Group Visits

Plan Ahead and Book Early Remember to make your reservation at least two weeks in advance.

April and May are the peak visit months, and classes, films and planetarium shows fill up quickly. If you plan to visit in April or May, it’s best to make a reservation at least eight weeks in advance, in order to reserve the dates, times and programs of your choice. You have a reservation only if you have received a reservation confirmation, which will be mailed to you as quickly as possible. At this time of year, the volume of requests greatly increase. Most requests are processed within eight working days. If you sent us a request for an April or May visit more than eight weeks ahead (thank you), you should receive your confirmation six to eight weeks before the date of your visit.

The Science Museum of Western Virginia has six permanent galleries that span the spectrum of science. Our galleries offer hands-on experiential learning that's fun, and each gallery addresses specific Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Students on a school field trip to the Science Museum typically participate in a tour of the exhibit galleries, spending fifteen minutes in each of four exhibit galleries. Facilitated tours are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 9am to 12pm. During a facilitated tour, teachers (using a schedule and a map given to them upon arrival) lead students to each of the exhibit galleries and are met by volunteers who are on hand to talk with the class, answer questions, etc. If a facilitator is not available in a given area, then that area will be self-guided. All tours on Fridays are self-guided, with no facilitators available.

To ask about the current schedule, check the schedule this week for showtimes or call 540/342-5726.

We offer classes for all grade levels to encourage students to investigate their world and develop their powers of observation as they test hypotheses, learn to collect data, and work together as a team.

Group discounts are for groups of 15 or more with two weeks notice.

• Because groups enjoy a discounted admission fee, individual membership passes and other discounts and coupons are not valid toward group admission fees.

• Contracting schools are prepaid by their school district, but MegaDome films are not included in school contracts.
  

• Museum Exhibits	$4.00 per child
  Planetarium Show	$3.00 per child
  MegaDome Film	$3.00 per child
  In-Museum Class	$3.00 per child
  Group Discount Package*	$9.00 per child
  *The Group Discount Package is for groups participating in a tour of the Museum's exhibits, a planetarium or MegaDome show, and a lab or class.

  
  
• Schedule a Group Visit
  

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  Special Needs
  Science Museum of Western Virginia's staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring the enjoyment of all of our visitors.  If any students or adults from your group have disabilities or special needs, please call our Front Desk at 540/342-5726 to discuss the accommodations you may require.

  Special Hours for Groups
  During the school year, the Science Museum can open as early as 9 am for groups of 15 or more.