Virginia Living Museum, Newport News, Virginia, Virginia Wildlife in a Natural Habitat

The Virginia Living Museum opened its doors in 1987. Prior to that time, the museum existed under a different name as a science museum. At the time it made the transition to a living museum, it was the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi.

Since 1987, the museum has continued to grow and change and today features a wide variety of exhibits and over 1000 species of wildlife, some of which are on the endangered species list including the Red Fox, which is one of the most endangered species in North America.

Below are just some of the exhibits featured at the museum, which is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard.

Virginia's Coastal Plain Gallery

This feature explores the Chesapeake Bay and includes the Noland Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, a 30,000 gallon tank that includes some large sea creatures and offers a glimpse into some of the seas complex life forms.

Virginia's Piedmont and Mountain Gallery

Visitors can get up close to a variety of animals in this exhibit. See tiny red squirrels, yellow perch, wood turtles and many other creatures. The gallery also includes a display of the creatures found by the fall line of the James River in Richmond, Virginia.

Virginia's World of Darkness Gallery

Visitors can see tiny sharks, translucent moon jellyfish, bats, tree frogs and many other animals that come alive once the sun goes down. This display of nocturnal creatures also includes stingrays, lobsters, pine voles and many more.

Virginia's Underground Gallery

This gallery allows visitors to get a look at fossil remains that can be found in Virginia. This gallery also teaches about rocks and minerals and about the life forms that once existed in the area.

Coastal Plain Aviary

This 5500 square foot aviary allows visitors the chance to see pelicans, herons and many other birds. There is an elevated boardwalk that aligns visitors with the treetops for a unique view.

Abbitt Planetarium

Offers sessions that teach visitors about the solar system. There are different presentations offering glimpses into many aspects of space.

In addition to the many permanent exhibits, the Virginia Living Museum also offers changing exhibits. These have included Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes & Other Riches and Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies.

Some visitors are disappointed by the number of animals on exhibit while others are thrilled by the amount of hand-on interaction that is possible. One visitor commented on the way in which animals are displayed. She said, "This place is the only of its kind that I have personally visited. Rather than a zoo with cages, or rather than the limits of an aquarium, with only water-habitat creatures, this place exhibits all of Virginia wildlife in its natural habitat, whether it's land or water, whether it's mountain or beach habitat, which to me is amazing.''

Before planning a visit be sure to check for updated exhibit and pricing information.