June 30, 2023
Who: Richmonders looking for the perfect plans for the long holiday weekend can blast into the cosmos with a stellar staycation.
What: The Summer of Space is in full swing and it’s worth gravitating toward! The Children’s Museum of Richmond, the Science Museum of Virginia and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture have collaborated to promote the space-related touring exhibitions each museum is currently hosting.
Science, history and space lovers plus future astronauts are encouraged to maximize the extra time with family and friends by visiting all three out-of-this-world experiences.
On display at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, “Moon to Mars” allows young explores to design and fly their own rocket, hover in the Orion Spacecraft, experience what a reduced gravity environment is like and pilot a lunar rover. “Moon to Mars” ignites innovative thinking and inspires appreciation for teamwork.
“Space: An Out-of-Gravity Experience” at the Science Museum of Virginia features dozens of hands-on stations that let guests experience what it’s like to live and work in space. Water rockets, power stations, drop towers, astronaut gloves, rotating space stations and more let guests explore the dangers humans face during space missions and adaptations engineers have developed to help them survive.
Highlighting one giant leap for mankind, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture features “Apollo: When We Went to The Moon.” This exhibition delves into the story of manned space flight and highlights Virginians who have contributed to that journey. Visitors are transported to the Apollo 11 launch pad for an immersive experience and can climb aboard a full-scale reproduction of a lunar rover.
When: “Moon to Mars” is on display at the Children’s Museum of Richmond through August 13. During the holiday weekend, CMoR is open July 1 and 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Space: An-Out-of-Gravity Experience” is on display at the Science Museum of Virginia through September 4. The Science Museum is open each day of the holiday (July 1-4) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Apollo: When We Went to The Moon” is on display at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture through December 31. VMHC is open each day of the holiday (July 1-4) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why: Richmond has been transformed into a gateway to the galaxies. Each museum has a unique experience that will expand understanding, spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
How: For more information about purchasing tickets, visit summerofspace.com.
Where: Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad Street
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard