Whenever
you decide to visit, don't forget to explore the city's numerous museums
- all within walking distance of each other in Olde Towne. From the Children's
Museum of Virginia and the Lightship Portsmouth to the Courthouse Galleries
and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, we have something to fascinate visitors
of all ages and interests. And don't forget to visit Portsmouth's Museum
of Military History, which contains a privately owned collection of uniforms,
weapons and memorabilia spanning every war in the nation's history.Children's Museum of Virginia - The state's largest children's museum, offering more than 90 hands-on exhibits, temporary rotating exhibits, a 64-seat planetarium and a $1 million antique toy and model train collection. Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 221 High St. (757) 393-8393. Admission.
Courthouse Galleries - Features temporary exhibitions of national and international artists in a variety of media. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 - 5 p.m., closed on Mondays except during the summer. 420 High St. (757) 393-8543. Admission.
Lightship Museum - This restored lightship, a National Historic Landmark, was commissioned in 1915 to guide ships through treacherous waters. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays except during the summer. Water and London streets. (757) 393-8741. Admission.
Portsmouth Museum of Military History - A privately owned collection of uniforms, weapons and memorabilia that spans every war in the nation's history. Includes artifacts that range from a wooden crutch and pewter canteen from the Civil War era to a Japanese prayer flag and saki bottles dating back to World War 11. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 701 Court St. (757) 393-2773. Admission.
Nauticus - Norfolk, VA - Journey through the world's oceans at Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, a 120,000-square-foot, multi-level maritime showcase. Featuring hands-on exhibits including computer and video interactives, commerce and military-related displays, and exotic aquarium, Nauticus offers a fun and exciting educational experience for all ages. Plus, the Battleship Wisconsin, docked at Nauticus, has three new exhibits that bring the ship to life!
Portsmoutb Naval Shipyard Museum - This museum pays tribute to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, a govcrnmen t -owned shipyard in Portsmouth and the oldest shipyard in the country. Memorabilia includes uniforms, cannon balls, models of ships and a piece of the CSS Virginia (the Merrimac). Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., closed Mondays except during the summer. 2 High St. (757) 393-8591. Admission.
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum - The Hall of Fame honors Virginia sports heroes ranging from golfer Sam Snead to tennis star Arthur Ashe. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., closed Mondays except during the summer. 420 High St. (757) 393-8031. Free.
