Closed Feb. 23-26 for Renovation

The Museum will close Feb. 23-26 for an exhibit renovation. VDM will reopen Feb. 27 from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Hours: Mon-Sat, 9:30-5:00 | Parking: 550 E Market Street

STEM Lab: Magnet Wall

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Visit our Exhibits page or contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102 to learn more about our exhibits. Before you visit, review our Policies & FAQs.

Things to Explore
  • What’s Your Angle: Change the angle of the ramps to create a steeper or shallower slope. How does this affect the balls’ speed?
  • Gear Up & Gear Down: Combine a small gear and a large gear, then spin one of them. What do you notice about the other gear?
Gravity Ramps

Let’s roll! Move the magnetic pieces around the wall to create dynamic and ever-changing slopes, then send balls down the course you’ve created as you explore gravity, cause and effect, and simple machines. Then combine the magnetic gears in different combinations to see how these toothed wheels transmit force and motion, change the direction of rotation, and increase or decrease speed.

Exhibits Map

Plan Your Visit

Parking: First hour free at Market Street and Water Street garages. Visitors who have set up a Metropolis App account may scan the QR code at VDM for a second free Hour.

Upcoming Programs

For optimal viewing on a smartphone or other small mobile device, click here to view in Google Calendar

Photo Policy

By visiting the Museum, you grant permission for any photographs of you and your dependents to be used for educational and promotional purposes. If you do not consent and wish to opt out of this policy, please inquire at the Front Desk or call (434) 977-1025. Review our Policies & FAQs before visiting.