Explore and Create Meaningful Experiences!
Creating a museum experience that’s accessible for all is at the heart of our mission and values. In all we do, we strive to create an inclusive experience, and we are deeply committed to creating relevant and meaningful ways for all guests to interact with the Science Museum.
The Science Museum is focusing on eliminating obstacles – financial and other – to ensure that the broadest cross section of the community has access to the Science Museum’s resources.
If you have questions or suggestions about inclusive or accessible efforts, please contact us.
Science Museum Accessibility Information
Minds of All Kinds is a free, sensory-friendly evening developed for guests with disabilities. Offered quarterly, guests can enjoy a less-crowded environment as they get hands-on with activities that will pique curiosity.
As a proud member of the Museums for All national initiative, the Science Museum offers reduced admission rates for low-income families. Click below to learn about Museums for All membership or click here to learn more about daily admission rates.
Additional Services
Personal Care Assistants
- Free admission for a paid Personal Care Assistant (PCA) accompanying a guest with a severe disability who needs the PCA’s assistance due to that disability is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The guest may request a free admission for the PCA at the Guest Services desk in the Science Museum lobby, and the PCA will receive, free of charge, the same admission pass that was purchased by the guest.
Quiet Zone
- The quiet zone is a specially designed room that provides a calming environment for individuals with sensory processing issues or sensitivities. The space is equipped with items such as tactile objects, soothing lighting and seating zones to promote relaxation and self-regulation.
- The quiet zone is for anyone who may need a space to step away from the exhibition areas to recenter for a positive museum experience.
Service Animals
- Service dogs are welcome at the Science Museum.
- Science Museum staff may ask that a service dog be removed if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or it is not housebroken. If this occurs, the individual will be given the opportunity to remain at the Science Museum without the animal.
Spanish Language Speakers
- With Virginia’s thriving Hispanic community, we are actively seeking ways to help our Spanish-speaking guests create engaging and meaningful experiences at the Science Museum. We are always open to hearing your suggestions! Please contact us.
Membership
- Memberships are a great option for guests to engage in the Science Museum at their own pace. Stay for 15 minutes or for two hours, memberships allow guests to return to the Science Museum multiple times throughout the year without the pressure of trying to experience all of the fun the Science Museum has to offer in one visit.
- The Science Museum of Virginia offers discounts on memberships for seniors and military. In addition, EBT card holders receive special pricing on family memberships. Click here for more information on Science Museum memberships
The Science Museum is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information contact ADA Compliance Officer, Cherita Paul at 804.864.1543 or via email.
See Science Within Reach in Action
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