November 8, 2021
What: The Science Museum of Virginia’s annual tradition returns the weekend after Thanksgiving. Model train club displays will fill the Dewey Gottwald Center for the 44th Model Railroad Show presented by Dominion Energy.
The three-day event features eight different train displays with various scaled locomotives riding through intricate landscapes and miniature cities. Created by HO, O and N-scale model train enthusiasts from across Virginia, guests will enjoy seeing the wide variety of classic and unique scenes.
While at the Museum during Model Railroad Show weekend, guests can enjoy a feature in The Dome. Two new films are playing: “Birth of Planet Earth” at noon and 3 p.m., and “Antarctica” at 2 p.m. The popular Sesame Street-inspired astronomy show “One World, One Sky” is showing at 10 a.m. and the action-packed giant screen film “Superpower Dogs” runs at 11 a.m.
Guests can also help with a collaborative railroad scene and make a conductor hat in The Forge, and Museum educators will offer demos at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. In addition to the activities, the “Speed,” “Boost!,” “Bringing the Dead to Life,” “Birds of the Commonwealth” and “Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™” exhibitions will all be open for guests to explore.
Guests can head outside to see the Science Museum’s vintage train cars, take a trackless train ride on the Teddy Bear Express between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and watch a blacksmith forge custom metal pieces from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When: The Model Railroad Show takes place Friday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 28.
The Science Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day for the general public. The Science Museum is offering members exclusive, early access hours from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. each day.
Who: To manage the flow of guests, the Science Museum will follow timed entry to the Model Railroad Show with 75 tickets available in each 15-minute timeslot. Attendees, including members, should pre-purchase tickets on the Science Museum’s website to help ensure they get the timeslot they would like. Onsite tickets will be sold in person based on availability. Guests may visit the Science Museum at any point before or after they explore the model trains during regular business hours.
Model Railroad Show activities are free with Science Museum admission. Members and children two and under are admitted free. The Science Museum offers discounts for military, teachers and EBT cardholders. Qualifying guests should call 804.864.1400 for details about reserving those tickets with the discount code.
Features in The Dome are $5. Seating is limited to 250 guests and is first come, first served. The gift shop will be open each day of the show, but the café and concessions will be closed.
Why: The Model Railroad Show is a holiday tradition that families look forward to—and create lasting memories during—each year. Science Museum staff and the model railroad participants are both excited to see guests enjoying the train-themed STEM-packed fun.
How: The Science Museum is grateful for Dominion Energy’s continued support of the Model Railroad Show as they return as presenting sponsor for the fourth year.
Where: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220