Standing ten feet tall, the bronze statue of Maggie L. Walker represents the legacy of the first African-American woman to run a bank in the United States. A Richmond native, her Historic Site and Memorial Plaza are situated in the city, honoring her ever-lasting achievements. However, the history of Walker is just one captivating element that makes the city unique. Many locals and guides share rewarding experiences, living up to the famous slogan “Virginia is for Lovers.” The bustling streets of Richmond city offer a number of rich, tourist-laden attractions, capturing the essence of history, culture, and art.

In the heart of RVA is Carytown, a shopping district that encompasses everything from high-quality bakeries to various boutiques. The history of Carytown has made residents proud, with it hosting Richmond’s first strip mall, built in the 1930s. Since then, the shopping center has developed into a growing, vibrant community with new businesses opening and adapting. Bygones Vintage Clothing, known for its delightful displays, is located on Cary St. Nate Stevens (‘28), who highly recommends visiting, says they have a “wide variety of clothing from different eras and sizes for different identities.” While he acknowledges that it’s on the pricier side, it’s a worthy destination for those interested in authentic styles and accessories. Just a block down is Merrymaker Fine Paper, a stationary and gift shop that creates a personalized experience for customers and has a wide collection of writing instruments and journals. True Busher (‘28) says that this is her favorite shop in Carytown, notably because it has “a super chill and relaxing atmosphere.” Additionally, if shoppers are ever craving a sweet treat, Minglewood Bake Shop might be their favorite go-to option, especially for vegan and gluten-free items. In fact, Busher, a vegan, said she got her chocolate birthday cake from them last year. Overall, the charming streets of Carytown carry endless, diverse storefronts that attract a myriad of visitors. Whether it be vintage finds, one-of-a-kind gifts, or a delicious pastry, there’s always something to discover, making it one of the most treasured sites in the city.

Meanwhile, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1936, is among the most iconic attractions in RVA, containing approximately 50,000 works of art. General admission is always free, making the museum a highly anticipated spot for all ages to visit. The art museum exhibits feature contemporary art, ancient art, as well as extensive collections of American, African, Asian, and European pieces. Berkeley Crane (‘28), a resident of Richmond and long-standing member of the VMFA, remarks that the museum “always has unique exhibits, including ones showcasing collections of African masks, samurai armor, and a recent exhibit centered around Marilyn Monroe.” The museum allows visitors to travel back in time to observe intricate pottery, decorative art, masks, sculptures, jewelry, and more, while learning the deep history behind them. Some current exhibitions include “Views of Korea: Hasui’s Journey and Japanese Prints” and "Home/Grown: Photographs by Susan Worsham and Brian Palm,” highlighting the diverse galleries to explore. Along with that, the VMFA has a fantastic outdoor area, showcasing a cascading waterfall, various displays, and picnic areas. Lorelai Davies (‘28) commented, “I love their exhibits, especially the outdoor ones. The variety and creativity of the displays amaze me. It’s a great place for photos or hanging out with friends. The inviting atmosphere makes every visit memorable.”

Guests have also found that the museum sparks inspiration to create personal art with the many opportunities and programs provided. The VMFA Art and Education Division offers workshops for mixed media, yoga, creative writing, photography, pottery, and more. For example, Crane took a week-long art class at the VMFA for oil painting during the summer. She learned the processes and techniques involved in the creation of these works of art, and found it a positive experience, stating, “The museum is always trying to find ways to connect to the community.” To illustrate, summer at the VMFA is highly anticipated because they host free traditional events where they invite performers and DJs to play music on the lawn. These events are a series called “Summer Breeze” and “After 5 Fridays” and are designed to create an inviting atmosphere for everyone. Crane says that “so many people come to watch the sunset and experience the beauty of the gardens and art, and it's an incredible event that brings the entire community together.” The entire city can come to dance, eat, and unwind in the stunning outdoor setting. Truly, the VMFA has long been considered a cultural gem with its extensive collection of art and activities that cater towards all ages and interests. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or looking for a chance to relax, the VMFA has something to offer for everyone.

Last but not least, the Science Museum of Richmond has long been a place fostering curiosity and wonder with its numerous ways for visitors to engage in STEM. Before the building became the renowned science center it is today, it was a railroad station known as Broad Street Station where the first train departed in 1919. Eventually, the train service terminated as Broad Street Station was sold to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The science museum became official in 1977 and has opened up remarkable exhibits and made several renovations since then with a ten dollar entrance fee. One notable addition is The Dome which is considered the largest theater screen in Virginia. Visitors comment that the giant film gives an illusion that “you are there” within the shows. Only costing a few extra dollars, the Dome often presents documentaries and visuals on a wide variety of topics such as underwater exploration, astronomy, nature, and more. It’s a phenomenal experience for adults and kids alike, and concessions are available. Additionally, some popular, permanent galleries include Speed and Boost, both containing hands-on activities. Speed has over 50 unique and interactive stations, exploring motion and time across science and technology. Visitors can even challenge a robot to a game of air hockey! Meanwhile, Boost, based on strength, agility, and mind, is Crane’s personal favorite exhibit because it “allows you to test your body” and demonstrates how different parts of it function. “It’s a place where I can always embrace my creativity and curiosity along with everyone else, learning about the world, and myself, in an interactive and engaging way,” she says. The Forge workshop is also another favored space, usually for tweens and older, and is equipped with technology such as 3D printers and laser cutters. Guests can always hope to create something new with the numerous innovative tools. Ultimately, frequenters never get bored at the museum with its constant rotation of events, traveling exhibits, and special programs. Upcoming events include Ultimate Dinosaurs from May 31-September 1, showcasing brand-new, exciting adventures the Science Museum of Virginia has to offer!

Thus, Richmond is a treasure trove of interests with endless, magical adventures. A stroll through Carytown, a visit to the VMFA, and a trip to the Science Museum will no doubt leave guests satisfied. The heart of RVA grants a wealth of opportunities, brimming with culture for anyone to embrace.

Information received from the National Park Service, RVANews, VMFA website, Science Museum of Virginia website