Rediscovering the Forgotten Garden exhibit open through January 9, 2010

Wildlife Art Revealed exhibit open through January 9, 2010

Clues to the Past: Archaeology in Virginia exhibit open through July 31, 2010

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is offering reduced admission rates, discounted new-membership fees, and discounts on museum rental rates through January 2010.  The program includes a $2 discount for all admission rate levels and a $10 discount for new members joining at the "Individual" and "Family" levels.  The program also includes discounts for individuals and groups renting the museum for special events.

"Our goal with this program is to help ease the financial strain on families visiting the museum, while at the same time encouraging increased visitation among visitors of all ages," said Ryan Barber, director of marketing and external affairs at VMNH.  "The Virginia Museum of Natural History is a wonderful resource for residents throughout the region, the Commonwealth, and beyond, and with the museum’s many new exhibits and displays, there has never been a better time to visit VMNH."

Special exhibits now open at VMNH include Rediscovering the Forgotten Garden, and Wildlife Art Revealed, open through January 9, 2010.  The special exhibit Clues to the Past: Archaeology in Virginia is open through July 31, 2010.

In addition to the special exhibits, visitors can experience the permanent exhibit galleries "Uncovering Virginia", "How Nature Works: Rocks", and "How Nature Works: Life".  The Harvest Foundation Great Hall includes full-body casts of Pteranodon, Allosaurus and baleen whale skeletons, along with a cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and a model jaw of a Carcharocles megalodon, the largest known shark to ever live.  Visitors can also view scientists and volunteers at work in scientific labs.

Visitors to the museum can also experience the Museum Store, PALEO Café, Library, and high-definition Hooker Furniture Theater.

"Anyone who hasn't been to the museum lately should be pleasantly surprised by the amount of exhibits to tour now," said Debbie Lewis, director of development at VMNH.  "Although the new museum opened over two years ago, it continues to grow in terms of exhibits, programs and events.  Obtaining a membership now is a great way to take advantage of all we offer this fall and beyond."

Museum admission rates during this discounted program are $7 for adults, $5 for college students, and senior citizens; $3 for children and youth ages 3-18; free for children under 3 and museum members.  An individual membership to VMNH is $30, while a family membership is $45.

Take advantage of this reduction in admission fees, or become a member to enjoy free admission to the museum.

Regular Admission Rates	Discounted Rates
$9 - Adults	$7 - Adults
$7 - College Students, Senior Citizens	$5 - College Students, Senior Citizens
$5 - Children and Youth ages 3-18	$3 - Children and Youth ages 3-18
Children under 3, VMNH members free	Children under 3, VMNH members free

Regular New-Membership Rates	Discounted Rates
$40 - Individual	$30 - Individual
$55 - Family	$45 - Family

To learn more about becoming a member of VMNH, please call 276-634-4162 or email foundation@vmnh.virginia.gov.