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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Peninsula Community Theatre
In the early 1950's, the Newport News Little Theatre and the Hampton Little Theatre merged to form what is now the Peninsula Community Theatre (PCT). In 1994, PCT purchased the Village Theatre, an art deco movie house located in historic Hilton Village (where author William Styron worked as a lad). In just 61 days, the movie theater was converted into a setting for live stage productions. Each year, PCT offers musicals, comedies and mysteries as main stage and children's productions. The main goal of PCT is to provide a venue for local talent to perform in a professional setting.
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Peninsula SPCA & Barnyard
Families can feed and visit with a number of our barnyard friends. The Peninsula SPCA’s Barnyard & Education Center has chickens, goats, Alpacas, a tortoise, peacocks and more! Come by and be prepared for selfies, but watch out for our photo-bombing llama! In addition we have opened our brand new aviary and bunny run. Guests can feed over 150 Parakeets and get up close to our sweet bunnies in the enclosed walk in habitat.
Parking is free and special events occur throughout the year.
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The Mariners' Museum and Park
The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects people to the world’s waters, because through the waters we are connected to one another. Come find your connection today for only $1 per person. The Museum is filled with fascinating stories, captured in priceless artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open sea. Designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum, The Mariners’ Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive maritime museums in the world. Through the stories told in the Museum’s world-class collection, guests are encouraged to explore their own history and discover their story to see how we are all connected to the water.
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The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center
The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center is the restored 1899 residence of J. Thomas Newsome, a respected attorney, journalist, churchman and civic leader, who prospered as part of the post-Civil War south's new urban African-American middle class. His Queen Anne residence served as the hub of the local black community from which he led the fight for social justice within Virginia. Special events and evening programs are held year-round. Parking is free. The Newsome House is partially wheelchair accessible.
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U.S. Army Transportation Museum
The story of the Army's Transportation Corps, from horse-drawn wagons to all-terrain, armored vehicles, is told through models, dioramas and full-size vehicles and equipment at this unique museum. Visitors can explore the world of Army transportation with indoor and outdoor pavilions that feature wagons, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, locomotives, tugboats and experimental craft such as the "flying jeep." Parking is free and there is a gift shop. The museum is handicapped accessible. Please note: All visitors to Fort Eustis must show valid IDs (driver's license and/or photo ID), proof of insurance and vehicle registration.