high-definition underwater footage and more.
• “Great White Shark” in The Dome, showing at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Spiny dogfish dissection demos.
• Science on a Sphere® demos exploring the ocean depths that sharks call home.
• “Jars: Sharks on Loan,” an exhibition featuring sharks in jars from the collection at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary.
• Shark fin hat or remora necklace craft activities in the Art Lab.
• Shark cage photo op station.

In addition, on July 27 at noon, award-winning underwater photographer and naturalist Tanya Houppermans will give a free Lunch Break Science presentation about swimming with sharks.

Why: When you’re hosting a shark exhibition, you’re practically required to have a fin-filled Shark Week! Also, the more humans can learn about the misunderstood animals, the more we can appreciate the significance of the sharks in our world.

When: Shark Week programming will take place daily Sunday, July 24, to Sunday, July 31. Start times and locations are posted on the Science Museum’s website. “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey” is open during regular operating hours (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) until September 5.

Who: Shark lovers of all ages can enjoy the Science Museum’s Shark Week activities.

How: Most Shark Week programming is included with general admission. “Great White Shark” and “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey” can be added for $5 per person, per experience. Science Museum members receive free admission to “Great White Shark” during Shark Week and “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey” all summer. The Science Museum offers discounts for military, teachers and EBT cardholders. Call 804.864.1400 for details.

Lunch Break Sciences are free. Guests do not need to purchase Science Museum admission to attend, but they do need to check-in at Guest Services when they arrive.

Where: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220