Guests will embark on a journey into the mysterious and dangerous world of all things poison this fall at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Starting October 4, the touring exhibition “The Power of Poison” challenges guests’ perceptions and deepens their understanding of the fascinating — and often deadly — world of venom and poison. Guests have the opportunity to plunge into a world where truth and fable entwine through the toxic beauty of plants, animals, fairy tales and beyond.
Showcasing the many facets of poison and venom, “The Power of Poison” features historical flashbacks, interactive investigations and surprising insights into how poison can harm as well as heal.
“Guests will see how nature’s most dangerous substances — poisons and venoms — both protect the species that wield them and inspire the development of cutting-edge treatments and cures,” said Timshel Purdum, the Science Museum’s Virginia C. Ellett Deputy Director of Education.
The exhibition tells not just stories of natural poisonous and venomous parts of our world, but the unexpected and mythical ways poison has affected lives.
Legendary tales featured in “The Power of Poison” exhibition include Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” where three witches brew a poisonous potion in a bubbling cauldron. This is one of several life-sized dioramas designed to immerse guests in an enchanting, otherworldly experience.
Guests can investigate the poisons behind some of history’s most fascinating and mysterious deaths. Delving into the challenges of poison detection, they will uncover new insights into the demise of Cleopatra and the unknown danger from Napoleon’s wallpaper.
In conjunction with “The Power of Poison,” the Science Museum will feature hands-on programming, demonstrations and events throughout the exhibition’s tenure. Guests can build a 3D mushroom in the Art Lab, learn about Virginia’s venomous snakes, collect some tips to identify poisonous plants and take a look at how the compounds plants produce for protection can become the flavors people enjoy — in the right dosage.
The presence of “The Power of Poison” will make the Science Museum’s annual Science After Dark: Spooky Science (October 17) all the more frighteningly fun. Dr. Michelle Peace will also speak at Sunrise Science (November 7) about the forensic toxicology of diapers, bugs and vapes. More events and experiences will be announced throughout the fall and winter.
“The Power of Poison” is included with Science Museum general admission. Tickets are $18.50 for adults, $15.50 for youth (ages 6–12) and seniors (ages 60 and older) and $11 for preschool-aged children (ages 3–5). Admission is free for Science Museum members and children under 2. Discounts are available for teachers, military personnel and EBT cardholders through the Museums for All program. Tickets and memberships are available at smv.org.
“The Power of Poison” is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org). It will close on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
