Science Museum of Western Virginia

Imagine a place where the laws of physics come to life under your hands, and the mysteries of the cosmos become closer. The Science Museum of Western Virginia is a modern interactive center located in the heart of Roanoke, USA. Occupying the fourth floor of the famous Center in the Square complex, this museum was the first such venue in the state, opening doors to the world of knowledge for thousands of curious minds.

Exciting exhibits covering a wide range of fields, from human body health and the basics of computer programming to ecology and engineering, are spread across approximately 4,600 square meters. One of the museum's main gems is The Eye Planetarium—the city's best planetarium, where visitors can embark on a virtual journey to the stars.

Special attention is given here to the "learning through play" format. The museum has its own makerspace for creativity and a unique garden with agricultural plants, highlighting the importance of the region's farming traditions. It is a living, constantly evolving space that inspires both children and adults to make new discoveries.

To plan your visit to the Science Museum of Western Virginia, it is helpful to have current contact information at hand. You can contact the administration by phone or visit the official website for details on programs.

In this museum, you don't just look—you act. Visitors are invited to dive into a world of hands-on activities: you can experiment with computer code, study engineering principles, or conduct experiments following the scientific method. For creative souls, the makerspace is open, where ideas turn into real projects using various tools and materials.

Nature lovers will enjoy a walk through the indoor agricultural garden and meeting "feathered friends"—live birds that live at the museum. Families with children often linger in the zone where science is explained through familiar toys and games, making the learning process easy and fun.

Be sure to schedule time to visit The Eye Planetarium. Breathtaking shows about the structure of the Universe and distant galaxies leave a lasting impression on viewers of all ages. Additionally, the museum regularly hosts live science demonstrations and themed festivals, such as the annual Virginia Science Festival, held in partnership with Virginia Tech.

Located in the heart of downtown, the museum is situated in the Center in the Square building at 1 Market Square SE. This area is extremely pedestrian-friendly, so if you are already downtown, the entrance is just a few minutes' walk from popular restaurants and shops.

If you are arriving at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), a taxi or rental car ride will take about 15 minutes. For those who prefer the railway or intercity buses, the path from the Roanoke Transportation Center is just a pleasant 10-minute stroll. It is also convenient to get around the center using the SmartWay city bus.

For travelers with personal cars, municipal parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the building. Thanks to excellent transport accessibility, a visit to the museum is easy to combine with exploring other attractions in the historic center.

The history of this science and education center began in January 1970. A group of proactive teachers and volunteers joined forces to create a place for informal learning that students were missing at the time. The museum's first home was a tiny basement measuring just 37 square meters (400 square feet) in the Cherry Hill multicultural center.

Despite its modest size, the project quickly proved its significance: local school leaders even allocated paid time for teachers to develop educational materials based on the museum's exhibits. In 1976, the institution moved to the former Tinker Creek school building, which allowed the area to expand to 280 square meters and welcome even more curious visitors.

A milestone occurred in 1983 when the museum settled in its current location—Center in the Square. This space, created from a converted five-story warehouse, has become the region's main cultural hub. Over the decades, the exhibits have grown to an impressive 4,600 square meters, but the core mission established by enthusiasts from the Junior League and science clubs remains the same: making science accessible and alive.

To explore all the main halls at a leisurely pace, check out the makerspace, and enjoy the interactive exhibits, the average visitor will need 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time to get acquainted with the key sections of the exhibition and appreciate the variety of technologies on display.

If you plan to attend a planetarium show or participate in special educational programs, it is worth setting aside about 4 hours for your visit. This is especially true for families with children, who will likely want to spend more time in the play and experiment zones.

The museum welcomes guests throughout the week, except for Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Please note that on Mondays the museum is closed for maintenance and exhibit updates.

Since the schedule may change on holidays or during special events, we recommend checking the official website before your trip for current information.

A walk around the Market Square area can significantly enrich your travel itinerary. Downtown Roanoke is full of interesting locations that are literally just a few steps away from the science museum.

You can meet marine life, see historic neon signs, or visit old churches, creating a full cultural program for the whole day.