Museums Bring Inspiration and Unique Experiences to your Events

Whether your attendees are interested in live animals, shooting hoops, natural or American history, science or the arts, Virginia has the perfect meeting venue to have some fun during your next event. See below for just a few of the many options the Commonwealth has to offer.
Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond
The Science Museum of Virginia has great spaces that are perfect for everything from a professional meeting to a gala for more than 600 guests. The Rotunda of the Museum features a magnificent ten-story dome and was a former grand railroad station. Ideal for a cocktail party, wedding reception or corporate event, your guests will be dazzled by the grandeur of the architecture and history. Perfect for a stand-up reception of 500 or a seated dinner for 250. The Thalhimer Pavilion is the largest space – a 13,650-square foot tented area perfect for a stand-up reception for 800, seated dinner for 500 or lecture-style seating for 900. Smaller and outdoor meeting space is also available.

Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville
The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville offers a variety of rental spaces for events, meetings, and other gatherings. Whether your needs require a small meeting place or the entire museum facility, VMNH has a package sure to suit your needs. From the Walker Lecture Hall to The Harvest Foundation Great Hall, the museum offers 4,000 square feet of total meeting space to accommodate up to 300 attendees. The museum has been the host of many events and gatherings in the past, including wedding receptions, holiday parties, conferences, meetings, and more.
The Virginia Living Museum, Newport News
Add a wild touch to your meeting with an after-hours shindig at the Virginia Living Museum. It’s perfect for events of all kinds for up to 500 people. Rent the indoor exhibit area where live animals inhabit an Appalachian Cove and a Cypress Swamp. Have a cocktail party on the rooftop patio and look at the stars through the 16-inch telescope. Start your event on the outdoor deck overlooking Deer Park Lake and dance the night away on two levels inside. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres around the spiral staircase or a sit-down meal amongst the nocturnal animals. Escape the boring ballroom – have your reception surrounded by the museum’s Conservation Garden, which includes a scenic amphitheater and a beautiful waterfall.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico
A first-class, cutting-edge and world-renowned facility, the National Museum of the Marine Corps offers your guests an unforgettable experience amidst some of the nation´s most historic and treasured artifacts. From corporate functions to personal occasions, their professional staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality service for each event. With several exclusive spaces available for special events, the Museum has the perfect setting for your event, whether it be an intimate luncheon for twenty or an elegant reception and dinner for 650.
Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton
The Frontier Museum tells the story of early immigrants and their American descendants with a combination of interpretive signage and living history demonstrations. Exhibits show rural life and culture in four homelands of early migrants to the American colonies. The Frontier Culture Museum’s facilities are versatile and accommodate any special occasion. From rustic to contemporary, cozy to spacious (up to 400 seated), the facilities are suitable for weddings, receptions, reunions, business meetings, staff retreats and company picnics. All facilities are handicap accessible with easy access to parking and modern conveniences in a country setting.

O.Winston Link Museum, Roanoke
The museum houses the largest collection of O. Winston Link’s acclaimed black and white photographs of steam locomotives and Southern railroad towns. The building is in a renovated N&W railroad passenger station across from the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in downtown Roanoke. With 1,400 square feet of meeting space and 1,000 square feet of exhibit space, they can accommodate groups of 400.
Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk
Explore 5,000 years of civilization through 30,000 objects in their world-class collection, stunning glass galleries, and interpretive programs. Attendees can enjoy an extensive collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. The museum can accommodate up to 220 people for a seated dinner and 720 for a standing reception. Glass Blowing classes are also available by request for smaller groups.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Portsmouth
Show your passion for sports, fun, play and creativity by planning your meeting here. Your guests will have access to our impressive displays of sports memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Hold your event in spacious event rooms that accommodate formal seated dinners or breezy buffets. With 1,600 square feet of meeting space and 3,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum can accommodate groups of 40 to 300. Where else can your attendees shoot hoops in a basketball court, score a soccer goal, or announce a football game in the media room?
Southwest Virginia Museum, Big Stone Gap
Dedicated in 1948, the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap chronicles the exploration and development of the region. The museum houses a collection of items from the region. The collection was started by C. B. Slemp, who served in Congress from 1907 to 1923 and was President Coolidge’s personal secretary. A lovely Victorian parlor in the four-story mansion is available to rent for meetings and other small gatherings of up to 75 people.
See more…
Unique Meeting Venues – Wineries
Additional Unique Venues