Science Museum of Virginia Greenspace

Envisioning the ongoing transformation of their institution, the Science Museum of Virginia engaged Glavé & Holmes Architecture to develop a comprehensive new Master Plan for their site. The plan reimagined the museum’s grounds and facilities beyond its National Historic Landmark building, designed by architect John Russell Pope, and established an ambitious framework for revitalizing a sector of the city experiencing renewed growth and engagement.

A key component of the plan was the construction of a new parking deck, which enabled the removal of surface parking and the creation of a six-acre front lawn and green space. This new park provides trails, public art, and informal gathering spaces, inviting the community to engage with the museum in new ways. It also connects directly to a regional trail system developed along the historic rail corridor, strengthening ties between the museum and the surrounding urban fabric.

The design emphasizes sustainability and resilience through the use of Virginia native plantings, large specimen trees, and integrated stormwater management systems. These features reflect the museum’s leadership in research on shade, green space, and urban heat effects, transforming the site into a living laboratory and a welcoming public resource for the city.