2016 CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite Awards
Thank You for Naming us the Region's Top Kids Museum Two Years in a Row
Jan. 9, 2017 | Back to Blog & News
The Virginia Discovery Museum is proud to be a CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite, and we want to say thank you for voting us the Region’s #1 Kids Museum for the second straight year and among the area’s best Rainy Day Outings and Educational Recreation spots in 2016!
Because of the support and generosity of the Charlottesville community, 2016 was a banner year for our Museum. Nearly 100 local individuals, businesses, and foundations contributed to VDM’s 25th Anniversary Capital Improvement Campaign, which raised $200,000 toward a major front gallery renovation in Spring 2016 that included updated flooring, lighting, wall treatments, and six new educational exhibits. As a result, more children are visiting the Museum, and we have introduced new programming and are hosting more community and family events.
Since Our Spring 2016 Renovation:
- Year-over-year admissions are up 49%
- Sponsored Admission Program expanded to 34 local social service agencies
- First Summer Camp Scholarship Program welcomed 25 children
- Annual membership base has grown
- Field trips and birthday parties are booked close to capacity
- VDM second only to the Pavilion in drawing visitors to the Downtown Mall
We are so grateful and excited to see our role and capabilities expanding to meet the evolving needs of our community as a safe, kid-centric environment where children from diverse backgrounds can explore, imagine, and discover together. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward into the new year and beyond!
Additional Resources
How Can I Support the Museum in 2017? VDM is a nonprofit community resource. With your help, we can continue to provide children with accessible, high-quality opportunities for discovery and cognitive development in a safe and educational environment that fosters lifelong learners. Learn More