Best Museums in Charlottesville, Virginia

One of the best ways to experience a new place is by visiting local museums. Museums offer a unique and effective way to learn about the culture, history, and art of wherever you’re visiting. Museums are also a great way to spend time with friends and family, and to become a part of the local community. If you’re looking for things to do in Charlottesville, VA, visiting any of these five museums is a great way to spend your day. 



Monticello 

• Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
• Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
• Distance from us: 17.3 miles from us 

For anyone interested in American history, a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s plantation home of  Monticello is an absolute must. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dedicated to the life, legacy, and ideals of America’s third President. Here you can learn about the Declaration of Independence and how Thomas Jefferson’s ideas changed not only American history, but world history. 

For a more comprehensive guide to Monticello, take a look at our Guide to Monticello. 

Ix Art Park 

• Address: 522 2nd St SE Suite D, Charlottesville, VA 22902
• Hours: Open 24 hours, see website for specific exhibit hours
• Distance from us: 17 miles 

Ix Art Park is home to Virginia’s only fully-immersive art experience known as “The Looking Glass.” With a kaleidoscopic cave and an enchanted forest to explore, Looking Glass is a truly unique place to explore with your family. Ix Art Park is also home to an outdoor mural and sculpture park, local farmers markets, and other local events.

Kluge-Ruhe Aborginal Art Museum 

• Address: 400 Worrell Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM-4 PM 
• Distance from us: 18.8 miles 

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated to Indigenous Australian art. Admission is free, and it usually takes between 30-90 minutes to view the collection on display. Guided tours are available each day at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum is located close to the Charlottesville Downtown Mall and Monticello, making this an easy addition to any day’s itinerary. 

Virginia Discovery Museum 

• Address: 524 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM-5:00 PM 
• Distance from us: 17.3 miles 

The Virginia Discovery Museum is located within the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. The museum is dedicated to helping children learn through hands-on play. With plenty of STEM and family-friendly activities to choose from, a visit to this museum is a fun and educational break from a day spent at the Mall. 

Fralin Museum of Art

• Address: 155 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22904
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, see website for daily schedule 
• Distance from us: 15.5 miles 

The Fralin Museum of Art strives to encourage curiosity through the celebration of art. Located on the University of Virginia campus, the Fralin is home to more than 14,000 pieces of European, American, African, and Native American art. When you’re done admiring the art within the Fralin, take some time to wander UVA campus, particularly the Academical Village. 

Stay With Us at Misty Mountain Camp Resort 

Located just 20 minutes west of Charlottesville, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is a great spot to stay for those wanting to get the most out of virginia. We’ve got private cabins, full RV hookups, and comfortable campsites spread out over 50 acres of beautifully curated green grounds. We’re within easy driving distance to Shenandoah National Park, the famous Appalachian Trail, and of course, Charlottesville. Book your stay with us today and experience the best that Virginia has to offer.