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Here at the Science Museum, we don’t do what we do for recognition … but it sure feels nice when folks acknowledge our hard work and positive impact, especially when that recognition ranks us among the top of national peers.

Newsweek has bestowed a 2025 Readers’ Choice Award on the Science Museum. As number three on the list, we’re in the top one percent of over 400 STEM-focused institutions nationally. We were selected for the industry honor based on nominations from Newsweek’s group of featured panelists and contributors.

The Science Museum is part of a 10-site list that includes notable science centers throughout the country. Here’s the 2025 winner breakdown:

Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Ariz.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Portland, Ore.

Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond, Va.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Ill.

Field Museum, Chicago, Ill.

Science Museum of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Okla.

American Museum of Natural History, New York, N.Y.

NASA Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Fla.

Exploratorium of San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.

California Academy of Science, San Francisco, Calif.

We’re the only winner in the Mid-Atlantic and the only honoree younger than 50 years old. We’re honored to be in this elite group. As the Virginia Association of Museums aptly stated recently, “Museums are catalysts for education and community development. We create spaces where people connect, learn and find belonging. Museums bring communities together in ways that enrich all our lives.”

An honor like this is a team effort. Our inclusion on this list is made possible by our staff, volunteers, guests, supporters and members. Thank you for helping make the Science Museum a special part of Virginia!