Birds-eye view of the Portsmouth waterfront. A gallery-goer looking at an exhibit at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center The Portsmouth Lightship Museum The Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center Children's Museum of Virginia Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

HISTORY. CULTURE. FUN.

From the arts, history and culture to a museum just for kids, Portsmouth’s collection of museums offers something for everyone to discover. Plan your visit today!

A child enjoying one of the exhibits at the Children's Museum of Virginia

Children's Museum of Virginia

221 High Street | 757-393-5258

Two floors of exciting, interactive exhibits invite kids to discover, explore and let their imaginations run wild!

The exterior of the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

400 High Street | 757-393-8543

Experience the contemporary visual, cultural and performing arts inside a beautifully restored historic courthouse.

The entrance of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

2 High Street | 757-393-8591

Discover the powerful role America’s oldest and largest shipyard played in building the U.S. Navy.

The Lightship Portsmouth docked in downtown Portsmouth

Lightship Portsmouth Museum

London & Water Street | 757-393-8591

Climb aboard a century-old lightship that served for nearly 50 years off the coast of Virginia and beyond.

The Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum building.

Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum

904 Elm Avenue | 757-393-8591

Explore this tiny building’s big impact serving as the segregated African American community’s only library from 1945 until 1963.

Museum Events

Explore engaging family friendly, educational, and arts-focused museum events. There's always something fun happening!

Become a Museum Member

Enjoy money saving perks and unlimited admission to all five Portsmouth Museums!

Explore Portsmouth

There’s always something fun and different to do in Portsmouth! For all things from dining to events, check out Portsvacation.com.

FIVE museums. One HISTORIC seaport city.

Newsletter

Stay up to date on future exhibits and events.



Location

Museums and Tourism Administration
521 Middle Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Phone

757-393-8983