I made a trip down to Charleston with my gold fish's Siberian husky and enjoyed every moment of it. My brain was starving for a history lesson, though, so I went downtown to the Culture Center and ballooned it with some of the most interesting facts I've ever heard about the Capitol Building(s). The museum is free, which is a plus. I couldn't bring the dog in though, so cracked the windows and put on some Baha Men for him. I also walked upstairs, looked at the displays and was instantly greeted by a fine young man with a vibrant smile and excellent hair. What a great surprise. The car was gone. read more

The information and history are great. It's very important for everyone to have access. The only thing that's puzzling is that there's no free parking. read more

I was in town for work and my flight didn't leave till 6 so I had lots of time to explore the museum. Love how you start millions of years ago and progress to modern age. Each room is full of artifacts and information for each era. Easily you could spend a full day looking and exploring everything. And the best part is it's free! read more

See all

This museum is extremely well-done. It is complimentary and it is well worth every penny. Seriously, the only other state museum that comes remotely close is the NY State Museum in Albany. But this is one of the best curated museums I've visited and I've been to others that were not nearly as comprehensive, interesting, and downright enjoyable. We were greeted by the friendly docents and given a map and QR code for a scavenger hunt, as well as a few tips about what to keep our eyes out for. My favorite parts were the animatronic soldier, the Mail Pouch Tobacco Barn, These painted structures are such an interesting piece of Americana in the early 1900s), and most of all the coal mine, which feels authentic and a little surreal. It especially puts you in the element when it is quiet and no one else is down there. I could spend hours here, reading every last inscription on every last item. Alas, I had a four year old, who is pretty patient, but was also ready to get on the road to see his cousins later that day. Understandable. We spent about $60 in the gift shop, which I found to be very reasonable, considering we got two tshirts, some magnets, a State Capitol passport, and some candy. I told my son he could pick one thing and it was between a Reece's cup and a rock. He went with the former. Not a bad choice, kid. Anyhow, I really loved my time here. It was my second visit and I really will be looking forward to my third (and fourth and fifth!) West Virginia is hands-down one of my top 5 states to visit with its natural beauty, unique culture, and friendly people. This museum puts emphasis on all of these things. read more

See all

I greatly enjoyed coming to this FREE museum and seeing the West Virginia State Capitol, also FREE. This was my first time actually going inside a State Capitol Building. I have been to all 50 states, but never have been inside a state capitol. This museum is just a one minute walk from the Capitol. read more

See all

As first time visitors to West Virginia , the museum at the cultural center provided us with a foundation for learning about the state. The exhibits focus on every aspect of West Virginia history, culture, art, paleontology, archaeology and geology from all geographic regions - representing the people, land and industries. If you are a Civil War enthusiast , there is an entire section dedicated to West Virginia's role in the war . There's also a film about the war in the theater room . Some other interesting exhibits are the John Brown display which features a noose that the museum speculates could be the actual noose that hung the abolitionist . I have my doubts but they do say it has not been authenticated . There's also an actual moonshine still on display . The museum also contains a simulated coal mine and other hands-on activities, and includes a company store and miners home highlighting West Virginia's roots in the coal mining industry . The quirkiest thing I saw was two fleas that apparently performed at a circus of some kind and apparently were dressed up and did tricks . I still can't wrap my head around it lol but indeed a unique curiosity . Know before you go : Admission to the museum is free ! If you collect pressed pennies, there's a pressed penny machine in the gift shop . If you have a national park passport or state park passport there's a cute stamp available with the date - ask the front desk staff . (And yes the museum is neither a national park or a state park but often historic sites have their own stamp anyways ) . There is metered parking for $1. If you are into history , you will certainly appreciate this museum . Plan to spend 1-2 hrs here . read more

See all

The West Virginia Culture Center and history museum, located on the ground of the Capitol complex, is a in-depth and well done museum chronicling the history of West Virginia and its contributions to the nation. Entry is free but you will need to pay a nominal fee to leverage one of the meters in the large parking lot adjacent to it (it's super cheap though) I really didn't have a ton of expectations heading into the museum (and honestly I was mainly there to leverage its pressed penny machine) but was extremely surprised by the museum (which is quite large) The museum portion of the center is located in the basement of the building. Plan to spend a few hours really walking through and reading the displays. It features large sections on West Virginia's role in the Civil War and abolitionist movement, the coal and agriculture industry, the Labor movement, Native American tensions, and much more. Some of the artifact highlights include a looking glass once owned by George Washington, an "alleged" portion of the rope that formed the noose of famous abolitionist John Brown, and a preserved pair of dressed circus fleas. The museum exceeded my expectations and provided a great foundational history for this first-time visitor to West Virginia. read more

See all

Today Saturday was a Beautiful Day! Extremely Windy, but warm and sunny! I took Noel, Deacon & Kayla to the Capitol Complex and Cultural Center in Charleston. We walked around outside and took some pictures. Deacon and Kayla had never been here. We went in to the West Virginia History Museum (Free to enjoy) and spent about 2 hrs walk around. They gave a sheet of paper to do a scavenger hunt to find 12 items and we found 10 of them. It was a very lovely day outing that we all enjoyed. read more

See all

We came here with 30 minutes left to get a penny from the penny machine. When we walked in, it was beautiful. Dude at the front desk was very nice. I asked him about which place was better this museum or the capital building. He said he was partial to the museum. Anyway, great news, museum is free! We went down stairs and saw the museum of West Virginia. It brought you through the inception of 1863 up to the present day for the most part. It was corny but informative. read more

See all

This complex in downtown Charleston (as much as such a thing exists) houses in its basement the state museum. I was a little underwhelmed that they would put the museum on the bottom floor, but it does allow for an atmospheric stretch of dark tunnel meant to evoke a coal mine, complete with a random explosion sound. A couple of forays into glass windowed rooms add sharp contrast. The museum has a lot of what are either continuous or motion operated voiceover narratives, and while it isn't huge, it covers a lot of content, hitting most of the high points like John Brown, the Mine Wars, and a concluding hall of art with the echoes of a marching band covering the expected John Denver song. West Virginia has an interesting role in American history, being central to the Civil War (which lead to the split from Virginia), the Industrial Revolution (fueled by coal), and the labor movement (see Mother Jones). Many of the exhibits emphasize the natural beauty that might be underestimated by the casual visitor but is now the state's chief asset. And even as a non-resident, it's hard not to agree with the saccharine calls of partisan politicians that the state offers something special to the visitor. A group of elementary school children came in behind me, causing me to rush a bit to stay ahead of the crowd, but I suspect it was a good experience for young children to get a complex portrayal of history and culture along with plenty of fun stuff. There's no charge to get in. I couldn't figure out what was in the rest of the building and I wish there was a bit more to the museum, but you could still have a nice hour or so here as part of a visit to the state's capital. read more

See all

It was nice to learn and see so many different things and learn so much WVA history. Plus it was also free. Which is always a bonus and walking around state grounds and outside the capital and your also right at the war memorial read more

See all

This is an absolute must-see in the capitol This is located in Charleston, West Virginia. It is in the lower level of the Museum building across the sidewalk from the State capitol on the West Virginia State Capitol Complex. Parking for this can be found either on a nearby street or in the metered parking to the northeast that is part of the complex. The museum is a marble building with a large open entryway/atrium that is beautiful. There are escalators to either side of the information desk in the center. The left-hand one will take you downstairs. The museum takes up most of the bottom floor. You can walk through the wonderfully descriptive parts of the museum that takes you through the various parts of the state history. It starts with the prehistoric era to describe how the area came to be and the other portions describe various historical eras and then focus on the most recent centuries. I really liked the coal mine recreation. As you leave, the other escalator takes you back up to the main floor. Please be sure to check out the gift shop on the way out. This site is a must-see for anyone in the area. read more

See all

Awesome. Just awesome. I had tried to come in over the holiday weekend but it was closed; stopped back midweek and was amazed at how nice it is. Located right across from the gorgeous statehouse, this is an imposing building on its own. Inside, you go down an escalator to the museum, which is fair-sized. The most famous display is at the start: two dressed fleas from a flea circus. Okay... Not what I expected, but interesting. Moving on, there are portraits of famous locals, interesting artifacts collected over the years, and the start of the main galleries: a natural science exhibit with fossils found in the coal, and information about local habitats. History, from prehistory almost to the present day, is presented very well. Natives, settlers, the Hatfield-McCoy feud, the military- all covered in detail. There is a reading room with local books. Exhibits cover mining, labor issues, handicrafts, you name it. All nicely presented; in some places it reminds me of the Ohio History Center in Columbus. I spent an hour; you could easily spend two. Free, with friendly staff and a gift shop, it is well worth a visit. read more

See all

I have a degree in history. I have spent many hours in museums and at historical places. I can honestly say this is one of the best museums on the east coast. You legit walk through history. The good and bad of WV history. When I have friends visit for the first time in Charleston, I make them go. Most of my friends are not the history nerd that I am, but they also seem to enjoy themselves here. It's just so pretty and well done. read more

An outstanding museum that is right across from the Capital Building that features a walk through West Virginia history from the beginning to the present. Thousands of artifacts in dozens of scenes are diplayed in hallways and rooms for you to meander through. Beautiful building and helpful employees add to the ambience. read more

I visited the Cultural Center to see a comedian (Red Green). Yelp wouldn't let me check in at the front of the building. Not sure why. The building was quite interesting. There were historically significant items around which I found some interest in. If you see a show there and have to wait in line, walk around the side and up the stairs to the balcony. Made my time there a lot better as the view was good, empty seats around so I could stretch out, and I didn't have to wait in line. read more

Great museum. I was here a decade ago and came back this year with the family. They've really improved it. To s of information about the state. There's a lot about the founding of the state (When VA seceded from the union during the civil war, WV seceded from VA). They also have a small but really nice art gallery at the end displaying local artist's work. It's free to see and parking is really cheap. There is a visitor's lot with meters that cost 25 cents for half an hour. We spend about two hours here so I'd probably put at least $1.50 into the meter so you can have 3 hours (the meter maxes at 4). This museum is amazing, highly recommend it. It's a shame that almost no one else was there. read more

I went to the museum at the Cultural Center with my dad when visiting my parents in Charleston over Christmas. I hadn't been since I was a kid, and if you haven't been in a while they completely revamped it. We were extremely impressed, they did a great job updating everything. It's both a good look into the history of the state and a look into the way everyday Americans lived all across the 20th century. I only wish we'd had more time. read more

Charleston is a bust. It's fine that Charleston celebrates Veteran's Day over a two day period, but nothing, nothing, in our research before the trip from Philadelphia told us how extensively the place would shut down. Even on Friday the tenth, there was sparse information. Closed building did not have a sign "closed for the day before Veteran's Day". Web sites and some phone messages said hours may vary. (The phone messages for the state museum said nothing.) More could be said, but I've wasted enough time on Charleston. read more

Wow! As a history buff I have been to museums around the world. This is a must see! Beautiful flow of displays, lots of artifacts, informative videos and so much more. There is an actual historic cabin, a soda shop and so much more. Loved how the texture of the floor changed as the sections flowed from early times to modern times. Great for kids and adults alike and it was free! read more