Overview
The Museum District is a district in Richmond, Virginia. In 1993, after many years of work this neighborhood was recognized as a Federal and State Historic District. This district consists of early 20th century housing, and it is home to many of Virginia's great museums. The district is located west of the Boulevard, between Cary St and Broad St. In 1995 the first Home and Garden tour was held, with many houses displaying beautiful landscapes.
"Carytown" is the strip of Cary St between Thompson and Boulevard. Carytown offers top rated restaurants and shops that are easily pedestrian accessible.
6 sights · 1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Museum District
Agecroft Hall
A Tudor estate built in the late 15th century and transported to Virginia.
Science Museum of Virginia
The center for premier hands on science education in Virginia.
Folk Art Society of America
A dynamic, non-profit organization which advocates the discovery, study, documentation, preservation and exhibition of folk art, folk artists and folk art environments.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The VMFA is one of the first museums in the southern part of the United States, funded by a state. It often features exhibitions. Some of the past exhibits include: Realist and American Impressionist paintings from the M…
Children's Museum of Richmond
A not-for-profit organization, exists to create innovative learning experiences for all children and those who support them that inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers.
Byrd Theatre
HIstoric Richmond Theatre, go on Saturday nights to hear The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ played by the brilliant Bob Gulledge prior to the movie.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jun. (climate data from nearby Richmond)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RIC Richmond International Airport, Richmond — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PHF Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News — 62 mi away. Directions
GRTC Phone: +1 804 358-4782. Buses run about every 40 minutes and the fare is free. The most up to date map and bus location information can be found on the unofficial grtc.today.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Science Museum of Virginia, Children's Museum of Richmond, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Lunch Chiocca's
- Afternoon Byrd Theatre, Folk Art Society of America
- Dinner Galaxy Diner
- Evening New York Deli
Day 2
- Morning Agecroft Hall
- Lunch Ellwood Thompson's
- Afternoon The Richmond Street Drummers
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By bus
GRTC Phone: +1 804 358-4782. Buses run about every 40 minutes and the fare is free. The most up to date map and bus location information can be found on the unofficial grtc.today.
By car
There are several public parking decks in the area, most being near the Shopping District on W Cary Street. Outside of these lots parking is very limited and for the most part parallel street side lots. Some businesses have large parking lots, however be cautious when parking at these. Many of these businesses, especially those near W Cary St. have strictly enforced towing policies for those that are not shopping at that store.
By foot
The area is very pedestrian friendly so parking several blocks away in one of the public lots or at an establishment that doesn't tow and then walking to your destination tends to be the best option.
See
See The Richmond Street Drummers
Local teenagers, group of 1 - 6 boys, jamming on trash can style drum kit. If you see them you know you are in a happening place. Be sure to show them support.
Museums
Many of Virginia's most famous museums are located in this district (hence the name).
See Folk Art Society of America
A dynamic, non-profit organization which advocates the discovery, study, documentation, preservation and exhibition of folk art, folk artists and folk art environments.
See Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The VMFA is one of the first museums in the southern part of the United States, funded by a state. It often features exhibitions. Some of the past exhibits include: Realist and American Impressionist paintings from the McGlothlin Collection, furniture of the Old South and masterpieces of American silver.
Do
Buy
Shop Cary Town
Carytown was established in the late 1920s. It is recognized as a superior shopping district in Richmond with over 200 businesses. It has been preserved as a historic area. Carytown offers popular groceries including Fresh Market, Martin's, Ellwood Thompsons, and Krogers. There are cafes and coffee shops, like Bev's Homemade Ice cream, Cary Street Cafe. There are spas, candy shops, clothing boutiques, and vintage and consignment stores like Halltree and Bygones. Check out the restaurants while you're there - some of the best eateries in Richmond, from the low-end Galaxy Diner to the Thai restaurants, make their homes in Carytown. Each year Carytown hosts an annual Watermelon Festival which draws 100,000 people from near and far.
Shop For the Love of Chocolate
For the Love of Chocolate is a confectionary shop located at the center of W. Cary St. Shopping District. If you are traveling internationally to the US For the Love of Chocolate is a gret place to get a piece of candy if you're feeling homesick as they stock a large selection of international items. Alternatively you can try some of the bon bon, fudge, and other chocolate treats made in house.
Eat
Eat Chiocca's
If you have a little cash to spend, and enjoy a dark atmosphere filled with locals, this is the place for you. Delicious deli sandwiches that are worth the wait.
Eat Ellwood Thompson's (Ellwood Thompson's Local Market)
Carytown's Own natural food market. Check out their hot bar for quick meals!
Eat Galaxy Diner
Located in the heart of Carytown, it's a throwback to the 50s with a funky Richmond twist. The theme is "B SciFi", but the food is "A-", that is, not great, but pretty good for the price. Burgers, shakes, and fries of course, but also some good veggie offerings (the Portabella Burger is recommended) and their unique fried pickle. A fun place for the family, and convenient to the eclectic Carytown shopping district.
- 4 Deluca gelato, 1362 gaskins rd. Good icecream:)
Drink
Drink New York Deli
Huge selection of draft beer with a good lively atmosphere.
Sleep
Nearby
Ashland
City / town · 14 listings · 14 mi away
Hanover
City / town · 8 listings · 15 mi away
Doswell
City / town · 11 listings · 21 mi away
Petersburg
City / town · 6 listings · 24 mi away
Thornburg
City / town · 3 listings · 40 mi away
Blackstone
City / town · 8 listings · 44 mi away
Crewe
City / town · 7 listings · 44 mi away
Williamsburg
City / town · 34 listings · 47 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.