Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley A regional cultural center featuring a galleries building, gardens & outdoor art park with trails. (1910–1992) between 1952 and 1955. The site is closed Mondays.
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Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is dedicated to preserving and enriching the cultural life and heritage of the Valley. This regional history complex includes a house dating to the eighteenth century, seven acres of spectacular gardens, and a 50,000-square-foot museum featuring changing exhibitions, a permanent display of miniature houses, and an expansive gallery exploring the histo

ry and decorative arts of the Shenandoah Valley. The MSV also includes a Museum Store (admission not required). The galleries are open year-round; the house and gardens April through December. The MSV sits on land originally claimed by Wi******er founder James Wood in 1735. The property was passed through generations of Wood and Glass families until being acquired by Wood descendant and MSV benefactor Julian Wood Glass Jr. Glass and his partner at the time, R. Lee Taylor (1924–2000), worked together to transform the site and its Glen Burnie House—built in 1794 by James Wood’s son Robert—into a country retreat where the couple entertained in high style. Admission is not needed to visit the Museum Store. Every Wednesday the site is open free of charge to individuals and families (fees apply for groups of 10 or more). The Museum is open year-round, and the gardens are open seasonally (April though October).

At the MSV, wonder comes in all sizes. Tucked in the far side of the picnic area, over a gentle hill and past a tangle o...
06/03/2026

At the MSV, wonder comes in all sizes.

Tucked in the far side of the picnic area, over a gentle hill and past a tangle of tree roots, a tiny village awaits. With little doors, charming details, and plenty of magic packed into a small space, the MSV gnome village is one of those delightful surprises that makes a visit even more memorable.

A hop, a climb, a peek, a grin—who knows what tiny treasures you'll find within?

Whether you're stopping to admire the details or just seeing where the path leads, there's always something unexpected to discover.

The picnic area is open free of charge from 7 a.m. to dusk. Created by MSV friend and woodworker Jack McAllister, the Gnome Village is just one of many discoveries waiting to be found. Admission is free for ages 12 and under, MSV members, and those receiving food assistance (EBT card required). Discount tickets for all other visitors are available online:

You belong at the MSV.

There’s a pottery show & sale at Wi******er’s Museum of the Shenandoah Valley from 10–5 this Saturday & Sunday, June 6 &...
06/03/2026

There’s a pottery show & sale at Wi******er’s Museum of the Shenandoah Valley from 10–5 this Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7!

Browse displays of contemporary pottery available for purchase and see special pottery by experts from the Shenandoah Potters Guild demonstrations (1 & 2 p.m. on Saturday only). The demonstrations are free and will take place in the MSV Makerspace Studio. FREE event admission!

Details here: www.themsv.org/pottery26

While you’re at the MSV, visit the galleries to see the MSV's impressive collection of pottery that highlights the Shenandoah Valley’s centuries-old pottery tradition and features rare pieces made by several of the region’s most prominent early potters. The newly opened exhibition “Earth & Sky: Sculptures by Marguerite Elliot,” is on view in the Museum’s 7-acre gardens too! Admission applies for galleries/garden visits.

The MSV is located at 901 Amherst St. in Wi******er, VA.

Looking for a fun, FREE way to spend this Saturday morning outdoors? Stop by—or ride a bike to—the MSV on June 6 for Nat...
06/02/2026

Looking for a fun, FREE way to spend this Saturday morning outdoors? Stop by—or ride a bike to—the MSV on June 6 for National Trails Day activities from 9 a.m. to noon! Get all the details here: www.theMSV.org/trails26

Celebrate the outdoors with free yoga sessions led by Jackie Dawson at the Standing Stone Circle: 9:30 a.m. for ages 18+ and 10:30 a.m. for families & kids. Plant a tree with MSV garden staff from 10–11 a.m. (while supplies last; families welcome), take an expert-led bird walk on the Trails (registration required), or visit a volunteer fair featuring more than a dozen area nonprofits from 10 a.m.–noon.

Enjoy hands-on nature activities on the Trails, including planting sunflower seeds, making bird feeders, and participating in a scavenger hunt. The Apple House Fork'd food truck will be at the MSV with apple cider donuts, BBQ, and more available for purchase.

BikeWalk Wi******er will offer free bicycle valet services, Blue Ridge Bicycles will provide bike checkups, and Wi******er VA Parks and Recreation will host a kids activity.

Spread the word and join us for a great morning on the Trails—we hope to see you there!

The MSV is located at 901 Amherst St. in Wi******er, VA.

Installation is underway at the MSV as “Earth & Sky: Sculptures by Marguerite Elliot” unfolds in the MSV gardens!Beginni...
05/27/2026

Installation is underway at the MSV as “Earth & Sky: Sculptures by Marguerite Elliot” unfolds in the MSV gardens!

Beginning Saturday, May 30, this new outdoor art experience features 10 monumental sculptures and installations exploring the deep interconnectedness between nature and humanity. Based in San Francisco, artist Marguerite Elliot grew up on a Shenandoah Valley farm. Her sculptures are a celebration of the natural world and a quiet call to protect and restore what is increasingly fragile.

Swipe through for a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibition’s installation and make plans to visit "Earth & Sky: Sculptures by Marguerite Elliot"—get discounted tickets here: https://bit.ly/3Ob6uLT

The summer season is almost here, and so is the return of Blue Star Museums at the MSV!From Memorial Day through Labor D...
05/22/2026

The summer season is almost here, and so is the return of Blue Star Museums at the MSV!

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserve, and their families receive free admission. We are also honored to extend free individual admission to veterans and retired military members all summer long.

We look forward to welcoming you to the galleries and gardens. Visit www.theMSV.org to plan your next visit.

(Valid military ID required. Veteran and retiree offer applies to individual admission.)

Everyone experiences museums differently, and we’re thrilled to announce that new sensory backpacks are now available at...
05/19/2026

Everyone experiences museums differently, and we’re thrilled to announce that new sensory backpacks are now available at the MSV.

As part of our commitment to creating a welcoming environment with meaningful experiences accessible to all, these backpacks are designed to support a more comfortable visit. Each includes items to help reduce overstimulation—such as noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools—as well as supplies that encourage hands-on exploration of MSV spaces, including a nature sketchbook and magnifying glass.

Sensory backpacks may be borrowed at no cost during your MSV visit from the Guest Services Desk in the galleries building lobby or from the Gate House at the garden entrance. These kits were made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Learn more about accessibility at the MSV here: themsv.org/accessibility

Whether you need sensory support for yourself, a child, or a loved one, you belong at the MSV.

There’s still time to shop the MSV Plant Sale! Browse a curated selection of perennials, shrubs, and trees, plus a limit...
05/17/2026

There’s still time to shop the MSV Plant Sale! Browse a curated selection of perennials, shrubs, and trees, plus a limited selection of annuals, herbs, and vegetables until 5 p.m. today, Sunday, May 17.

All plants are selected by MSV garden experts for reliable performance in local growing conditions.

See a detailed list of plants with photographs and descriptions here: www.themsv.org/list26

Experts from the Extension Master Gardeners of the Northern Shenandoah Valley will be onsite to answer gardening questions and share tips on seasonal gardening, native plants, and soil testing resources from the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory.

Admission to the plant sale is free. Proceeds support the care and maintenance of the MSV gardens.

05/15/2026

The MSV gardens and grounds team has been hard at work preparing for this weekend’s Plant Sale. Here’s Director of Gardens Joel Lowery with a preview of what you’ll find, from perennials and shrubs to trees, herbs, and vegetables selected for local growing conditions.

🌸 Member Preview | May 15 from 5-7pm
🪴 Public Sale | May 16-17 from 9-5
🎟️ Free admission

View the plant list at themsv.org/list26

The MSV is located at 901 Amherst St. in Wi******er, VA. Proceeds support the care and maintenance of the MSV gardens.

05/14/2026

Here’s a peek at just a few of the plants you’ll find at the MSV Plant Sale this weekend! 🌿🌸

Shop more than 3,500 expert-selected plants, from perennials and shrubs to trees, herbs, and vegetables, all chosen to thrive in local gardens. Plus, get gardening advice from Master Gardeners while you shop!

🪴 Saturday & Sunday, May 16–17
🕘 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
🎟 Free admission

Browse the plant list: themsv.org/list26

Proceeds support the care of the gardens at Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

Find the perfect plant for your garden at the MSV Plant Sale this Saturday and Sunday, May 16–17! The sale runs from 9 a...
05/13/2026

Find the perfect plant for your garden at the MSV Plant Sale this Saturday and Sunday, May 16–17! The sale runs from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. both days, and admission is free.

More than 3,500 plants—including perennials, shrubs, and trees, plus a limited selection of annuals, herbs, and vegetables—will be available. All are selected by MSV garden experts for reliable performance in local growing conditions.

See a detailed list of plants with photographs and descriptions here: www.themsv.org/list26

Shop the sale while experts from the Extension Master Gardeners of the Northern Shenandoah Valley answer gardening questions and share tips on seasonal gardening, native plants, and soil testing resources from the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory. Saturday also features a plant-themed kids activity table from 9–3, plus lunch available for purchase from 3Fires Oven and Mimi’s food trucks from 10:30–early afternoon.

MSV members receive early access at a preview event on Friday, May 15, from 5–7 p.m., plus a 10% discount on purchases.

Proceeds support the care and maintenance of the MSV gardens.

Address

901 Amherst Street
Wi******er, VA
22601

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(540) 662-1473

Website

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