The Power of Poison: New Must-See Exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia has a new exhibit just in time for spooky season!

The Power of Poison invites guests on a journey into the mysterious and dangerous world of all things poison! Through interactive modules, theatrical dioramas, and hands-on experiences, you can explore poison's roles in nature, history, and human health. While it is designed for guests 8 years old and up, this special exhibit is open to everyone.

The Power of Poison is on display at The Science Museum of Virginia October 4 to April 19, 2026.

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Everything YOU need to know about The Power of Poison:

The Science Museum of Virginia's The Power of Poison is taking over the Garner Gallery exhibit space!

In this immersive exhibit, you get to learn about the paradoxical powers of poison -- sometimes it's lethal and sometimes it's lifesaving! You can see how venom protects humans and inspires us to create cutting-edge treats as well as the dangers of it.

When you enter the Garner Gallery, you're transported to the Choco Lowland Forest, where you get to learn about Poison in Nature. You come face to face with the Wandering spider, Bullet ants, Eyelash pit viper, and more!

Next, you get to enter the world of fantasy, fiction and myths through Poison in Literature. studying as well as references to fairy tales and great works. You can watch ancient myths come alive on pottery, learn about poisoning in Children's Literature, and see famous works that entwined poison and anecdotes in their stories.

This section features three unmissable displays on Lewis Carroll's Alice and Wonderland, Shakespeare's Macbeth, and the Grimm Brother's Snow White. You get to step inside oversized installations to uncover how hat makers like the Mad Hatter were poisoned by mercury, watch the three witches conjure a deadly brew, and learn about the real toxin behind Snow White's paralysis.

The Power of Poison also takes you back in time with historical flashbacks that explore Cleopatra's mysterious death, reveal how Emperor Nero used poison to outwit his rivals, and explain why Napoleon's wallpaper was more dangerous than it looked.

Heads Up:

1. This exhibit has a sensory notice. It has periods of darkness, sounds and textures. You can borrow a flashlight for the exhibit if you want. Visit the front desk to pick one up!

2. Young children may be frightened by the three witches display. This is in the middle of the exhibit space.

More Poisonous Programming this Fall:

The Science Museum of Virginia has even more frighteningly fun planned for The Forge, Art Lab, Eco Lab, and Science on a Sphere throughout the exhibit's run! They will include hands-on programming and demonstrations. For example, you can build a 3D mushroom, learn about Virginia's venomous snacks, and collect tips to identify poisonous plants!

Save the Date for these events too:

1. Friday, October 17 - The Science Museum’s annual Science After Dark: Spooky Science

2. Friday, November 7 - Sunrise Science about the forensic toxicology of diapers, bugs and vapes

*More events and experiences will be announced throughout the fall and winter!

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 The Science Museum of Virginia open?

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm. On Fridays, you can visit until 8pm during the run of Ultimate Dinosaurs.

The Power of Poison will be on display October 4—April 19, 2026.

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

The Science Museum of Virginia's regular admission 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.

Teachers can visit the museum for free with their teacher ID!

The Power of Poison is included in a daily museum ticket and all membership plans.

*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 your 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:

Here are things to do at the Science Museum of Virginia with kids under 7.

I've been bringing my children to this museum since they were babies, and there's so many things to see and do with them here. The entire museum is stroller friendly, so it's easy to bring little ones here.

LightPlace: This section of the museum is designed specifically for children 5 and younger. LightPlace filled with preschool-sized hands-on activities like the oversized Lite Bright, puzzles, building blocks, and a climbing area. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, so the room is filled with light and views of the trains. There is also an area just for children 18 months and younger, so even the smallest explorers can crawl to sensory experiences!

The Speed Exhibit: This exhibit has over 50 stations for you to learn about motion and time! You can race an Olympic athlete (or dinosaur), practice throwing like a baseball player, feel hurricane force winds or challenge a robot in air hockey.

The Outside Exhibits: You will find restored train cars outside, a giant chess board and a submarine. You can see this area from LightPlace, too.

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.

You can find more things to do with kids on @thewestendmom 's Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok !