attractions & museums
Only in Newport News will you find world-class attractions, unique travel experiences, and a wide variety of entertainment options. Here’s a small sampling of what’s available:
Curious about Virginia’s natural heritage? Then check out the Virginia Living Museum. One visit here will bring you in contact with more habitats, wildlife and plant species than would be encountered in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia! Walk through an Appalachian Mountain cove and a southeastern cypress swamp, touch a horseshoe crab or a sea star, go eye-to-eye with a red wolf and a bald eagle and watch otters frolic on the outdoor natural trail.
Interested in history? Then you’ll love seeing the treasures at the USS Monitor Center, found only at the world-renowned Mariners’ Museum. It’s here you can build your own ironclad, walk the deck of a replica of the USS Monitor, sit in an aircraft carrier ready room, and see why Congress designated this museum as America’s National Maritime Museum.
Love the nightlife? Then take in a show at CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts, the nostalgic Peninsula Community Theatre, or the delightful Ella Fitzgerald Theater.
Itching for more? Then step back in time as you visit our historic homes: Historic Endview; the James A. Fields House; Lee Hall Mansion, and The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center.
Fascinated with the military? Then imagine the courage of those who fought for our freedom at the Virginia War Museum. See a truck that walks and a ship that flies at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum.
Art lover? Discover the ever-changing world of art at the Torggler Fine Arts Center on the beautiful campus of Christopher Newport University.
Tickets & Discounts
For your convenience, you can purchase attraction tickets in advance before your trip or purchase the One City Pass that will give you a bundle discount to all of the attractions in Newport News. For questions, call the Newport News Visitor Center at 757-886-7777 or toll-free at 888-493-7386. Please note tickets are shipped Monday - Friday and exclude Busch Gardens tickets. You can also use our Interactive Map to find accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and more close to our attractions!
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Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center houses the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, a 276-seat venue that honors the "First Lady of Song," who was born in Newport News in 1917. Originally built as the Walter Reed School, this historic building has been restored, and it reopened to the public in October 2008.
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Ferguson Center for the Arts
Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts has become an international force, presenting the finest artists in the world. More than 1 million people have experienced hundreds of performances in our acoustically superb theaters. The eclectic nature of our season is consistent with our mission: to offer a broad range of performances, reach the largest number of community members while maintaining our status as the finest performing arts center in Hampton Roads.
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Historic Endview
Completed in 1769 by William Harwood, Endview has been restored to its 1862 appearance. In the 1850s, the home was purchased by Dr. Humphrey Harwood Curtis, William Harwood’s great-grandson. Dr. Curtis had his medical practice at Endview from 1856 to 1861. The home was used briefly as a Confederate hospital in the spring of 1862 and was then occupied by Union forces until 1864. Endview is now a historic house museum and offers guided tours.Special events and evening programs are held year-round. Parking is free. Historic Endview is partially wheelchair accessible. There are discount tickets available for military and AAA members.
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Historic Hilton Village
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Hilton Village features quaint, locally-owned shops and services. This unique shopping experience offers everything from fine clothing and quality furs to antiques and collectibles, artwork, consignment, jewelry, crafts, beads, and more.
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James A. Fields House
James A. Fields (1844-1903) was a teacher, lawyer and member of the Virginia House of Delegates. The house was used by Mr. Fields as his law office and primary residence from 1897 to 1903. In 1908, it housed the first Newport News hospital for Blacks. Today, this restored home gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the African-American community in Newport News during the 1900s.Guided tours are available by appointment only and special events are held on occasion during the year. Parking is free.