Virginia Museum of Natural History

Riggs Ward Design is developing exhibit designs for the Virginia Natural History Museum’s new Waynesboro campus, creating engaging experiences that showcase the state’s vibrant and diverse natural history. The designs highlight rare and unique artifacts while providing immersive ways for visitors to explore Virginia’s ecological and geological richness.

The exhibits focus on the connections among water, geology, life, and the passage of time at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors will encounter participatory and specimen-based experiences that encourage exploration and foster a deeper understanding of the region’s natural heritage.

Interactive displays, specimens, and interpretive text emphasize the biogeographical regions of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, illustrating general scientific concepts through local examples. The design is guided by the museum’s collections and scholarship and aligns with Virginia Standards of Learning, ensuring an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.