Our Commonwealth

On Display

May 14, 2022 to May 14, 2050

Exhibition Type

Long Term Exhibition

Admission: Included with Museum Daily Admission

Free for Members!
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About the Exhibition:  Complementing the existing Story of Virginia exhibition which walks visitors through history in a timeline format, the rich cultural overview of Our Commonwealth immerses visitors in the landscapes, foodways, industries, and people that make up this diverse state.

Highlights:  Scenic elements and large-scale, slowly changing digital projections called “living murals” frame the narrative footprint of each region to capture the unique essence of Virginians’ relationship with that place. Regionally-inspired lighting treatments and soundscapes complete the effect of bringing guests into the “place” essence of each of the regions.

Digging Deep into Our Commonwealth: Visitors to the exhibition can explore Virginia in many ways, including interactive digital displays that take you on a journey to discover the people, places, history, and culture that make each region unique:

Take in the delectable cuisine of Tidewater
Explore one of America’s most diverse communities in Northern Virginia
Travel through time on Virginia’s historic roads and waterways
Delight in the music, crafts, and natural beauty of Southwest (and explore regional dance steps)
Be inspired by the stories of an African American family whose Virginia roots go back nearly 300 years

Launch Experience

Our Commonwealth Featured Artifacts

A black and gold painted wooden carousel horse

Carousel Horse attributed to James William Sheetz (American, 1851–1923), 1880–1890.

From the Narrow Passage Creek area, Shenandoah County, Virginia. Made of yellow pine, marbled glass, horsehair, paint. Courtesy of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Photo by Ron Blunt.

Davis Cup championship ring awarded to Arthur Ashe, 1970

From the VMHC Collection, 2019.35.

A silver tracksuit jacket with purple racing stripes on the sleeves and an embroidered gold crown on the back

Tracksuit jacket, Missy Elliott “Respect M.E.” clothing line by Adidas, c. 2005

Adidas produced a line of clothing inspired by hip-hop legend and Portsmouth, Virginia, native Missy Elliott. The clothing line was named for her 2006 greatest hits album, Respect M.E. From the VMHC collection, 2018.68.

University of Virginia silk boating scarf, 1888

From the VMHC Collection, 1976.7. Gift of D. (David) Tennant Bryan.

A painting of Peyton Randolph with a wig, brown jacket, and white frilled shirt

Painting of Peyton Randolph (1721-1775) by John Wollaston, 1755-58.

From the VMHC Collection, 1858.6.

Plan an In-Person Visit

General Admission

Reserve tickets to visit the museum, view exhibitions and special displays, and explore the ever-evolving culture and history of Virginia. Daily Museum Admission: $0.00 to $12.00.

RESERVE

Book a Field Trip

School groups love to experience the museum in person. Our education staff hosts students from elementary through high school with age appropriate tours.

Learn More

Special Partners

Central Virginia Lynchburg Museum Fredericksburg Area Museum	Northern Virginia Office of Historic Alexandria Manassas Museum	Shenandoah Valley Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Rockbridge Historical Society
Southwestern Virginia Blue Ridge Institute and Museum WKMA/Never the Same Museum	Tidewater Historical Society Eastern Shore of Virginia Mariners’ Museum and Park

Related Exhibition: The Story of Virginia

Interpreting more than16,000 years of Virginia history, The Story of Virginia features more than 500 artifacts, maps, letters, and diaries supplemented by soundscapes, video, and digital interactives. From the earliest American Indian artifacts to life in the state at the beginning of the twenty-first century, visitors can learn about the cultural and historical transformations of the Commonwealth.

Exhibition

The Story of Virginia

May 14, 2022 - May 14, 2050