Science Museum of Virginia End-of-Summer Updates
Exhibition and Hours Changes Incoming
August 18, 2021
As Virginians try to pack in last-minute summer activities before Labor Day approaches, the Science Museum of Virginia is reminding science lovers about upcoming changes in offerings and operations.
“Mental Health: Mind Matters,” a touring exhibition designed to raise awareness about, and end stigma associated with, mental illness closes Sunday, Aug. 29. The experiential exhibition has been well received by Museum guests of all ages since it opened in February as the topic of mental health is especially timely related to the pandemic and recent coverage at the Olympics.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, the Museum will close on Mondays, operating a six-day-a-week schedule Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
By mid-October, guests will be parking in the Museum’s new deck when they arrive for a visit. The 400-vehicle parking deck is the first in a multi-phase project to remove asphalt surface lots in front of the building and convert the acreage to public green space.
The Museum traditionally closes touring exhibitions around Labor Day, although “Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family”will continue through Sunday, Oct. 3, including extended, exhibition-only hours on Thursdays and Fridays until 8 p.m. Guests can explore 30 objects, including 10 life-size casts and multiple real fossils, and 12 interactive stations, to learn about the diversity among the 25+ tyrannosaurs that once lived and where tyrannosaurs fit into the dinosaur family tree.
"Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™” is the next touring exhibition heading to the Museum to occupy the space vacated by “Mental Health: Mind Matters.” Opening September 25, the exhibition gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing by investigating the scientific process for designing super-fast cars. Hands-on activities, authentic race gear, captivating memorabilia and more will engage families in a fun experience while learning about speed, power and performance.
“Mental Health: Mind Matters” is included with Museum admission. During regular Museum operating hours, admission to “Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family” is available through a combination ticket that includes access to the exhibition as well as regular Museum exhibits. Discounts are available for teachers, military personnel and EBT cardholders. On Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m., “Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family” admission is only $10. Guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance of their visit at smv.org.
“Mental Health: Mind Matters” was produced by the Science Museum of Minnesota with Heureka, The Finnish Science Centre and their partners, Ciencia Viva and Cite des Sciences & L’industrie. The exhibition is sponsored locally by WestRock. "Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family" is an exhibition created by the Australian Museum and toured internationally by Flying Fish. “Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™” was produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Mattel, and is locally sponsored by TowneBank and Woodfin.