Frequently Asked Questions

We are open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. We are closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Admission to the West Virginia State Museum is free and walk-ins are welcome.

Note: It is strongly encouraged that schools and large groups schedule their visit in advance. We proudly offer a variety of educational programming and activities for groups of all kinds. Please contact Nathan Barner, Museum Education Coordinator at (304) 558-0220 ext. 185 or Nathan.L.Barner@wv.gov to schedule.

The West Virginia State Museum is located on the lower level of the Culture Center within a space of over 24,000 square feet with additional educational facilities. The museum is divided into 26 Discovery Rooms and 2 Connections Rooms that connect to a central Show Path, which is about 660 feet long and ADA accessible.

Additional exhibit spaces are located on the main level in the Great Hall and on the second floor in the Balcony Gallery.

The Culture Center is also home to administrative offices, the State Theater, State Archives and History library, West Virginia Commission on the Arts, and the State Historic Preservation Office.

Yes! Click Here for a digital copy of the museum map in English.

Para ver mapa del museo en español, haga clic aquí.

The museum is self-guided, so it is difficult to provide an exact amount of time that guests should allot for their visit, as it depends on a variety of personal factors. However, we've put together a few estimates to help you plan. No matter how long you stay, you'll discover that you want to return because there is just so much to see!

• The museum features a central show path, 26 Discovery Rooms, and 2 Connections Rooms. If you were to spend about a couple of minutes enjoying each room, your museum visit could be between one to two hours.
• Visitors who follow the show path from prehistory to the 21st century without spending additional time in each Discovery Room, spend approximately 45 minutes to an hour in the museum.
• If you are hungry for even more Mountain State history, plan to stop by each of the Connections Room to conduct further research via our touchscreen devices! Visitors that include stops in both Connections Rooms in addition to the show path and each of the 26 Discovery Rooms can easily spend around 3 hours (or more!) visiting the museum.

Fun Fact! If a visitor were to read every display and watch every documentary inside the museum, the entire tour would be over 26 hours!

Yes! Tamarack at the Culture Center is our gift shop and is an installation of Tamarack Marketplace: "The Best of West Virginia". Inside, you will find quality West Virginia crafted products that reflect the spirit of the State Museum. From books and toys to food and kitchenware, and other souvenirs, you'll be sure to find exceptional, handmade goods made by West Virginia artisans available for purchase inside Tamarack at the Culture Center.

The West Virginia State Museum offers visitors an immersive tour through West Virginia history from prehistory in the ancient coal forest through present day events. Expect to discover fascinating artifacts, interesting people, and robust cultures and industries as you gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our state's rich history.

In addition to permanent exhibits within the museum, additional temporary Featured Exhibits can be viewed in the exhibit spaces on the main level in the Great Hall and on the second floor in the Balcony Gallery. To learn more about our current and upcoming Featured Exhibits, visit https://wvculture.org/discover/featured-exhibits/.

The museum's lighting and temperature are both kept low to help us better preserve and protect the artifacts.

The West Virginia State Museum is a wonderful opportunity for all to learn about West Virginia history! The immersive experience with over 6,000 artifacts on display, special lighting and sound elements, and interactive opportunities ensures that there is truly something for everyone.

We also offer digital scavenger hunts accessible via QR Code at the front desk that are fun for all ages.

If you would like to arrange a visit for a large group of school-age children, be sure to check out our structured educational programming opportunities. Contact Nathan Barner, Museum Education Coordinator via e-mail at Nathan.L.Barner@wv.gov or phone at (304) 558-0220 ext. 185 to learn more.

Absolutely! The West Virginia State Museum is free and open to the public. We proudly offer a variety of tours and activities that were collaboratively developed by a team of educators and historians. All of our programs are offered free of charge.

So that we are able to best serve your group, it is strongly encouraged that you schedule your visit in advance. Contact Nathan Barner, Museum Education Coordinator via phone at (304) 558-0220 ext. 185 or Nathan.L.Barner@wv.gov for more information or to schedule your visit.

Correct, the West Virginia State Museum is located inside the Culture Center. In addition to the State Museum, the Culture Center is home to the Norman L. Fagan State Theater, West Virginia State Archives and History library, State Arts Office, State Historic Preservation Office, Goldenseal Magazine, West Virginia Library Commission, and administrative offices.

Throughout the year, the Events staff hold several main events including the West Virginia Dance Festival, Vandalia Gathering, West Virginia State Marching Band Invitational, and numerous pop-up events. To learn more about events at the Culture Center, visit https://wvculture.org/communications-events/.

Yes! While visiting the State Capitol Complex, visitors may also enjoy the following:

• Guided Tours of the State Capitol
• Guided Capitol tours are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Tours begin every half hour. Tours of the Capitol begin on the first floor Rotunda and are approximately 30 minutes long.
• Note: Groups of 10 individuals or fewer are welcome to join a regularly scheduled tour without a reservation. In order to provide the best service, groups of more than 10 individuals are strongly encouraged to make reservations at least 48 hours in advance. Contact the Capitol Tours and Information desk at (304) 558-4839 for reservations and more information.
• Self-Guided Tour of Monuments and Capitol Grounds
• Stroll the beautiful grounds of the State Capitol Complex as you explore the architecture and statuary at the Capitol Complex in this self-guided walking outdoor walking tour.
• Guided Tour of the Supreme Court/West Virginia Judicial Learning Center
• Get a closer look into the judicial branch as you explore the courts system and Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.
• The West Virginia Judicial Learning Center is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays/Holidays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Contact the Capitol Tours and Information desk at (304) 558-4839 for reservations and more information.
• Additional information is available at: www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/learning-center.

From points North:

Take I-77 South to Exit 99 (Greenbrier Street/State Capitol Exit). Turn right off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street and then turn left at Washington Street to enter the State Capitol parking lot.

From points East:

Take I-68 West to I-79 South. Take Exit 99 (Greenbrier Street/State Capitol Exit). Turn right off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street and then turn left at Washington Street to enter the State Capitol parking lot.

From points South:

Take I-77 North to Exit 99 (Greenbrier Street/State Capitol Exit). Turn right off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street and then turn left at Washington Street to enter the State Capitol parking lot.

From points West:

Take I-64 West to Exit 99 (Greenbrier Street/State Capitol Exit). Turn right off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street and then turn left at Washington Street to enter the State Capitol parking lot.

Parking options for Culture Center visitors can be found in the following areas:

Metered Parking Lot

Note: Parking may be limited when the Legislature is in session.

Enter the lot at the corner of Washington Street E and Greenbrier Street. Parking is $0.25 per half-hour (max. 4 hours) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*After 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and state holidays, there is no charge for parking in these spaces.

Accessible Parking Spaces

Designated metered accessible parking is available in Metered Parking Lot located at the Greenbrier Street entrance in addition to a small number of metered spaces in the bus loop in front of the Culture Center. Vehicles must display proper Mobility Impaired or Disability parking placards or signage in these spaces.

Additional Free Public Parking

Additional free public parking is available at University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field. If parking here, take Exit 99 toward WV-114S (Greenbrier St/State Capitol Exit) and keep right at the fork. Turn right onto Elizabeth Street and continue straight to Lots A and B.

Laidley Field is located about two blocks from the Capitol Complex. A complimentary Capitol Complex shuttle service is available Monday - Friday in three shifts. See more at: Plan Your Visit

Parking is $0.25 per half-hour (max. 4 hours) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and state holidays, there is no charge for parking in these spaces.

Meters accept quarters. Visitors also have the option to pay for parking via free mobile app, PayByPhone. You can download the app for free from the PayByPhone website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. Once you download the app, follow the directions inside the app.

For assistance parking, please contact the Piedmont Guard House via phone at (304) 558-0248. You can also call the Parking Section Manager at (304) 558-9093.

If you have parked in the metered visitor parking, look for the West Virginia Veterans Memorial (the large, circular memorial representing and honoring thousands of West Virginians who served in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Korea) and walk towards it and then follow the concrete sidewalk as if you were heading straight for the gold dome of the Capitol (Building 1). The Culture Center and its entrance is located directly across from the West Entrance of the State Capitol (Building 1) and has large glass windows. The words: Archives, History, Library, Museum, Theater are etched in gold above the glass windows. Entrance and Exit doors are located in alcoves to the left and right of the main windows.

If you have parked at Laidley Field, we recommend utilizing the Capitol Complex Shuttle, which is available Monday - Friday. A complete schedule and route information is available here. For questions about the Capitol Complex Shuttle, contact the Piedmont Guardhouse at (304) 558-0248.

The Capitol Shuttle does NOT operate on weekends or holidays.

Yes, the Capitol Complex Shuttle service is free to use by both visitors to the Complex and employees. The shuttle operates Monday - Friday in three shifts. A complete schedule and route information can be found here. For questions about the Capitol Complex Shuttle, contact the Piedmont Guard House at (304) 558-0248.

The Capitol Shuttle does NOT operate on weekends or holidays.

Route and fare information for the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT) can be found online at https://rideonkrt.com/. Schedule information can also be obtained by calling (304) 343-7586.

Yes, designated metered accessible parking is available in Metered Parking Lot located at the Greenbrier Street entrance in addition to a small number of metered spaces in the bus loop in front of the Culture Center. Vehicles must display proper Mobility Impaired or Disability parking placards or signage in these spaces.

Parking is $0.25 per half-hour (max. 4 hours) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and state holidays, there is no charge for parking in these spaces.

Meters accept quarters. Visitors also have the option to pay for parking via free mobile app, PayByPhone. You can download the app for free from the PayByPhone website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. Once you download the app, follow the directions inside the app.

Culture Center visitors are also welcome to be dropped off and picked up in the bus loop. Stairs and ramps are located at the front of the Culture Center that allow visitors entrance to the building. Entry doors are located on both the left and right of the front of the building. An automatic accessible door (operated by an ADA Push to Open Button) is located on the right-hand entrance.

Yes, all levels and public facilities within the Culture Center are accessible by elevator, as well as an escalator and stairs.

All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. A family restroom is available near the front desk of the Great Hall on the main level.

Yes, complimentary mobility devices, including both electric and manual wheelchairs are available through Guest Services on a first-come, first-served, basis.

Yes, certified service guide animals are allowed inside the Culture Center and State Museum.

Please note that all other animals, including pets, are not permitted.

Yes, large print and braille versions of the museum floor plan and select brochures, including transcripts of the audio program are available through Guest Services.

Yes, transcripts of the audio program are available at Guest Services.

The lighting and temperature of the museum are kept low to help preserve the artifacts. Please note that although overall, the lighting is generally dim, it varies across the exhibition spaces, with some areas being noticeably darker and others relatively bright.

The West Virginia State Museum is designed to immerse visitors in Weset Virginia history and includes museum audio, visual presentations, and animatronics. Guests may want to consider bringing noise-reducing headphones.

In addition to varied lighting and sound, crowds can vary depending on holidays, weather, school vacations, and other various factors.

Yes, complimentary lockers are available. Please inquire at Guest Services for access to these lockers, which are located outside the Tamarack Gift Shop beside the Great Hall.

If you have lost or found an item, please visit the front desk in the Great Hall so that one of our Guest Services team members can assist you.

Yes, a public Wi-Fi network is available. Please inquire at Guest Services for assistance.

Please approach any staff member. Our Guest Services team members are avaialble at the front desk in the Great Hall and inside the museum and are happy to provide assistance.

If you would prefer to call, Guest Services can be reached directly at the front desk via phone by dialing (304) 558-0220 ext. 111.

On-site dining options are limited. The Capitol Complex Food Court is located in the basement of the State Capitol and is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call the Capitol Tours and Information desk at (304) 558-4839.

The beautiful capital city of Charleston is a host to many wonderful local spots. We recommend checking out the information at: wvtourism.com/charleston to help you plan your visit to the area where a comprehensive guide for dining, entertainment, shopping, recreation, history, and lodging options in the Charleston area is available.

No food, drink, or use of tobacco product is allowed inside the Culture Center and State Museum. Complimentary lockers are available. Please inquire at Guest Services for access to these lockers, which are located outside the Tamarack Gift Shop beside the Great Hall.

School groups have separate assigned storage areas.

You may take photos inside the museum, however, please note that flash photography is prohibited.

Photos, videos, and other reproductions of any kind for commercial purposes are strictly prohibited.

Only school groups engaged in museum-designed educational programs using museum-approved recording equipment are permitted to record via video.

Yes, small strollers are permitted inside the museum. Complimentary strollers are also available on a first-come, first-served basis through Guest Services.

Please store backpacks and large tote bags and other bulky items including umbrellas in one of our complimentary lockers. Please inquire at Guest Services for access to these lockers, which are located outside the Tamarack Gift Shop beside the Great Hall..

Note: School groups have separate assigned storage areas.

Sorry, pets are not allowed inside the Culture Center or State Museum. Only certified service guide animals are permitted inside the Culture Center and State Museum.

Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Over 6,000 artifacts are on display at the West Virginia State Museum and the collection dates back to 1890 and the founding of the West Virginia Historical and Antiquarian Society. Be sure to check out the display cases in the Lower Level Lobby to see some of the original collection!

Since the museum's beginning in 1890, the collection has grown to over 60,000 artifacts representative of West Virginia's people, land, and industries throughout the state's history.

As mandated in West Virginia Code §29-1-7, the State Museum is to "locate, survey, investigate, register, identify, excavate, preserve, protect, restore...for aquisition historic objects worthy of preservation, relating to the State of West Virginia and the territory included therein from the earliest times to the present..."

As such, collections fuels all museum activity including research, exhibitions, publication, outreach, and education. Many of the artifacts within our collection were donated by people who value their significance and place in our state's history. If you would like to donate an item, please contact Charles Morris, State Museum Director at (304) 558-0220 or Charles.W.Morris@wv.gov.

If you would like to donate an item, please contact Charles Morris, State Museum Director at (304) 558-0220 or Charles.W.Morris@wv.gov.

The West Virginia State Museum cannot provide appraisals or give any estimates of value. If you would like to obtain a formal appraisal of an object, please do so before donating. Searchable databases of national, professional associations of appraisers can be found online. Options for appraisals include the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and the Appraisers Association of America.

Preservation isn't just for museums, libraries, and archives—it's something that many individuals face in their own homes and workplaces. Whether it's artwork, inherited family heirlooms, keepsakes tied to meaningful people and moments, these personal items hold great value. Fortunately, preserving them doesn't always require expensive materials or extra effort. With just a few simple practices, you can help to safeguard your treasured belongings.

To help you care for your objects, we recommend visiting Ask MCI, a Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute resource where you can read helpful preservation tips for a range of objects and materials in their Guidelines brochures. Contact information for the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute is also avaialble on their website.

Yes! We encourage you to participate in our structured programming! We proudly offer a variety of educational tours and activities that were developed through a team effort with educators and historians. Don't miss this unique experience West Virginia history from petroglyphs to polymers—perfect for all ages. The best part? All of our programs are offered free of charge. Learn more at School and Group Visits.

Note:It is strongly encouraged that you schedule your visit in advance. Browse the information below to learn more about our educational tours and activities.

Contact Nathan Barner, Museum Education Coordinator at (304) 558-0220 ext. 185 or Nathan.L.Barner@wv.gov today to get started!

Yes, all bus passengers will need to unload/reload at the Bus Turnaround Loop. Enter the Bus Loop the intersection of Greenbrier Street and Washington Street East and turn right at the Guard House.

Buses are not permitted to park, unload, or reload passengers on Greenbrier Street, Kanawha Boulevard, or California Avenue.

Buses will need to park at Laidley Field. After leaving the Bus Loop, bus drivers will travel west on Washington Street East and turn right onto Elizabeth Street, cross over the railroad tracks, and take an immediate left to enter the bus parking area at Laidley Field. Drivers should park inside the ticket booth fenced area.

Yes, groups may bring their own lunches. Group seating is available on the plaza deck of the Culture Center for a picnic-style lunch, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, our staff will assist field trip coordinators with indoor lunch arrangements. Students will be instructed to store their lunches in secure storage upon arrival.

On-site dining options are limited. The Capitol Complex Food Court is located in the basement of the State Capitol and is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We kindly request that large groups seeking to eat in the Capitol Complex Food Court communicate their needs at least 24 hours in advance. Please contact Nathan Barner, Museum Education Coordinator at (304) 558-0220 ext. 185 for questions and more information.

School groups are assigned separate, secure storage bins for the duration of their visit. Upon arrival, students will visit our check-in station where personal belongings (i.e. backpacks, lunches, snacks, drinks, etc.) will be securely stored. Students may also elect to leave personal belongings (other than lunches) on the bus.

Adequate adult supervision is required for all visiting groups. We recommend that there is one adult for every 10 students. For example, if you are planning to bring a group of 50 students, we would recommend you to bring at least 5 adult chaperones.

Yes! Visit Teach & Learn to access lesson plans, teacher materials, and student handouts to help you prepare for your visit. Feel free to browse through the available in-person programs and workshops at Schools and Groups. Contact Nathan Barner, Museum Education Coordinator at (304) 558-0220 ext. 185 or Nathan.L.Barner@wv.gov to get started or to schedule your next visit!

We have also created a teacher checklist, pre- and post-visit lesson plans, and a few other materials that you can use as a resource to help you prepare for your visit! Check it out under the Teacher Tips page on our website.

Don't worry! If possible, please contact Nathan Barner, Museum Education Coordinator at (304) 558-0220 ext. 185 to let us know and we will work with you to accommodate your new arrival time.

Parking options for Culture Center visitors can be found in the following areas:

Metered Parking Lot

Enter the lot at the corner of Washington Street E and Greenbrier Street. Parking is $0.25 per half-hour (max. 4 hours) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*After 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and state holidays, there is no charge for parking in these spaces.

Accessible Parking Spaces

Designated metered accessible parking is available in Metered Parking Lot located at the Greenbrier Street entrance in addition to a small number of metered spaces in the bus loop in front of the Culture Center. Vehicles must display proper Mobility Impaired or Disability parking placards or signage in these spaces.

Additional Free Public Parking

Additional free public parking is available at University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field. If parking here, take Exit 99 toward WV-114S (Greenbrier St/State Capitol Exit) and keep right at the fork. Turn right onto Elizabeth Street and continue straight to Lots A and B.

Note: Laidley Field is located about two blocks from the Capitol Complex.

Note: Parking may be limited when the Legislature is in session.

Culture Center visitors are also welcome to be dropped off and picked up in the bus loop. Stairs and ramps are located at the front of the Culture Center that allow visitors entrance to the building. Entry doors are located on both the left and right of the front of the building. An automatic accessible door (operated by an ADA Push to Open Button) is located on the right-hand entrance.