Wonderful gem of a museum in Jackson Ward that had a special exhibit featuring Arthur Ashe. Very…read morewell curated and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The building itself has alot of history behind it, and the other exhibits were also well done.

This is a must visit gem when in Richmond, Virginia. It is small- but packed with history,…read moreartifacts, and the energy of the ancestors. Really puts into perspective how short lived the freedoms African Americans have in America. A woman came out of the crowd to say someone in the exhibit's photo was her grandfather! He was among a group of lawyers and prominent men of the time working to form Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute- known today as Virginia State University in Petersburg. I particularly enjoyed the second floor exhibit of African Americans in healthcare - doulas, doctors and dentists. Making everyday job aids hold so much honor and respect for the accomplishments by practitioners. The historians on staff were very gracious with sharing their knowledge and their oratory brought history to life.

Wow, how my view of art has changed since my 2012 review!…read more For the last 10 or so years, I spend most of my time in the Modern/Contemporary areas of the museum. I definitely "get it" now! During yesterday's visit, I specifically went for the GIANTS exhibit showing the personal collection of Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys. A variety of amazing work both 2D and 3D, thoughtfully curated to showcase hip hop and black culture--and very generous of them to have it all on loan. The Basquiat was a must-see, though not one of the more impressive ones. The decommissioned prison uniforms was thought-provoking. The Kehinde Wiley paintings of Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys were everything. Gordon Parks and Jamel Shabazz photography. The Kwame Brathwaite photography were among my very favorites. Just wow. The color. The respect. The beauty. I would definitely go back to take it all in again.

Absolutely one of the most impressive art museums I've been to in the United States and, even more…read moreimpressive, is that it's free! If they have a special exhibit there is a ticket fee. On this visit, the special exhibition was Giants featuring works from the Deans (Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz') collection. Fee was $12. It was a very large exhibit and was quite popular too. I really enjoyed the wide variety of modalities featured on display. The museum is currently undergoing a huge renovation but there is still a significant amount of art to see. The collections on display are diverse in both range and medium-ancient civilizations to contemporary and painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, Fabrege, decorative arts. I was really impressed with the extensive collections of American and European Art with paintings from many well-recognized artists: Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Edgar Degas, Boudin, Winslow Homer, Salvador Dali and several more. The Asian art collection is also significant and ranges from sculptures to drawings to ceramics with a significant amount of Buddhist art. Unique to this museum is the large collection of decorative arts: silvers, furniture, Fabrege, glass,etc. There was also a small area near the interactive family lounge area highlighting art completed by children participating in one of the many programs they offer throughout the year. The museum shop is worth visiting and is nicely curated. There's also a cafe on the first floor and a restaurant on the third. Parking is available in the parking deck adjacent to the building for $6. Another interesting thing to note: the museum is open 365 days a year!

If you're into history and/or call Virginia home, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture is worth…read morea visit. Open every day from 10am-5pm, tickets are between $8 and $12 with children five and under free. Located next to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture is inside a historic building erected to commemorate the Confederacy. Now it's a museum honoring all Virginians, regardless of background. Here's why you should visit: 1) Entrance: There's a large parking lot near the main entrance. Walk inside and you'll see a well-designed cafe that serves local coffee and food, a bookstore with books and products from Virginia, restrooms, and the ticket area. Staff are helpful and the entire space is kept clean. 2) Exhibits: Start with the 15-minute film about the history of Virginia starting 16,000 years ago to today. It's worth the time. Then explore the exhibit halls where you can find art, artifacts like letters George Washington wrote, and more. One exhibit walks through history of Virginia from 16,000 to present day. Another honors all five regions of Virginia. Another talks about the original murals in the building and another showcases art of Virginia. Little rooms are filled with more exhibits displaying some of the 9,000,000 objects in their collection. There's even an area for kids to play in a little market, try on colonial clothes, and more. Interactive exhibits are part of every room. 3) Experience: It's not an overwhelming museum, but you can easily spend a few hours seeing most items and reading most displays. I learned a lot!

Not sure what I was expected, but I was sorely disappointed with this museum. The fee is $12 and I…read morefeel I spent about 12 minutes in there, so one dollar for every moment spent? Idk, I didn't feel that price tag was worth it. The history and culture wasn't presented in a way I thought captured my attention, nor made me want to retain said information or learn more. Save your $$$ and go to the VMFA which is right there, amazing, and free.

This Friday date night found Carol, Carol's Mom Nancy and I at the Hippodrome Theater in downtown…read moreRichmond were we attend a play called "The Jury Experience" which apparently takes live theatre to the next level, as the audience becomes part of the show as jurors. As a member of the jury, we analysed witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and forensic evidence in a search for the truth. The case involves the accidental death of a pedestrian by an autonomous taxi vehicle and the subsequent man slaughter trail of the AI's developer. We the jurors voted using our phones along with QR codes concerning three key elements of the trail and finally to either convict or acquit. It was great fun however I wish the theater offered more comfortable seating!!!

We went to "Jury Duty" it was fun There isn't really any…read morefood to speak of, just a small plate of finger food. There is a bar. The ushers and staff were very friendly and helpful

Wonderful artistry in the statue and great location in the center of downtown. The timeline around…read morethe statue and the statue itself are both wonderful to see in person.

"Let us be strong and make big plans!" -Maggie Walker…read more Maggie Walker has truthfully made a name for herself! Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1864 and raised by her mother Elizabeth Draper, a former slave, Maggie began to make a change as a teenager. Ms. Maggie Walker was an African American entrepreneur with a vision to make tangible improvements in the way of life for African Americans. She was a bright woman of many firsts, who dedicated her life to making positive social change within the community, especially for African American woman. Ms. Walker was the first woman bank president in the United States. She was also known as a writer, teacher, activist and speaker. If you are in the City of Richmond, I would strongly encourage you to check out Maggie Walkers' National Historic Site, located on E Leigh Street. I believe the National Park has done an exceptional job being able to tell the story of Maggie Walker and reliving her life. Maggie Walker is truly a woman that has accomplished a lot in her life, despite her disability as well as being an African American woman, and deserves to be remembered for her great achievements! Although this statue is located on the main street in Downtown Richmond, I still truly encourage to check out this memorial plaza.

Great! All the young people were awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They knew exactly what they…read morewere doing!!!

On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, SOUL Aerial serves up a tiramisu experience…read more SOUL Aerial is tucked away in the corner of a strip mall of shops. While their ceilings are not super high, aerialists are able to train a number of tricks and apparatus. Rigging felt safe, and I love the reception that I received as a visitor from the online exchange to my in-person arrival. I trained at an open gym, and I attended a Lyra II class that was taught by a sub. I appreciated that the class focused on drilling difficult tricks, and when I asked the teacher for a progression, she offered me one that was accessible to where I am training. Everyone in the class was so welcoming, and I enjoyed my visit immensely.

I grew up visiting the Franklin Institute in Philly on school field trips, so I had to temper my…read moreexpectations ahead of visiting Richmond's Science Museum. I've visited twice within the past month -- once on a chilly weekend day to explore all the sights, and again this past weekend for Neon Night. The museum itself is pretty dense with exhibits. The Power of Poison exhibit was very well thought out and loaded with details and visuals. You could easily spend an hour in there. I enjoyed the Boost exhibit the most, as it was hands on. I don't have kids, so I can't speak for the kids-focused activities, but I did enjoy the reptile room quite a bit too -- especially the "search" for certain creatures in their tanks. Neon Night was well done and attended by seemingly half of the city. I kept running into people I knew. I'd definitely attend one of their after-hours events again in the future. At $25, admission was reasonable. Drinks were also cheap. A cup of wine was just shy of $7. I was shocked that the dome show was narrated, as I was expecting it to be more of a movie vibe. I do wish they'd add a coat check. It's nice they have a parking lot adjacent to their building, but it's still a decently long walk when it's 20 degrees outside.

I haven't been to the Science Museum in so long. Can't even remember the last time. Probably when I…read morehad an astronomy class there in college. I decided to take my mom to a dome show on a whim and was a little underwhelmed. I wasn't expecting it to be "live" and narrated by a person. I was expecting a recorded show. A movie, I guess. Documentary. The live part allows you to interact, which the kids seem to enjoy. But to me, that felt unorganized and not what I was there for. I know now, and will change my expectations. Maybe there are other "movies." I also didn't like how the navigation into the auditorium leads you to the bottom--the worst seating. It should lead you to the top where the best seating is. We didn't do the full monty and see the exhibits. Definitely would like to return to take it all in.

In the theater world, every city needs large houses and small ones and community ones (including…read moredinner theaters, if applicable.) Large ones to drive the theater zeitgeist with main stage productions that everyone has heard of (either locally produced or traveling extravaganzas) and small ones to provide more intimate settings and maybe take a few risks. Firehouse is a decent small theater so I am not going to review it against the standards set by the large houses. Come to Firehouse for above average acting and for decent production values. Come to Firehouse for exposure to plays you won't see at large houses -- ranging from, say, Rocky Horror to Buried Child. Come to Firehouse for the experience of seeing a show in a raw form that does not depend on major fly-in gimmicks or other high tech special effects. Do not come if the above doesn't suit you, or if not quite comfortable seating is an issue. Or if you need to park close. Firehouse and its ilk fill a valuable niche. It should be supported and patronized.

Great theatre! Love the atmosphere and the commitment to new voices and courageous storytelling!read more

A hidden gem in the heart of Richmond! Black Iris Social…read moreClub is hands-down one of the most unique and inspiring venues in the city. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the creativity and energy--part speakeasy, part art gallery, part members-only lounge. The atmosphere is incredible: warm lighting, great music, and a perfect mix of elegance and comfort. Whether you're there for a private event, bourbon and cigar night, or one of their live shows, you're guaranteed a memorable experience. The staff are friendly, professional, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Every detail--from the cocktails to the curated art--feels intentional and top-notch. If you're looking for a place that blends culture, community, and class, Black Iris Social Club should be at the top of your list. Richmond needed this.

We have seen several shows at RTP. The show we saw tonight was of high quality like the rest. We…read moresaw Immediate Family. It focused on big ideas like love and acceptance. There was so much to relate to. The seats are comfortable, the staff is professional, and the rest rooms are clean. Sorry I didn't get to try the bar personally, but one person in our party had a drink and it looked really good. We will definitely return. We are even considering getting season tickets.

An absolute gem of a theater, I absolutely love RTP! They specialize in productions that not only…read morefeature diverse, LGBTQIAA+, gender varied individuals, but also seek out source material that is written by such people as well. It's an incredibly welcoming space--very accessible, with nice, big seats without arms. If you need additional arrangements, the box office is very responsive and happy to assist. The team that works there is very friendly, the bathrooms are clean, the bar is well stocked, and shows are great. Definitely worth a visit--maybe even renting out for a private event!