Virginia Discovery Museum

The Virginia Discovery Museum (VDM), an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is an interactive, educational museum for young children. VDM was established in 1981 to organize a group of traveling exhibits throughout Central Virginia. As the popularity of the programs increased, the Board of Directors resolved to find a permanent home for the museum in Charlottesville. Located first in a two-story house, VDM quickly outgrew its space and in 1990 moved to its current location on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. Today, VDM welcomes visitors from across the country and across the world, but remains at its heart a local institution for the local community. 

The VDM hosts a variety of on-site educational programs and special events for children and families including weekly drop-in programs and summer camps. Our events, such as Boo Bash and KidVention, enrich the community and provide memorable experiences for all involved.