Visit & Explore
Plan Your Visit
Step inside and explore artifacts, photographs, and stories that reflect the heart of Mathews County. Find our location, hours, parking, and accessibility details to help plan a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Hours
The Mathews Museum is open to the public Tuesday–Friday 10AM–4PM and Saturday 10AM–2PM.
We occasionally open for special programs and community events. Additional open days and times are listed on our Event Calendar and shared on our social media channels.
Admission is always free, with a suggested donation of $5 to support our exhibits and programs.
Hours may be adjusted for special events or inclement weather. For the most up-to-date information, check our website or social media before your visit.
Location
The museum is located in the heart of historic Mathews Court House at:
Mathews Museum
200 Main Street
Mathews, VA 23109
We’re right along Main Street, a short walk from local shops, restaurants, and the historic courthouse green.
If you’re visiting from out of town, consider making a day of it—explore the nearby waterfront, browse local galleries, or enjoy lunch at a café before or after your museum visit.
Parking & Transportation
Free street parking is available directly in front of the museum and along Main Street. Please observe any posted signs when choosing a space.
While spaces are not formally designated as accessible, many are level and located very close to the museum entrance, making access easier for visitors with mobility needs.
Mathews County does not have a formal public transit system, but local ride services may be available by appointment. Bicycles are welcome, and visitors may secure bikes near the building where appropriate.
Traveling with a group? See our Group Visits section for scheduling information.
Accessibility
The Mathews Museum welcomes all visitors and is committed to a comfortable, inclusive environment. Here is an at-a-glance overview, with detail below.
Single level & wheelchair accessible
Entrances, galleries, and restrooms are step-free.
Service animals welcome
In all public spaces, per ADA guidelines.
Seating & rest areas
Including a quieter space in the Media Room.
Not yet available
Assistive listening, ASL, Braille, or large-print guides.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in all public spaces in accordance with ADA guidelines. Service animals must be trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability. Emotional support animals are permitted.
Mobility Access
The museum is on a single level and is wheelchair accessible. Public entrances, galleries, and restrooms are accessible to visitors using mobility devices.
Rest Areas
Seating is available throughout the museum, including in the Media Room, which offers a quieter space to rest during your visit.
Sensory, Hearing & Vision Needs
We are a small, volunteer-led museum and do not yet offer assistive listening devices, ASL interpretation, Braille or large-print guides, or formal sensory guides. We hope to add more accessibility resources in the future. If you have specific questions or needs, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to support your visit.
Food & Beverage
Covered drinks are welcome. We kindly ask that food not be eaten inside the exhibit areas to help protect our collections.
Additional Support
For questions or accommodation requests, email info@mathewsmuseum.org or call (804) 505-1277. Advance notice is appreciated for any specialized assistance.
Group Visits
We are excited to welcome school groups, clubs, and other organizations to the Mathews Museum. Group visits are available by appointment only.
To schedule a group visit, please email info@mathewsmuseum.org with your group name, group size, preferred visit date, and preferred arrival time. Guided tours may be available depending on staff and volunteer availability; we will confirm details by email.
Things to Do
- Historic General Store Exhibit – Step into a recreated local general store filled with artifacts from Mathews’ past.
- Rotating Exhibits – Changing displays highlighting different aspects of Mathews County history and culture.
- Guided Tours – When available, volunteers provide a more in-depth look at the collections.
Chaperone Policy
All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For school or youth groups, we recommend at least one adult chaperone for every 8–10 children.
Museum Guidelines
- Please do not touch artifacts unless a staff member indicates otherwise.
- Covered drinks are permitted; we ask that food be enjoyed outside exhibit areas.
- Photography is welcome, but please do not use flash.
- No running or rough play inside the museum. Chaperones should stay with their groups at all times.