Museums
The City of Harrisonburg and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of Museums for visitors to choose from. Visit one or visit them all!
Explore More Discovery Museum, Harrisonburg Children's Museum
150 S. Main St. ~ Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-442-8900
Open Tuesdays - Saturdays from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
First Friday FREE Open with free admission on the first Friday of the month from 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Experience the Explore More Discovery Museum and the new exhibits of Harrisonburg's community-inspired museum designed to engage young minds through interactive, multi-sensory learning experiences that promote greater understanding of themselves and their world. Exhibits include the Discovery Tree, Art Smart, Construction Zone, Friendly City Medical Center , TV Studio and the Science Lab. Learn about the world around us through exploration and the many workshops throughout the year.
Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum
3rd Floor, Public Safety Building 101 N. Main St. ~ Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-432-7703
Open Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm
The Fire Museum is an in-depth look at one of the city's most exciting departments- the Harrisonburg Fire Department. In addition to old fire memorabilia such as uniforms, medals, an old fire alarm, photographs and equipment, the museum provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of our nation's heroes. Free admission.
Harrisonburg Rockingham Civil War Orientation Center
Located in the Hardesty-Higgins House
212 S. Main Street ~ Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-432-8935
Open daily 9 am- 5 pm
The Orientation Center offers the stories of individuals, battles, and campaigns through film and interpretation. The center has available the Shenandoah At War Guide and other resources for visitors to explore our region. More than history lesson, share the experiences of the Shenandoah Valley at war.
Heritage Museum: Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society
382 High St. ~ Dayton, VA 22821 | 540-879-2616 (Volunteer Desk)
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm
One of the finest regional historical societies and museums in Virginia, the Heritage Museum features "Invincible Spirit", a 5,000 square-foot exhibit portraying the unique history in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. There is also a Folk Art collection, featuring the traditional arts of the Shenandoah region; Stonewall Jackson's famous Valley Campaign presented in a unique audiovisual setting; an extensive genealogy research library; and Civil War artifacts. Enjoy special exhibits and lecture series; and the facility offers an extensive genealogy library.
The historic Cromer-Trumbo House on the Harrisonburg Rockingham Historical Society grounds will be open for tours on the 4th Saturday of the month from March through August 2010 at 11 am to 3 pm.
103 S Main St. Harrisonburg, Va (540)442-8188
The areas only cooperatively owned art gallery. It has served the community for over a decade. Oasis features original works from 40 artists using all different types of media.
Hours 12-5pm M-Th 12-8pm Fri. 10-5pm sat.
311 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, Va 22801 (540)801-8779
The fourth oldest house in Harrisonburg. It is open to the Darrin-McHone Arts Gallery
Hours 9-5 M-F
Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center (Crossroads)
1921 Heritage Center Way ~ Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-438-1275
Open Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Closed Sunday-Tuesday
Experience the Valley's unique religious and cultural heritage at Crossroads, where Brethren and Mennonite religion and culture meet. The Center interprets these values as expressions of faith and historic importance in the community. Tour the interpretive center as well as the 1800s homestead and a schoolhouse, and attend events celebrating the history and heritage of the Brethren and Mennonite way of life.
Valley Turnpike Museum
Located in the Hardesty-Higgins House
212 S. Main St. ~ Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-432-8935
Open daily 9 am-5 pm
The museum is located inside the historic Hardesty-Higgins House (circa 1848), home of Harrisonburg's first mayor, Isaac Hardesty. The Valley Turnpike Museum is located on the famous road from which it was names, now known as U.S. Route 11. The museum explores the history of the road, from its beginning as a buffalo path to Stonewall Jackson's famous Valley Campaign, to the toll road era and the development of the interstate highway system.
Virginia Quilt Museum
301 S. Main St. ~ Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-433-3818
Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Closed all major holidays, 4 days between exhibits
The Virginia Quilt Museum is a resource center for the study of the role of quilts and quilting in the cultural life of society. The museum offers opportunities to view significant work by both early and contemporary quilt artisans. Located in the historic Warren-Sipe House, the Museum offers historic elements of quilting as well as a Civil War history room, special events and changing exhibits.
