About the Virginia Museum of Natural History
As the state’s museum of natural history serving the entire Commonwealth and beyond, VMNH has award-winning exhibits, ground-breaking scientific research and collections, and innovative educational programs for all ages. With its outreach education programs, online resources, and traveling exhibits and displays, the Virginia Museum of Natural History is truly an institution without walls.

VMNH Mission: To interpret Virginia's natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all citizens of the Commonwealth.

• VMNH is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of museums across the U.S.
• VMNH became a state agency in 1988.
• The museum celebrated the opening of its new world-class facility in March 2007, drawing visitors from all 50 states and 20 countries.
• The VMNH Foundation’s annual Thomas Jefferson Awards honor Virginia businesses, groups and individuals for their contributions to and support for natural science.

Research and Collections
VMNH has developed a strong reputation for significant research and important collections, which now number more than 10 million items. Research at VMNH, led by its seven doctoral curators and curators emeritus, focuses on studies of Invertebrate Paleontology, Vertebrate Paleontology, Recent Invertebrates, Archaeology, Mammalogy, Marine Science and Geology. While the museum’s primary geographic strengths are in Virginia and the Southeastern United States, the collections and research programs span the globe with programs in China, Peru, Brazil, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Russia and Tanzania.

Education
The museum's innovative education programs reach students, teachers, and the general public statewide and throughout the region. From "at-the-museum" programs to outreach education programs that bring the museum to locations across the Commonwealth, the museum's education programs are correlated directly to the Virginia Standards of Learning and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.  VMNH educators are leaders in the field of informal science education throughout the state, providing a vital link between the museum's important research and collections programs and all citizens of Virginia and beyond. 

Exhibits
In addition to its important programs in research, collections, and education, the museum also features award-winning permanent and temporary exhibits both at the museum and through remote sites. Along with the museum's permanent exhibitions, the current special exhibits Living off the Land and Documenting Diversity help to translate the museum's groundbreaking scientific research into easily understood language and concepts that supplement and highlight the Virginia Standards of Learning and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.  From the permanent exhibit galleries Uncovering Virginia and How Nature Works to the new Hahn Hall of Biodiversity and the Fossil Overlook, the museum's exhibits connect visitors to the stories of Virginia's natural past, present and future.

New Museum Design and Construction Images

View a VMNH Timeline

Museum Memberships and Accreditation 

VMNH is a member of the Southeastern Museums Conference and the Association of Science-Technology Centers, and is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of U.S. museums.

As an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources 

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Secretary of Natural Resources advises the Governor on natural resources issues and works to advance the Governor's top environmental priorities. The Secretary oversees six agencies that protect and restore the Commonwealth's natural and historic resources. The Secretary's office and all of the natural resources agencies work together to uphold the provisions of Article XI of the Virginia Constitution.

Commonwealth Data Point

Commonwealth Data Point offers a free, interactive, and fascinating approach to view the transparency of state data to the citizens of the Commonwealth. This website offers key financial and demographic information about the Commonwealth of Virginia and the operations of state government. Click the icon to the left to view VMNH expidentures.