Virginia War Memorial
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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.
Safety and Social Protocols
General
- CDC Recommended Cleaning Procedures:
- Hand Wash/Sanitizer Stations:
- Limited Elevator Occupancy:
- Mobile Payments Accepted:
Map
Amenities
General
- A/V on site:
- Attraction Fee: Free.
- Distance to Airport: 5 miles
- Handicapped Accessible:
- Hours (General Information): OPEN: Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Outdoor Spaces open until sundown. 24 hour security on-duty.
- Motorcoach Group Friendly:
- Motorcoach Parking on Site:
-
Parking:
- Free
- Parking Fee Information: Free for visitors
- Pet Friendly:
Accessibility
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Entrance Accessibility:
- Accessible Ramps and Curbs
- Automated Door Openings
- Elevator to Above Ground Accessible Accommodation
- Nearest Public Bus Stop: 2nd Street and Belvidere (drops off at the Memorial)
Facilities
- Description The Virginia War Memorial Educational Foundation is pleased to offer veteran service organizations, corporations, community groups, and other interested parties ideal space in the 18,00 square foot Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center on its grounds. Overlooking the James River valley and Richmond's central business district, the War Memorial provides a perfect location to host a variety of needs ranging from a board meeting of a handful participants to a reception of several hundred to a corporate event for about 3,000.
- Largest Room 2100
- Total Sq. Ft. 18000
- Reception Capacity 2000
- Space Notes Contact the Virginia War Memorial, (804) 786-2060, for more information.
- Theatre Capacity 450
- Banquet Capacity 120
- Number of Rooms 6
- Classroom Capacity 106
Grandy Lobby
- Total Sq. Ft.: 1500
- Banquet Capacity: 80
- Reception Capacity: 150
VMI Alumni Hall of Honor
- Total Sq. Ft.: 1400
- Theater Capacity: 160
- Classroom Capacity: 75
- Banquet Capacity: 64
- Reception Capacity: 175
Schumann Conference Room
- Banquet Capacity: 39
Undercroft Exhibit Hall
- Total Sq. Ft.: 1100
- Reception Capacity: 150
Ukrop Terrace
- Banquet Capacity: 64
- Reception Capacity: 100
Heilman Amphitheather
- Theater Capacity: 450
- Reception Capacity: 2000
Freedom Hall
- Total Sq. Ft.: 2100
- Theater Capacity: 200
- Classroom Capacity: 106
- Banquet Capacity: 120
- Reception Capacity: 220
Richard S. Reynolds Theater
- Theater Capacity: 70