Tuesday–Friday 10–4 · Saturday 10–2Admission Always Free200 Main Street, Mathews, Virginia
Est. on Main Street · Mathews Court House
Mathews Museum
Preserving the Coastal Heritage of Mathews County, Virginia



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 & Admission

Hours

The Mathews Museum is open to the public Tuesday–Friday 10 AM–4 PM and Saturday 10 AM–2 PM.

Tuesday – Friday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday & Monday
Closed

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.

The museum’s main gallery
Location

Find Us on Main Street

The museum is located in the heart of historic Mathews Court House at:

Mathews Museum
200 Main Street
Mathews, VA 23109
(804) 505-1277

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.

Get Directions
Exhibit panels inside the Mathews Museum
Parking & Transportation

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

Accessibility

The Mathews Museum welcomes all visitors and is committed to a comfortable, inclusive environment.

✓ MobilitySingle level and wheelchair accessible. Entrances, galleries, and restrooms are step-free.
✓ Service animalsWelcome in all public spaces, per ADA guidelines.
✓ SeatingSeating throughout, including a quieter space in the Media Room.
Not yet availableAssistive 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@themathewsmuseum.org or call (804) 505-1277. Advance notice is appreciated for any specialized assistance.

Educational Visits

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@themathewsmuseum.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.

A school group touring the museum
Museum Guidelines

While You’re Here

  • 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.