Virginia War Memorial

The Virginia War Memorial overlooks the beautiful James River, boasting one of the best views of the downtown skyline. A visit to the Memorial can include time remembering the fallen in the Shrine of Memory, learning first-hand about those who served by watching any one of our twenty-five documentary films, or touring the exhibit halls with one of our docents, many of whom are veterans themselves. A large outdoor amphitheater overlooking the James River is the perfect venue for concerts and ceremonies. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is and will always be the Commonwealth's tribute to those who served and most especially, to those who died defending our freedoms.  Major Exhibits Virginians in the Normandy Invasion is our newest exhibit that commemorates the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, which opened on June 6th. The exhibit highlights the 147 Virginians killed in the invasion of Normandy and features the Memorial’s collection of artifacts and archival materials relating to D-Day, as well as recorded interviews from our database of Oral Histories with Virginians who were there to witness the landings. Virginia’s Missing in Action: The Search Continues will open on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, in September of 2025. This exhibit will highlight the approximately 1,200 Virginians still listed as Missing in Action and the continuing mission to try to identify them and bring them home. Most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. But for the families of those who have never been found, the prolonged grief and uncertainty amplify the already unbearable hurt. This exhibit will feature photos, letters, and other archival materials related to those Virginians still Missing in Action, as well as detailed biographies of select individuals. Additionally, the exhibit will explore the scientific process behind searching for and recovering the remains of those individuals by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Select interviews by family members, friends, fellow service members, and those involved in the search for remains will be featured as part of the exhibit. Location: 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday 12 noon to 4 p.m. Closed for the following holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day  Admission: The Virginia War Memorial grounds and exhibits are FREE to the public unless noted. Parking: Parking is FREE to Virginia War Memorial guests.  During normal visiting hours guests can access outdoor parking from both Rowe St. and South 1st Street.