Arts and Culture in Virginia Beach - Museums to Historic Homes

Fine arts

 

Virginia Beach’s fine arts scene is anchored by its burgeoning downtown area, providing the neighbourhood with the kind of chic sophistication that an urban centre should possess. The types of performances you can enjoy throughout the year run the gamut from live theatre and Broadway musicals to classic opera and ballet.

 

Sandler centre for the Performing Arts

 

This 1,200-seat venue in Town centre is home to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Virginia International, and several other resident companies. Big-name musicians and comedians also occasionally perform here on tour.

 

201 Market Street, Virginia Beach 23462. Tel: +1 757 385 2787

 

Sandler centre for the Performing Arts website

 

Maritime heritage

 

The ocean has played a pivotal role in shaping Virginia Beach. The city has several museums, like the Old Coast Guard Station Museum, that shine the spotlight on its influence. Most of these museums and attractions can be found along the shoreline, but others are tucked between the boardwalk’s high-rise hotels and boutique shops.

 

Atlantic Waterfowl Heritage Museum

 

This converted oceanfront cottage features artwork and artifacts devoted to the history of Virginia Beach’s Back Bay habitat. You may even get a chance to talk to wood carvers while they make duck decoys.

 

1113 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach 23451. Tel: +1 757 437 8432

 

Atlantic Waterfowl Heritage Museum website

 

Old Coast Guard Station Museum

 

More than 1,000 photos and 1,800 artifacts tell the history of the U.S. Coast Guard at this museum. If you dare, you can also arrange for a costumed docent to tell you legends of shipwrecks, ghosts, and pirates.

 

2401 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach 23451. Tel: +1 757 422 1587

 

Old Coast Guard Station Museum website

 

Virginia’s colonial past

 

Although the city’s colonial-era buildings draw a lot of visitors, most of them are not near the main tourist areas. Some of these structures are government property and are open for tours on most days. Others are private homes and are not open to the public, but you'll still be able to walk or drive by them.

 

Cape Henry Lighthouse

 

This lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington to mark the approximate spot where the Jamestown settlers landed. You can climb to the top of the stone and brick structure to take in views of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay.

 

583 Atlantic Avenue, Fort Story 23459. Tel: +1 757 422 9421

 

Cape Henry Lighthouse website

 

Adam Thoroughgood House

 

The home of one of Virginia’s first colonists is carefully kept up to showcase life during the country’s pre-Revolution days. Tours of the home are available hourly on the half hour.

 

1636 Parish Road, Virginia Beach 23455. Tel: +1 757 460 7588

 

Adam Thoroughgood House website