Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Move from watching the water to caring for what lives in it.The institution opened in 1986 as the Virginia Marine Science Museum and expanded into two buildings, a nature trail, research, education, and conservation work. Staff and volunteers began responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in 1989, and the formal Stranding Response Team followed in 1991. The Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center opened in 2021 with rehabilitation pools, examination and laboratory space, and support for diagnostic and forensic work. Those systems make the aquarium more than a display of charismatic animals.Access and volatility truth: Self-guided hours are 09:00–17:00 daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and inclement weather; general-admission guests enter no later than 15:30, and advance timed tickets are recommended because slots can sell out. The North Building is at 717 General Booth Boulevard and the South Building at 801; allow time for both and the half-mile trail. The campus is fully accessible and accommodation requests are documented. City parking is currently $6 per vehicle April 1–October 31. Part of the South Building's Undersea Super Powers gallery is under maintenance as of May 26, 2026, so current exhibit status must be checked before creation. More

Move from watching the water to caring for what lives in it.The institution opened in 1986 as the Virginia Marine Science Museum and expanded into two buildings, a nature trail, research, education, and conservation work. Staff and volunteers began responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in 1989, and the formal Stranding Response Team followed in 1991. The Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center opened in 2021 with rehabilitation pools, examination and laboratory space, and support for diagnostic and forensic work. Those systems make the aquarium more than a display of charismatic animals.Access and volatility truth: Self-guided hours are 09:00–17:00 daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and inclement weather; general-admission guests enter no later than 15:30, and advance timed tickets are recommended because slots can sell out. The North Building is at 717 General Booth Boulevard and the South Building at 801; allow time for both and the half-mile trail. The campus is fully accessible and accommodation requests are documented. City parking is currently $6 per vehicle April 1–October 31. Part of the South Building's Undersea Super Powers gallery is under maintenance as of May 26, 2026, so current exhibit status must be checked before creation. More