Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

The House, The Gardens, The Museum

Top: This Tall Case Clock, ca. 1795, was made by Goldsmith Chandlee (1751-1821). The clock is among the objects that were on view in the Museum's historic house

Middle: The sunken garden in front of the Pink Pavilion.

Above: The Museum's Shenandoah Valley Gallery.

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) interprets the art, history, and culture of the great valley for which it is named. This regional museum complex in Winchester, Virginia, includes a historic house dating to the eighteenth century, six acres of spectacular gardens, and a Museum designed by internationally recognized architect Michael Graves.  The historic house is now closed until 2014 for a preservation project.

You could easily spend the better part of a day at this museum site. Plan for at least one hour to explore the gardens and at least 90 minutes to experience the Museum galleries. One good approach is to experience the gardens in the morning, have lunch in the Museum Café, and see the galleries in the afternoon. Or vice versa. The Museum Café, is also a good place for afternoon tea. Don't miss the Museum Store during your visit.

The Museum is open year-round, and the house and gardens are open seasonally (March 1 though October 31 in 2012). All are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and closed Monday, Thanksgiving, December 24 and 25, and January 1. Click here for details about upcoming holiday closings and details about the house and gardens operating schedule. 

  • The gardens will be open throughout the preservation project. In 2013 and beyond, the gardens will be open from April through October.

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