1. Getting to the Valentine

When is the Valentine museum open?

The Valentine Museum is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursdays the museum is open from 10a.m. to 7 p.m.

The museum is closed on Mondays as well as the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day.

The Valentine is open on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day.

Where can I park?

Museum admission includes two hours of parking in the Valentine’s lot at 407 North 10th Street. Overflow parking is available on the street as well as in the MCV Visitor Parking Deck at 529 N. 12th Street with validation available. Please visit our front desk to validate your parking before leaving the Valentine.  

For further information about parking downtown, visit Richmond’s Parking Enterprise webpage.  

For a map of all public and private lots in close proximity to the Valentine visit this Parkopedia parking map.

Can I take the bus?

Yes, the Valentine is located two blocks east of the Downtown Transfer Station, which services numerous GRTC Routes. If taking the GRTC Pulse, disembark at the Government Center station at Broad & 9th Street for easy access to the Valentine. 

 

2. Planning Your Visit

How much is museum admission?

Adults   |   $10 

Seniors (55 and over), groups of 10 or more   |   $8 

Valentine members, children under 18, students with ID, military personnel, teachers   |   Free 

SNAP recipients with EBT card (up to 4 individuals)   |   Free 

Admission is free every Thursday. 

What is included in admission?

Admission includes two hours of parking in the Valentine museum lot or validated parking for the MCV Visitor Parking Deck, one-day admission to Valentine exhibition galleries and a guided tour of the historic Wickham House.

Are strollers permitted in the museum and galleries?

Yes, strollers are welcome in all galleries and the Wickham House. Our unattended coat room is available to store other bulky items. 

Is there anything I can’t bring into the museum?

Bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are prohibited inside the museum, Wickham House and Valentine Sculpture Studio. Food, drink, gum, and candy are not permitted in the museum. Weapons of any kind are prohibited inside the museum, except for qualified law enforcement. For more visitor policies, see here.

Is there a place to store my coat/bag/umbrella inside the museum?

Yes, there is a free unattended coat closet available inside the museum lobby with lockers for storing personal belongings.  

Are pets permitted in the museum?

Service animals are welcome on museum grounds and in the building. Guests are welcome to bring dogs on leashes to the garden during daytime hours. See more pet policies here.

May I take photographs in the museum?

Photos for personal use are permitted and encouraged at the Valentine Museum. Don’t forget to tag us on a social media!

Professional photography, videography  and audio recording in the museum, Wickham House, Valentine Sculpture Studio, or Valentine Garden is not permitted without prior authorization.  

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?

During the week there are great food carts located on Clay Street, 11th Street, and Marshall Street, and visitors are welcome to eat lunch in our garden. We also recommend the Can Can Café, located in the Library of Virginia at 800 East Broad Street. One block down at 1250 East Marshall Street is the VCU Medical Center Main Hospital, which includes a Starbucks, Panera, and Cafeteria.  

What nearby attractions would you recommend?

Within walking distance in the Court End neighborhood, you can find a number of great historic sites, including: 

  • The Virginia State Capitol 
  • The Executive Mansion 
  • Richmond’s City Hall and Observation Deck 
  • The Library of Virginia 
  • The American Civil War Museum’s White House of the Confederacy 
  • Monumental Church 
  • The John Marshall House  

Within a few miles, you can also visit the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, the American Civil War Museum, the Poe Museum and Historic St. John’s Church. 

What is there for kids to do during our visit?

We love families! Admission for children under 18 always is free. A family-friendly scavenger hunt is available at the front desk to use as you explore the museum. Our guided Wickham House tour is also family-friendly and includes hands-on opportunities to touch and experience reproduction artifacts related to life in the 19th century. Families can also use our self-guided tours to explore the Valentine’s historic neighborhood, Court End 

3. Valentine First Freedom Center

What is the Valentine First Freedom Center?

Located on the same corner where the Virginia General Assembly ratified the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, the Valentine First Freedom Center explores the freedom of conscience proclaimed in the Statute and how we experience that freedom today.

Learn more here.

Where is the Valentine First Freedom Center located?

The Valentine First Freedom Center is located at 14 South 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. 

When is the Valentine First Freedom Center open?

The Valentine First Freedom Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

The center is closed on Mondays as well as the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day. 

How much is admission to the Valentine First Freedom Center?

Admission to the First Freedom Center is free. 

Where can I park when visiting the Valentine First Freedom Center?

Validated parking is available in the City Parking Deck at 1410 East Cary Street. Please bring your parking ticket inside to our desk for validation. 

Is the Valentine First Freedom Center wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the First Freedom Center is fully accessible by wheelchair. For more details, see our listing on the VisitAble database.

4. Access & Accomodations

Is the museum wheelchair accessible? 

The Valentine’s campus, including the historic Wickham House, all bathrooms and the Valentine garden are fully accessible by wheelchair. The museum’s 10th street entrance has a wheelchair accessible ramp. The museum also has two standard wheelchairs available to borrow for visitor convenience.  

If you have any questions about accessibility, please call our front desk at (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 and we will be happy to help. For more information you can also check out our listing on the VisitAble database.

Does the museum offer specialized tours or accommodations for visitors with accessibility concerns?

Yes, the Valentine partners with local accessibility organizations to offer specialized public tours that benefit visitors with accessibility concerns. Check our event calendar for dates or email [email protected] for more info.  

 American Sign Language interpretation for events and tours is available with two weeks’ notice by emailing [email protected]. 

Does the museum offer materials or programs in Spanish?

Yes, the Valentine offers Spanish exhibition materials for our core exhibition This Is Richmond, Virginia, located at the entrance to the galleries. Tours in Spanish can be arranged with two weeks notice by emailing [email protected]. 

5. Group Programs & Tours

Can my group plan a visit to the Valentine?

Yes! We love groups. Reservations are required for groups of 10 visitors or more. Reserved bus parking for groups is available directly in front of the museum on Clay Street. 

For adult groups, admission to the museum is $8 per person and includes a guided tour of the Wickham House, a National Historic Landmark. Find more information here. 

Find more information about student groups here. 

Can someone from the museum come talk to my group?

Yes, we love providing speakers on topics related to Richmond history and the Valentine museum. You can learn more about our History Talks program and request a speaker here. 

Can I bring a school group to the museum?

Yes! We love students. Find more information about our student programs here.

 

Can I schedule a private walking or bus tour for my group?

Yes, find more information and request a private group tour here.

6. Getting Involved

How can I become a member of the Valentine?

Memberships are available for purchase online here and in the museum’s store.

What are the perks of becoming a member of the Valentine?

Membership perks include free admission to the museum, free parking while visiting, invitations to special events, discounts on select tours and in the museum store,  and many other opportunities. 

How can I stay updated on Valentine events and programs?

Please sign up for our mailing list here to receive regular updates on Valentine happenings and stay in the loop!

Can I volunteer or intern at the Valentine?

We always welcome volunteer applications. You can find information about available positions on our Volunteer page. The Valentine’s internship program is open to currently enrolled college students and recent graduates. Find more information about internship opportunities here. 

Can I rent your space or hold an event at the museum?

Due to construction, the Valentine’s facility rental program is currently paused, and we are not taking any new reservations. We expect that to change in the near future, so please check back with us soon.

We’re sorry for the inconvenience and wish you the best in finding the perfect place for your event.

 

7. Collections & Research

How can I access the Valentine’s collection for my own research?

See Research for information about accessing our collection and to submit a research inquiry.  

Can I donate an object to the Valentine’s collection?

See How We Collect & Curate for information about our collecting priorities and donation process.  

Can the Valentine provide an appraisal of my object?

The Valentine cannot offer value appraisals for artifacts. However, we can suggest appraisers in the area and provide guidance on how to care for and maintain items. See Donate an Object FAQ for more information.