The Science Museum of Virginia is packing the final months of 2025 with numerous ways for guests of all ages to engage with STEM through exhibitions and events, including an intoxicating touring exhibition, after-hours events and a Thanksgiving weekend tradition.
Exhibitions
- 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.
- The Science Museum’s new permanent astronomy exhibition “Orbit” will launch in the months ahead. Featuring custom, interactive exhibits exploring topics such as physics, biology and engineering, the out-of-this-world experience will offer guests a stellar cosmic journey.
Fall/Winter Events
- Programming for seniors continues with the Senior Mornings and Senior Making series sponsored by Genworth. The next experience will feature photography and a nature walk through The Green on September 17.
- The Dome is ready to rock for more Laser Show nights! The music of David Bowie returns along with a spectacular light show on September 18 and Taylor Swift will reverberate through The Dome on October 9; further shows will be announced at a later date.
- Virginia crafters unite for Science After Dark: Well Made, an after-hours artistic craft maker event on September 26. The festival brings together a wide variety of creators to showcase their products. Families can visit booths, explore wares and watch demos from vendors to learn about the interesting techniques, materials and design processes that go into unique craft items. Guests are encouraged to celebrate local makers while also constructing their own creations in “The Forge.”
- The Sunrise Science series continues throughout the fall with the next speakers soaring in on October 1 for a talk on the SR-71 Blackbird that is suspended above the Science Museum’s “Speed” exhibit. Then, come back on November 7 for a discussion on forensic toxicology.
- Spend a night at the Science Museum with two themed overnight Camp-Ins. A Families in Medicine Camp-In sponsored by Haleon focused on heart health will be held October 10–11 and a Girls in Science Camp-In sponsored by DuPont for middle school girls takes place November 15–16 with a focus on the science of plants.
- Science After Dark: Spooky Science is even eerier with “The Power of Poison” in the recipe. This frightfest takes place on October 17 and is a wicked good way to spend a Friday night.
- The Science Museum continues its series of sensory-friendly events, Minds of All Kinds, on November 21. Guests can enjoy a less crowded environment and get hands-on to pique curiosity and inspire discovery.
- An on-time arrival for Thanksgiving weekend brings the Model Railroad Show back to Richmond on November 28–30. The annual spectacle of elaborate train displays and engineering feats will celebrate its 48th year in a celebration of the building’s history as a train station for half of the 20th century.
The Science Museum’s full programming calendar, with details and ticket information for each offering, can be found at smv.org. Additional events will be announced in the coming months.
