The 7 Best Museums in Portsmouth, Virginia (VA)

May 8, 2022 Darwin Bolte

Portsmouth is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 95,535. It is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.
Restaurants in Portsmouth

1. The Hill House

211 North St, Portsmouth, VA 23704-2601 +1 757-393-0241
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

The Hill House

2. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

2 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704-3830 +1 757-393-8591 http://www.portsmouthnavalshipyardmuseum.com/index.html
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

History museum displays a wide range of water craft, from pleasure to aircraft carriers, including artifacts related to the armed forces.

Reviewed By nauticalnerd12

A wonderful place to visit to see and read about the history of the US Navy Dockyard and the role it has played in the history of the US. The wonderful ferry ride from the Norfolk Waterside sets the stage perfectly for a visit to the museum. Located a short distance from the ferry, where you are close up to the present day dockyard, this is a wonderful museum to visit and enjoy and learn the rich history of this important dockyard. Staff are very helpfu too.

3. Children's Museum of Virginia

221 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704-3704 +1 757-393-5258 http://www.childrensmuseumva.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 286 reviews

Children's Museum of Virginia

Reviewed By Jeramie - Marion, United States

Children's Museum of Virginia is an excellent museum. They have lots of exhibits and they work! We have literally taken our three kids ages 5 (twins) and 11 to kids museums throughout the continental U.S. and this one rates right up there as one of the best.

4. Lightship Portsmouth Museum

2 London Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 http://portsmouthnavalshipyardmuseum.com/lightship/about.html
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Lightship Portsmouth Museum

Reviewed By 265edwardw - Port Charlotte, United States

Visited the museum for the first time in thrity years and found ti to be well-run and well-maintained. Only open Fri, Sat and Sun.

5. Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

500 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704-3516 +1 757-393-8543 http://www.portsmouthartcenter.com/visit.html
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

Reviewed By SouthCaro - Charleston, United States

I loved visiting this place. The items available were nicely placed and the center was warm and friendly. Staff was helpful and shared the history of the building. Perfect spot for personal or gift shopping. Recommend to visit.

6. The Railroad Museum of Virginia

Wythe Street & Harbor Center Way, Portsmouth, VA 23704 +1 757-335-2284 http://www.railroadmuseumofvirginia.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 32 reviews

The Railroad Museum of Virginia

A 1910 4-8-0 locomotive, coal tender, mail cars, dining car & caboose make up this specially museum pertaining to steam trains & railroad history. Fun for ALL ages!

Reviewed By RobynH1291

I concur with the other reviews - worth the stop! - great curators: they're knowledgeable about the train and it's artifacts and go out of their way to take care of you on your visit. Their passion is contagious! - all of the museum is housed inside the train cars. There's old railroad memorabilia, train toys and Thomas shows for smaller kids, and a large, running HO layout. - everyone in my family, young and old, thoroughly enjoyed their time!

7. Jewish Museum & Cultural Center

607 Effingham St, Portsmouth, VA 23704-3431 +1 757-391-9266 [email protected] http://www.jewishmuseumportsmouth.org
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2 reviews

Jewish Museum & Cultural Center

This restored synagogue is a simple Colonial-Revival style. Its interior represents a rare surviving example of Eastern European Jewish orthodoxy. We are committed to preserving historic records of a culture brought from Europe in the early 20th century. The building is recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and designated an historic site by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.