The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition opens May 27

The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit, WATER|WAYS is making a splash at the Virginia Living Museum May 27 through July 9. From recreation to conservation WATER|WAYS explores the many facets that depend on water and the cultural impact it has on our community. With water making up about 71 percent of Earth, it is essential to understand and foster this natural resource. As part of Smithsonian’s Think Water Initiative, WATER|WAYS will help raise awareness of water as an essential resource and necessity for life. As a coastal community, the exhibit proves to be especially pertinent to the Hampton Roads area.


The WATER|WAYS exhibit consists of mural panels and kiosks where guests can learn about water in five content areas: Introduction, Source, Flow, Quench, and Water is Eternal. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Aquaculture tank to learn about various filtration elements. The Surf Zone is available for those who are willing to put their balancing skills to the test and visitors can paddle away in a kayak. A video explains the purpose and importance of a watershed. Kids of all ages can craft their favorite water animal and add it to the water scene display wall. The VLM is featuring the Oasis in Space planetarium show as a companion program to WATER|WAYS.

The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for children (ages 3-12); ages 2 and under and VLM members are free. The Oasis in Space planetarium show is free for VLM members and $4 for non-members plus Museum admission. The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, I-64, exit 258A. For more information visit thevlm.org or call 757-595-1900.

The exhibit comes to the museum’s changing exhibit gallery with support from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH), in cooperation with the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) and is sponsored by Waterway Surveys & Engineering, Ltd. and Zeigler Pluming and Sewer, Inc.