Special Event: Model Railroad Show at The Science Museum of Virginia

RVA's favorite Thanksgiving tradition is back for its 47th year! The Annual Model Railroad Show opens Friday, November 29 through December 1 at The Science Museum of Virginia!

This special event is perfect for train lovers of all ages: little kids, grownups, and history buffs! And it's even hosted in a former train station -- The Science Museum of Virginia is located inside the original Broad Street Station (1919-1975).

During the Model Railroad Show, you never know what you’ll discover! From classic train scenes to imaginative setups featuring LEGOs, Star Wars, and even UFOs, every corner holds a new surprise. Plus, don’t miss the expert blacksmith demonstrations, where you’ll see a hammer and anvil in action, similar to those once used to craft locomotive parts. The Science Museum of Virginia's educators will offer steam engine demos, including a hands-on collaborative train build. The Barbara Thalhimer Theater will be showing three episodes of Dinosaur Train throughout the day. Don't miss the RF&P forum - it will be transformed into an interactive family train yard! Future engineers can play with a variety of train sets and make their own conductor hats!

Follow @thewestendmom on Instagram for things to do with kids in Richmond!

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What YOU need to know about the 2024 Model Railroad Show:

The Model Railroad Show takes place for three days only -- November 29–December 1, 2024. You can purchase timed tickets for the railroad show between 9:30am and 4:15pm. If you have a Science Museum of Virginia membership, you can select tickets for 8:30am -- this special access gets you into the event an hour before the general public!

Tickets have a staggered arrival time to control the crowd. You can select times like 10am, 10:15am, etc throughout all three days.

Tickets for this special event are including in the museum's admission cost, so you can explore the entire museum before or after checking out the 47th Annual Model Railroad Show, including Math Alive! If you have a membership, the show is included in your admission - you don't have to purchase an extra ticket!

This special event takes over the Dewey Gottwald Center inside the museum, and the entire space is filled with elaborate train displays by private hobbyists around Virginia. The model railroads are featured on intricate displays with landscapes, cities, and even a few famous faces (like Star Wars characters & UFOs!). Families can catch episodes of  Dinosaur Train rotating throughout the day in the Barbara Thalhimer Theater, and they can learn through hands on demos in The Forge !

One of the new features for the 2024 Model Railroad Show is the interactive family train yard - children can play with a variety of train sets and make their own conductors hat!

*Pictures provided by The Science Museum of Virginia.

Where is The Science Museum of Virginia?

The museum's address is 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

You can find free parking in the parking deck between The Children's Museum of Richmond and The Science Museum of Virginia.

When is this special event?

The Model Train Show is open on November 29–December 1. This special exhibit opens at 8:30 AM for members and 9:30 AM for the general public. The last ticket time slot will be 4:15pm. You can purchase your tickets here.

The museum is open regularly from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm.

*Pictures provided by The Science Museum of Virginia.

How much does it cost to visit The Science Museum of Virginia?

It costs $17.50 per adult (13-59), $14.50 per senior (60+), $14.50 per youth (6-12 years old), and $10 per preschooler (3-5 years old) to visit daily. Children 2 years old and younger can visit for free. You can purchase your tickets here.

Teachers can visit the museum for free with their teacher ID. If you want to visit for The Model Railroad show, make sure to visit Guest Services desk or call ahead at (804)864-1400.

The Science Museum of Virginia also participates in Museums for All. This means the Science Museum offers a discounted daily admission  & reduced-rate membership for limited-resource families. Present you Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at the front desk to qualify for this program.The Museums for All daily admission cost is $1 or $2, and for $25, two adults and all children under 18 in the household can visit for one year.

If you are interested in a membership, check here for more details!

More Information about The Science Museum of Virginia:

Can I bring food and water into the museum?

Yes! You can bring in snacks and water to the museum, and there are designated eating areas in the museums. You'll also cafe with seating that sells coffee, snacks, box lunch items, chips, etc. The gift shop has bottled drinks, candy and snacks. Outside The Dome, the theater, you can purchase fresh popcorn, drinks and candy -- this is our favorite place to grab snacks!

Is the museum stroller friendly?

Yes! The entire museum is ADA accessible. You will find both stairs and elevators around the property.

Check here to learn more about the Math Alive! exhibit.

For more things to do with kids around Richmond, follow @thewestendmom on Instagram!