July 8, 2026
The Science Museum of Virginia is inviting guests to take part in an interactive exhibition that places a spotlight on first responders when “Rescue” opens on Monday, July 13.
Rescue empowers guests to experience and react to high-pressure rescue-based scenarios where lives are at stake in land, sea and air rescues.
From piloting a helicopter simulator to racing against time in a jet ski rescue, guests will engage in scenarios that bring STEM concepts to life through action-packed adventure. They can feel the rush of scanning for heat signals with infrared cameras, navigating a smoke-filled room or delivering flotation devices via drone in a simulated ocean rescue. Along the way, guests will gain a deeper understanding of the science and decision-making behind emergency responses.
The exhibition includes over a dozen immersive zones. Guests can crawl through a simulated burning building, scale a 360-degree climbing challenge, test their balance above a digital ravine, inform viewers from a breaking news desk, learn essential rescue knots or explore how firefighters extract passengers from a wrecked vehicle.
For younger guests and families, the exhibition also features opportunities to try on real rescue uniforms, interact with dramatic footage and learn critical water safety strategies like surviving a rip current.
Rescue places guests into missions where they solve problems, think quickly and make decisions in a hands-on environment,” said Timshel Purdum, Virginia C. Ellett Deputy Director of Education. “The exhibition is a fun way for them to discover the science, technology and teamwork behind real-world rescues while also learning ways to support their own personal safety.”
Through a partnership with the American Heart Association, Virginia’s first CPR training kiosk will be on site during the run of the exhibition, teaching guests how to be a hero for someone in cardiac arrest. Sponsored by Genworth and its subsidiary CareScout, the kiosk training requires just five minutes or fewer.
In addition, the Science Museum will host Operation: Rescue, a family festival with emergency vehicles and more on Saturday, August 15 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m, which is a $10 Day for general admission. As part of Operation: Rescue, the Science Museum will welcome first responders with free general admission (ID required).
Guests can also explore the world of animal rescue with a showing of giant screen film Wild Rescue in The Dome and, through Labor Day, they can see rescued animals in the touring exhibition Survival of the Slowest. Both experiences can be added to guests’ visit as part of an advance purchase or upon arrival; “Survival of the Slowest” is included with Science Museum membership.
“Rescue” was created by Scitech Discovery Centre in Perth, Australia, and produced by Imagine Exhibitions Inc., and will be open through January 17, 2027. The exhibition is included with Science Museum general admission. Tickets are $19 for adults, $16 for youth (ages 6–12) and seniors (ages 60 and older) and $11 for preschool-aged children (ages 3–5). Admission is free for Science Museum members and children under 2. Discounts are available for teachers, military personnel and EBT cardholders through the Museums for All program.
Through Labor Day, Science Museum operating hours are Saturday–Thursday from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
About the Science Museum of Virginia
From virtual presentations featuring STEM experts to fun videos on social media to in-person experiential exhibits, the Science Museum of Virginia looks for every opportunity to inspire all Virginians to enrich their lives through science. Helping curious minds discover the connections between — and their connection to — science, technology, engineering and math guides Science Museum staff in all they do. Learn more at smv.org or call 804.864.1400.