Trains, Tracks & Holiday Magic: The Science Museum of Virginia's Model Train Show Returns!

RVA's favorite Thanksgiving tradition is back for its 48th year! The Annual Model Railroad Show opens Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30 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. The expert blacksmith will be back with hammer and anvil demonstrations, similar to those once used to craft locomotive parts. The Science Museum of Virginia's educators will offer train science demos, including a hands-on collaborative train build.

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.

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What YOU need to know about the 2025 Model Railroad Show:

The Model Railroad Show takes place for three days only: November 28–November 30, 2025. 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 included in the museum's admission cost, so you can explore the entire museum before or after checking out the 48th Annual Model Railroad Show, including The Power of Poison! If you have a membership, the touring exhibition 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!).

A favorite from last year's event, the interactive family train yard is back again - children can play with a variety of train sets and make their own conductors hat! The blacksmith will also be onsite even longer, giving guests more time to watch his demonstrations. And new for 2025, The Science Museum of Virginia is introducing a new train science demonstration!

While you're exploring The Science Museum of Virginia, stop by The Dome for a larger than life film and the new touring exhibit The Power of Poison. Families can catch a giant screen feature like Arctic: Our Frozen Planet and Encounters in the Milky Way in The Dome. The new touring exhibit The Power of Poison transforms the Garner Gallery into a fantastical world where myth, legend and science collide in spellbinding displays inspired by Snow White, the Mad Hatter and more. It's the most immersive exhibit I've seen in this space!

*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 Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30. 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?

The event 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). Children 2 years old and younger can visit for free. Tickets must be purchased online before the event, and 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 the 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 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:

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 find a 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.

*Pictures provided by The Science Museum of Virginia.

MORE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS AROUND RICHMOND:

Check here to learn more about The Power of Poison exhibit -- it's the museum's newest touring exhibit!

Looking for free ways to celebrate the holidays around Richmond? You can find 20+ free and festive activities on this guide!

If you're looking for more Christmas fun, check out my guide to finding Santa in Richmond, 2025

If you're looking for can't miss Christmas performances, check out my guide on Holiday Magic on Stage in Richmond!

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