Tickets on Sale Now Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum
All aboard and full steam ahead! The 45th annual Model Railroad Show presented by Dominion Energy rolls back into the Science Museum of Virginia the weekend after Thanksgiving. Science enthusiasts and train lovers across the state can get their tickets to the holiday tradition starting today, Nov. 1.
Eight model train club displays will fill the Dewey Gottwald Center November 25, 26 and 27. Guests can watch various scaled locomotives — including HO, O, N-scale and LEGO — travel through intricate landscapes and miniature cities during the three-day event. Two additional Model Railroad Show traditions are also back: the Teddy Bear Express and a blacksmith forging custom metal pieces live onsite.
“It wouldn’t be the weekend after Thanksgiving in Richmond without train-themed fun at the Science Museum,” said Chief Wonder Officer Rich Conti. “We love that families have made the Model Railroad Show part of their holiday celebrations for 45 years. The wonder and joy on the faces of guests of all ages who come in for the event are priceless.”
Guests can also help with a collaborative railroad scene and make a conductor hat in “The Forge,” and Science Museum educators will offer two live steam engine demos each day. In addition to the train-themed activities, the “Speed,” “Boost,” “JARS: Sharks on Loan,” “Picturing Science” and “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” exhibitions will all be open for guests to explore.
There are five features playing in The Dome during the Model Railroad Show, two astronomy shows and three giant screen films. Guests can add a Dome ticket to their visit for “Great Bear Rainforest” at 10 a.m., “Into America’s Wild” at 11 a.m., “Forward to the Moon” at noon, “Dinosaurs Alive” at 2 p.m. and “Living Worlds” at 3 p.m.
To manage the flow of guests throughout the weekend, the Science Museum will offer timed entry to the Model Railroad Show. Science Museum members can get into the Model Railroad Show early each day, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. General public entry times begin at 9:30 a.m. The final entry time for the Model Railroad Show will be 4:15 p.m. daily. Attendees, including members, should pre-purchase tickets on the Science Museum’s website to help ensure they get their preferred time slot. Onsite tickets will be sold based on availability.
Model Railroad Show activities are free with Science Museum admission. Members, educators, military and children two and under are admitted free. The Science Museum offers discounts for EBT cardholders. Qualifying guests should call 804.864.1400 for details about reserving those tickets online with the discount code.
Features in The Dome are $5 per person. The gift shop and café will also be open each day of the show.
“The Science Museum is grateful for Dominion Energy’s continued support of the Model Railroad Show as they’re returning as the presenting sponsor for the fifth year,” added Conti. “They know the Model Railroad Show is an exciting holiday tradition that families look forward to — and create lasting memories during — each year.”
About the Science Museum of Virginia
From virtual presentations featuring STEM experts to fun videos on social media to in-person experiential exhibits, the Science Museum of Virginia looks for every opportunity to inspire all Virginians to enrich their lives through science. Helping curious minds discover the connections between — and their connection to — science, technology, engineering and math guides Science Museum staff in all they do. Learn more at www.smv.org or call 804.864.1400.
