Explore RVA: Architecture Exchange East 2026: Speakers

Welcome to Richmond, Virginia, the vibrant capital city set on the scenic banks of the James River. As you explore our historic downtown and its array of accommodations, you'll discover a rich blend of cultural heritage, innovative cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're here to stroll through our renowned museums, enjoy outdoor adventures, or indulge in the local food scene, Richmond promises an unforgettable experience. We invite you to immerse yourself in the unique charm and warm hospitality that define our beloved city.

Museums

1812 Wickham House
1015 East Clay Street
Historic residence showcasing early 19th-century architecture, furniture, and decorative arts in Richmond.

American Civil War Museum
480 Tredegar Street
Chronicles the Civil War's impact with exhibits, artifacts, and immersive experiences at multiple locations.

Beth Ahabah Museum
1109 East Franklin Street
Jewish history and culture presented through exhibits and artifacts in Richmond's oldest synagogue.

Black History Museum of Virginia
122 West Leigh Street
Highlights African American history and culture with engaging exhibits and programs.

Branch Museum of Architecture & Design
2501 Monument Avenue
Celebrates architecture and design through exhibits, events, and educational programs in a historic mansion.

Institute for Contemporary Art
601 West Broad Street
A dynamic contemporary art space at Virginia Commonwealth University, presenting cutting-edge exhibitions and fostering artistic dialogue.

John Marshall House
818 East Marshall Street
Preserves the home of John Marshall, the longest-serving Chief Justice of the United States, with period furnishings and exhibits.

Museum of Virginia Catholic History
811 Cathedral Place
Chronicles the history of Catholicism in Virginia with artifacts and exhibits spanning centuries.

Myselfies RVA
314 West Broad Street
An interactive museum where visitors create personalized art and experiences, celebrating self-expression and creativity in Richmond.

Poe Museum
1914 East Main Street
Dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe, featuring artifacts, manuscripts, and exhibits related to the renowned American writer.

Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street
Interactive science exhibits and educational programs for all ages, promoting curiosity and discovery in Richmond.

The Valentine
1015 East Clay Street
Showcases Richmond's history and culture through diverse exhibits, events, and community engagement.

Virginia Holocaust Museum
2000 East Cary Street
Honors Holocaust victims with exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs promoting tolerance and understanding.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Houses an extensive art collection spanning various periods and cultures, offering enriching experiences for art enthusiasts.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture
428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Preserving and presenting Virginia's history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational initiatives in Richmond.

Restaurants

Happening During Your Visit

Wednesday, November 4th

Songwriter Showcase
1700 Rhoadmiller Street
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Free

This open, welcoming evening is dedicated to celebrating original music and the creative voices behind it.

Musicians of all genres are invited to take the stage and perform one original song for our audience. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or sharing new material for the first time, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow artists, try out new work, and be part of a supportive creative community.

The Notebook - The Musical
6 North Laurel Street
7:30 - 9:30 PM

Richmond theater lovers, welcome to an evening that feels like a hometown favorite for live entertainment in the heart of the city. Don’t miss The Notebook - The Musical for a night of story and song.

This production brings the beloved romance to the stage with intimate performances, sweeping melodies, and moments that linger—capturing the tenderness, humor, and heartache that make the tale unforgettable.

RVA Breweries, Cideries, & Distilleries

Architecture & History Facts

Shockoe Slip Historic District
Dating to Richmond's early commercial history, Shockoe Slip features distinctive Italianate brick buildings that once housed warehouses, tobacco storage facilities, and wholesale businesses. Today, many have been rehabilitated as restaurants, shops, offices, and residences.

Virginia State Capitol
Designed by Thomas Jefferson with assistance from French architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau, the Virginia State Capitol is recognized as the first public building in the United States designed in the Neoclassical style.

Hollywood Cemetery
Established in 1847, this historic garden cemetery overlooks the James River and is the final resting place of two U.S. Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler.

The Canal Walk
Richmond's Canal Walk follows the historic Haxall and Kanawha canals, connecting visitors with the city's riverfront and centuries of transportation, commerce, and local history.

Historic Tobacco Row
Richmond's former tobacco warehouses and factories along the James River represent an impressive example of adaptive reuse, with historic industrial buildings transformed for contemporary residential, commercial, and cultural uses.

Architectural Preservation
Richmond's historic districts preserve an extraordinary range of architectural styles and structures, from commercial warehouses and industrial buildings to civic landmarks and historic neighborhoods.