Friday, October 20, 2006

Hometown Tourist - Part Deux

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Well, it seems as if the Science Museum of Virginia is the place to be, these days.

I was there on Monday, and President Bush was there last night for a campaign fundraiser.

And I think I may go back tonight for LiveSky and perhaps a Sky Watch.

It's quite the happenin' place!

Here's a little history about the building, (click any photo to enlarge):

Before it was a museum, it was a train station (1919-1975)
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Old postcard from 1920-1930's era
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A couple of mid-century postcards
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The museum facade today
(I love how the original copper dome is now verdigris)
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If that dome looks familiar, it's probably because the building was designed by the same architect as the Jefferson Memorial.
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Images you might recognize from Tuesday's video


Foucault Pendulum
demonstrates the rotation of the earth

pendulum knocks over one pin every 24 minutes

Another huge marble globe - this one does not rotate
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globe close-up: Aloha!
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giant chess board


train mural
*Aluminaut
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remnant of a bygone era
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exterior & interior of an old caboose,
which can now be rented for kids' birthday parties
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I love this mural and mobile
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good boys & girls might get to ride a Segway
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I enjoyed this planetarium show
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gift shop t-shirt

Next door to the Science Museum:

Mmmm -- cookies!
(Does anyone know -- are they still in business?)
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And across Broad Street from the Science Museum:


1930's postcard - William Byrd hotel


1940's postcard - William Byrd hotel
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former William Byrd hotel building, today
(Does anyone know what this is used for nowadays?)


In summary, I think the Science Museum has a lot to offer. There are many interactive exhibits for kids, my favorite being any of the astronomy-related ones. The IMAX and planetarium shows are entertaining for all ages.
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3 comments:

Having a Knit Fitt said...

The cookie factory is still functioning. They make Girl Scout cookies there.
The William Byrd is now an apartment building for the elderly.
Cate

10/20/2006 5:26 PM
knitfriendly said...

Looks like you had a good time!

10/23/2006 10:37 AM
Courtney said...

I didn't think I missed Richmond, but now I'm thinking that maybe I do miss it a little bit. The Richmond Symphony has a concert series there called Kicked Back Classics that takes place at the Science Museum. It's somewhat family oriented, but they also serve beer and wine and it's generally a good time. Some of the ladies in my SnB here in Texas were asking about knitting at a concert and I thought of the Kicked Back Classics. That would be the perfect concert series for knitting.

10/24/2006 12:56 AM

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