History:

The Virginia Discovery Museum (VDM), an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is an interactive, educational museum for young children. VDM was established in 1981 to organize a group of traveling exhibits throughout Central Virginia. As the popularity of the programs increased, the Board of Directors resolved to find a permanent home for the museum in Charlottesville. Located first in a two-story house, VDM quickly outgrew its space and in 1990 moved to its current location on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. In addition to creating new exhibits, VDM established a variety of on-site educational programs and special events for children and families. As part of its commitment to the Charlottesville community, VDM also increased outreach to low-income families, expanded operating hours, forged a closer relationship with area schools and educational institutions, and participated in community-wide tourism and economic development efforts. Today, VDM welcomes visitors from across the country and across the world, but remains at its heart a local institution for the local community. 

Mission:

The Virginia Discovery Museum fosters intellectual curiosity and development for all children of our community. 

Vision:

The Virginia Discovery Museum envisions a future in which all children in our community are inspired to be lifelong learners. We seek to be a vital community resource where children from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds explore, imagine and discover together.