The Children’s Museum of Richmond is beginning a major transformation of our Downtown location as part of the Dream Big Capital Campaign. This renovation will enhance and elevate our exhibits and marks the first major renovation of the Downtown Museum since it opened in 2000.
Construction is scheduled to begin on February 16, 2026 and continue through June 2026 (exact date to be determined). During this period, the Downtown Museum will remain open to the public with some adjustments to operations.
General Questions
What is happening at the Downtown Museum?
CMoR is beginning a major renovation as part of our Dream Big Capital Campaign, transforming our exhibits and visitor experience. While some areas will temporarily close during construction, the museum will remain open and continue to offer playful learning experiences for children and families.
When will construction take place?
The first phase of construction is expected to begin on February 16, 2026 and continue through June 2026. An exact end date is still being finalized.
Will the museum stay open during construction?
Yes! The Downtown Museum will remain open throughout the construction period, though capacity will be limited and some exhibits will be temporarily closed. Our Chesterfield location will remain fully operational during construction.
Operations During Construction
Will visitors need to reserve tickets?
Daily ticketing is required to guarantee admission and help manage capacity during renovations at our Downtown location only. Walk-up tickets may be available if space allows, but availability cannot be guaranteed once capacity is reached. Families should reserve tickets in advance here on our website.
Will members need to reserve tickets?
Including for CMoR members, daily ticketing is required to guarantee admission and help manage capacity during renovations at our Downtown location only. Walk-up tickets may be available if space allows, but availability cannot be guaranteed once capacity is reached. Families should reserve tickets in advance here on our website.
Can we still visit without a reservation?
Walk-up tickets may be available if capacity allows, but advance reservations are highly recommended to ensure entry.
How do I reserve Downtown tickets as a member of the Children’s Museum?
- If you have an existing account, please click the red “SIGN IN” button in the top right corner once you’ve clicked the “Reserve Downtown” button on our ticketing page or through this direct link. Once you’re signed in, you can reserve your free daily admission tickets.
- If you’re a new member or have not previously created an account, please click the red “REGISTER” button at the top right corner of the Downtown daily reservation page. Please complete the web form with your contact information, including your name, address, phone number, and the email associated with your membership. Note: The email address you used to purchase your membership is the email you will use for your account registration.
- Once you’re logged into your member account, you can reserve your free tickets to visit our Downtown location.
- Be sure to click “Member Adult” and “Member Child” when adding individuals on your membership to your cart for daily admission.
Please note: You must be logged into your member account for the ticket price to reduce to $0 when reserving your member tickets.
Carousel ride add-ons are available for purchase here.
Will admission prices change?
Yes. Admission at the Downtown location only will be temporarily reduced to $9 per person for the duration of construction. All existing discounts and access programs will remain in place.
Will memberships be extended because of construction?
Yes!
- Memberships expiring between January–June 2026 will receive a two-month automatic extension.
- New memberships purchased January–April 2026 will also include a two-month extension.
Membership extensions for current members were processed in January 2026. If you have a question about your extension, please contact membership@cmorva.org.
Will field trips still take place?
Yes. Field trips will continue with a limited daily capacity at the Downtown location. Field trip forecasts will continue to be posted on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) on Mondays to help families plan their visits.
Educators should book early, book at our Chesterfield location, or reserve Museums-to-Go to secure their preferred dates. Learn more about our field trip options here.
Exhibit & Experience Changes
Which exhibits will be affected?
The Art Studio, Water Table, Cave, Diner, Bright!, Dino Area, Little Farm, and Treehouse Climber exhibits will be closed during construction to make way for a new era of imaginative, hands-on learning spaces.
Several favorite experiences, the Apple Tree, select Little Farm components, Draw Alive, Everbrite Wall, and Sun Tubes will be relocated to other areas of the museum during this phase of renovations to ensure continued access.
Where will the relocated exhibits go?
- Sun Tubes will move to the Lobby.
- The Apple Tree and several Little Farm fixtures will move to the Grandis Gallery.
- The Art Studio’s Draw Alive and Bright! exhibit will move to the Playhouse.
- The Children’s Pavilion will host a traveling exhibit, Framed: Step into Art, an immersive experience that invites children to explore the world of famous paintings. You can view a short video about this exhibit here.
Will there still be things to do at the Downtown Museum?
Absolutely! There will be plenty for families to enjoy! The Carousel, Playhouse, and Town Square (Hospital, Bank, Amtrak, Wegmans, TV Studio, CarMax) will be fully operational, as will all our outdoor spaces. Both the Grandis Gallery and Children’s Pavilion will host engaging activities and exhibits to expand the play opportunities. Stan the T. rex will continue to greet guests in the lobby, and both scheduled and pop-up hands-on programming will take place on the Museum floor.
Will the Chesterfield Museum be open?
Yes! Our Chesterfield location will remain fully operational during construction. Walk-up ticketing will continue as usual, and families are encouraged to visit and play there during normal operating hours.
Can members visit both locations?
Yes! As always, CMoR memberships are valid at both museum locations.
Will regular weekly and monthly programming still happen at the Downtown location?
Yes! We plan to continue as many of our regular programs as possible during construction. Please visit our Calendar of Events for the most up-to-date schedule and details.
Will Sensory Friendly Nights still take place?
During the construction period (January-June 2026), all Sensory Friendly Nights will be hosted at our Chesterfield location on the third Friday of each month from 5–7 pm. We will begin alternating between both locations again starting in July 2026.
About Dream Big
What is the Dream Big Capital Campaign?
The Dream Big Capital Campaign is a multi-phase transformation of our Downtown museum. In partnership with design firm Roto, local architects Quinn Evans, and RMT Construction, we’re creating all-new, inclusive exhibits that inspire learning through play for children ages 0 to 8 and their caregivers.
Why is this renovation needed now?
Our museum continues to evolve alongside the families we serve, and it’s time for our spaces to reflect today’s best practices in how children learn through play. The renovation will update exhibits and facilities to incorporate the latest advancements in exhibit design, Universal Design for Learning, and early childhood engagement, ensuring every child and caregiver can explore, create, and connect in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and developmentally rich.
How will the renovation be executed and funded?
The renovation will be completed in stages so the museum can stay open throughout construction. It’s guided by Roto, Quinn Evans, and RMT Construction and supported through a $9 million Dream Big Capital Campaign, funded by generous individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
How can I support Dream Big?
You can help bring the next generation of play to life! Gifts of all sizes make an impact and help us create a museum that welcomes every child and caregiver. To learn more or discuss giving opportunities, please contact: Sarah Newman, Director of Development & Marketing, snewman@cmorva.org