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American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar
480 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
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Br
Review №1

The staff here are passionate about their jobs, considerate and helpful. The exhibits were well laid out and were cleaned frequently. Definitely worth your time of youre in the area

Br
Review №2

Amazing collection of artifacts! Packs a lot of history in a small space. Definitely check it out if you travel to Richmond!

st
Review №3

Pretty cool stuff here its something nice to go visit on a rainy day. I had fun and learned a lot.

Je
Review №4

Really nice museum! Very informative! It is a little pricey and smaller than I thought but they do squeeze in a lot of information. Parking is validated with a ticket which is really nice. I brought my 5&9 year old honestly it was too much reading for them. They liked to look at the pictures and exhibits however went through the whole thing within minutes. My 5 year old was very bored.

Ro
Review №5

I hate to say this, But I was a bit underwhelmed with the lack of inventory that was showcased. I felt that the museum was smaller than I anticipated. It was quite small in fact.I felt like I could have spent maybe an hour tops in this museum. I think a museum of this stature should be much larger, and should take a minimum of 4 hours to walk through. Being one who remembers the Museum of the Confederacy and its extensive collection, I was expecting to see many of those pieces on display; but I did not see them at all. I like a museum that you can get lost in, loaded with history. And this was not that museum.You have to factor parking and the museum fee, and then you only need an hour to see it all.Wonderful staff, very friendly and informative. Great gift-shop.

Ni
Review №6

This museum is very well done. The exhibits are a great mix of artifacts, stories, signs, and audio-visual components. The building is very nice and clean. The air conditioning was fantastic on a hot day, too. The staff is welcoming and friendly as soon as you walk in. My group learned a lot we did not know about the Civil War. Highly recommended.

Mo
Review №7

Great place to walk exercise and ride bikes.Florida Girl

Jo
Review №8

Well crafted exhibits (including rotating exhibits) and lots of interesting personal items from the belligerents on both sides.It is a bit expensive for a short visit (about 1 to 1.5 hours at most).Covid-19: Masks required to visit, limitted occupancy, sanitizing stations thoughout, some interactive exibits removed. Do not plan to pay cash, unless you have the exact change, they may not be able to provide any change.

Br
Review №9

Loving how the staffs handles their costumers. Great place!

Li
Review №10

If you are a person of color visit an afrocentric historical establishment before this one to get a well rounded view. The focus here will be mostly slavery based.••••EACHONE•TEACHONE••••Tap on my name or icon above and scroll down to see even more historical locations:700+ BLACK HISTORY ICONS.320+ CELEBRITY LOCATIONS.

Ti
Review №11

Pricey. Disapointing. Some interesting stuff. Military friendly with courteous staff. $16 PER adult. Paid parking site $9. Was not worth it in my opinion. Wish I had my money back.

Ga
Review №12

A great place to visit for civil war memorabilia and artifacts. Stunning composure and presentation of materials with breathtaking audiovisual supplements makes for a singular experience that cannot be overlooked by any history buff. The expose on early American currency was particularly informative, including a wide selection of bills, both government and private bank notes. External exhibits were equally intriguing with the explanation of the workings of a civil war era iron mill. Outstanding in all aspects.

yo
Review №13

Fantastic Museum! lots of great information and well laid out.

An
Review №14

The American Civil War Museum - Historic Tredegar provided information about the battles that took place around Richmond. The museum spreads across two buildings; one of which was restored from the Civil War.Many of the exhibits include reading plaques explaining the significance of the exhibit. Learn about life during the war, destruction of Tredegar, life on the battlefield, currency and cost of the war, and unrest on each side.Several small theaters are available explaining the history of the battles near Richmond. The museum provides special lecturers on occasion about the civil war. Check out the museums website for more information.There is a fee to park in any of the museum lots. Free street parking is available on a side street. The museum also participates in the reciprocal museum program with certain museums; providing for free admission if you are a member to one of the participating museums (as of June 2019).

Ma
Review №15

Easily the best civil war museum Ive experienced and one of the best museums Ive ever been to. It was interactive and kept my attention throughout the whole walkthrough. I pride myself in knowing more than most when it comes to American history, but it taught me quite a bit I was unfamiliar with in the civil war. I will definitely be returning with my children when theyre of age.

Ra
Review №16

A recently renovated and beautiful museum that does an excellent job of telling the story of the civil war without falling into the trap of so many other civil war museums fall into of glorifying the old south. They also had an artfully assembled exhibit on the development of money/the US treasury that provided insight as to how the civil war gave us the US dollar.

gn
Review №17

Museum is well set up and has interactive electronic screens for each year of the war. There are also a few short videos that you can sit and watch throughout the exhibits. It is very visitor friendly and breaks the information up into digestible pieces. Highly recommend!

Iv
Review №18

This place has some amazing facts...check it out

rv
Review №19

A hidden gem of Richmond which is looking to be more inclusive and to narrate a broader story of the Civil War and its place in national history. Great waterfront views. New venue opening next year with event and exhibit spaces.

je
Review №20

My husband and I really loved this museum. All of the exhibits had small plaques that told what every item was and where it came from. Like how Stonewall Jackson was shot but at the same time another bullet shot through a notebook that was in a mans pocket. They have the notebook on display. They also cover all aspects of the war.

Do
Review №21

Its nice. Its a lot more quaint than I was expecting. Its a good way to spend an hour. Its a good refresher into what I had learned in middle school and such, but nothing really new.

To
Review №22

Well put together museum with outstanding exhibits. Enjoyed the narratives that played at different points. Definitely worthy of a return trip.

Ar
Review №23

Well done and enjoyable. Near the James River so a nice waterfront walk or dip is easy too.

br
Review №24

A really interesting museum. Displays many points and facts about how the civil war affected the USA. As a tourist, I enjoyed this visit. I would recommend giving this a visit if you are not too conscious of the civil war history.

To
Review №25

Excellent museum that I think expertly handles the intricacies of the Civil War. I learned a lot. Beautiful interior of the museum. Many multimedia presentations. Pretty cool. Probably ages 10 and up. But the 10yr old would have to be pretty interested in history.

Je
Review №26

Lots and lots to look at. Plus you can walk over the James Bridge. Totally worth checking out!

Wi
Review №27

Just opened in May, 2019, this remarkable museum, nested amidst and within the ruins of Tredegar Iron Works is state-of-the-art. Artifacts donated to the original Confederate Museum built at the Confederate White House since the late 1800s have been relocated here and many organized in splendid displays. The only problem with them is that, for the most part, the descriptions are written too small (in white on reference-illustrated black cards) and placed too low behind the glass to be legible. I literally spent an hour on my hands and knees reading about who-gave-what-that-belonged-to-whom-and-when!

Br
Review №28

A great place to bring out of town friends! Located right on the river, it offers great views and pretty walks nearby. I suggest making a day out of touring the museum and nearby Belle Isle and Browns Island. The museum holds such unique and interesting artifacts in such a beautiful and historic building. I especially loved all the old photographs of various places around the city back then. I only wish they had a student discount!

G
Review №29

We bought passes for all three Civil War museums and this was our first stop. We visited the other one in downtown Richmond several hours later, and the last one in Appomattox a day later as it was an hours drive away. Of the three, I consider this one the most evenhanded and thoughtful in its treatment of the sensitive subject of the Civil War. It did a good job of raising critical questions without making anyone, regardless of persuasion, feel uncomfortable or defensive.It is also commendable for the noticeable symbols of reconciliation, particularly the statue of President Lincoln, which commemorates his visit to the city after the Confederate government evacuated it.The place was a busy construction site when we visited but theres a makeshift walk path leading visitors to the museum building. Parking was easy and free.

Ro
Review №30

Political Correctness run amok!Im not sure why the old Museum of the Confederacy was closed or why it merged into the Civil War Center to become what it is now, but it was a major disappointment.The exhibits are well done and the facility is a wonderful effort of conservation and city redevelopment, however, they fail to pursue numerous area of this controversial area. While they do deal with anti-war riots in New York and similar themes of the Confederacy, a lot was left out. Now this isnt because the place is overfilled with material. Nope...Im estimating that only about 25% of the available floor space is occupied with exhibits. The entry areas are massive and a waste of space.Finally, in the gift shop, there are plenty of replicas of historic Union flags, as there should be, but no Confederate battle flags. That says it all.Dont waste your time here.

A
Review №31

Having grown up in the South, I have seen my share of Civil War museums. In fact, there is one less than five miles from my own home in Missouri.To me, the Tredegar site was very striking. However, the number of items on display was lacking.The graphics used in several areas for reading used font too small, or with not enough contrast.Banners that were festively hung from the rafters had writing on them so high up, the words were impossible to read.Some graphics had been scraped and could not be read.Overall, it was a good experience, but did not meet my expectations from those who recommended it. I look forward to seeing the second White House nearby, and Appomattox.Compliments to the welcoming staff who were most gracious. I was also impressed with the very large selection of books for purchase about this time in our history, as well as replicas of period items for sale. Very nice.Tredegar is right by the river, which is another plus. A great example of how our country harnessed natural energy for manufacturing.Virginia had so many families divided by loyalties to conflicting sides. My suggestion is to include the threads of those family tapestries.Four stars only here, because there are thousands of relics available for use in display. As a marketer by trade, I would suggest expanding the items and leave the flashy graphics for another time.The bars with facts that guests were encouraged to pull were unwieldy and out of place.Our nation deserves a bit more effort on this particular National Park.We went in a weekday and practically had the place to ourselves. That was luxurious.

Jo
Review №32

Good museum, $$$ but educational and good representation of slavery, the facts, the narratives of the south, and the struggle for freedom for all that was the focus of the civil war.

Ch
Review №33

Very good museum. Maybe a bit small, but definitely informative. Of course it is located in a former CSA state, but I guess VA is special. But as always: stay critical with the matter.The small cinema is amazing. The interactive screens are very helpful, too. I would recommend going there.

Al
Review №34

According to Jamelle Bouie in The New York. Times, the objective is “to tell an inclusive story of the war in hopes of dispelling some of the myths and misconceptions that still dominate popular understanding.” So, while they have displays of tools people used to kill each other, and they have information on major battles, military leaders, and political pivot points, you are exposed to many personal stories of ordinary people as well, black and white. Provides a much fuller picture than many other Civil War resources.

Ru
Review №35

Excellent staff in a very beautiful area! Plan to stay here 2-3 hours as you walk around the area and bridges on the James River!

Me
Review №36

The actual War Between The States is far more fascinating than this...Cannot compare to the Museum of the Confederacy. Its very heavy on the slavery rather than history. It wasnt a Civil War. It does not have the warmth of the former museum of the Confederacy. There is even a statue of Lincoln in front. Distasteful.

Ni
Review №37

Great experience!

Ka
Review №38

Pretty quiet and calm. Got a little busy towards closing. Basically a tour through the memorabilia and written explanation of items on your own, at your own pace.

JC
Review №39

A great place to learn about the civil war. Lots of information and amazing artifacts.

Re
Review №40

Wowsers! As a history major and lover, specifically during the Civil War period back towards 1619, when the first Africans landed in Old Point Comfort (Fort Monroe), I must say this museum is absolutely phenomenal! Their current exhibit blew my mind! Also, their bookstore has a wealth of great books and history gear! Without a doubt, heres yet another Virginia Museum thats a must visit! So be sure to add it to your list!

Ju
Review №41

I love it when you can learn more about a subject that you thought you knew a lot about. Very interesting!

Ar
Review №42

Interesting museum. On the smaller side overall but great information and learning. Wonderful view outside and great staff.

Ja
Review №43

Seems like its missing some keys for me. But very nice.

Mi
Review №44

Very interesting museum. We expected to find it slanted toward a Confederate viewpoint, but actually it was very balanced.Lots of interesting historical items here. Well presented. A most worthwhile stop on our journey.

Jo
Review №45

Great Museum..displays are amazing!

Al
Review №46

A beautiful display, not hard to find, and doesnt take too much of your day. A lot of good information and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

Mi
Review №47

A great little museum with a very balanced view of our bloodiest war to date. If you have any interest in the War Between the States this is a great stop. Drop any preconceived notions at the door and prepare for a great visit!

Do
Review №48

They have consolidated collections from around Richmond into one venue. Parking lot is free and close. There is an entrance fee. The museum now concentrates on both sides of the War Between the States. Interesting books in the Gift Shop. There are guided tours or you can wander on your own. Please visit if you are interested in the history of our country!

Es
Review №49

A beautiful outdoor setting and nicely presented indoor exhibits. Just being there in the old iron works gives you a feeling of the history involved. The National Park side is a good introduction, but The Civil War side is where things get interesting. Im a visiting Yankee, and I think their presentation of the causes and aftermath of our civil war is pretty thoughtful and balanced. No treatment of it will make everyone comfortable, and in fact probably shouldnt. They dont dwell on the abominable, but they also dont sugar coat it. Be prepared to be challenged, but keep an open mind.

Da
Review №50

Loved the exhibits, so much information and interesting artifacts

Ti
Review №51

This museum presents a chronological view of the Civil War, focusing on the social and cultural ramifications of the war. The interactive video screens throughout allow you to examine specific events in depth. The artifact-centric exhibits have different levels of explanation; read the large print for an overview, or continue reading the fine print for more detail. The museum is still working out a few kinks in their labelling of artifacts, but dont let this deter you. This museum is definitely worth the visit.

Te
Review №52

This a great place to visit for history buffs and all people.

Sa
Review №53

The museum was very well done and informative. The location was great in that it was located in a place that manufactured weapons during the civil war. We talked to a NPS volunteeron the second floor who explained and showed us all about the cannon and it’s history and their history at Tredgar. It was a great experience that he made better and that added to the wonderful experience we were having already! Visit if you’re in Richmond!Location is wonderful as it’s right in Richmond and across the street from a pedestrian bridge crosses the James River at the rapids. It was about 90 degrees on the day we were their and the breeze from the water cooled it down considerably.

Ke
Review №54

This is another place that you can go and it is free. The staff their is friendly and very knowledgeable. We had a gentleman explain the full process of getting a shot off out of the cannon.

Ti
Review №55

Lady at the ticket counter was so rude

Cl
Review №56

Such sites need to be preserved, visited, and remembered in order to prevent a repeat. Sadly, we are headed to a second Civil War. This time, it is beginning as the Spanish civil war did.

to
Review №57

The American Civil War Museum an incredible and indelible discussion of the civil war. The exhibit walks you through the troubling years of our nation’s darkest times, and brings relevant understanding of the topics and issues at hand without overburdening the sometimes controversial war.You will be impressed with the multimedia presentations, which are as dynamic as they are instructive. My children young and younger found the various digital exhibits exciting and interesting.All in all, I felt a new respect for the issues that plagued our beautiful country, and the bravery and determination of both sides.I expect to return to this museum and study the exhibits more carefully (maybe when I don’t have a toddler running around).

St
Review №58

Nice little museum on the beautiful riverfront. There are a couple of videos and lots to read about. There are collections of period objects and clothing but not too many. This makes for a good hour visit. The store has a lot of neat items. I really enjoyed the outdoor space and old buildings. Dont forget to walk across the bridge and read the civil war quotes.

Ja
Review №59

The private museum was pretty good. It spanned 2 floors and had good exhibits. The cost was I think $10 but was worth it. The park is also by the river and has trails to walk. Good way to spend a few hours.

Mr
Review №60

Lots actual physical items and knowledgeable staff to answer questions. It is very effective in teaching u about the war.

Mo
Review №61

There are multitudes of Civil War sites & Musems but these two in Richmond are a must see for Civil War Buffs. Superb interpretation at the new site. Complex war is made more understandable in displays at the old iron works site. The rest of the museum will be moved to this site. The White House next to the old museum & worth seeing. American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar is a great place to start to learn about the American Civil War especially in relation to the Richmond Battlefield.

De
Review №62

Thorough and thoughtful presentation of the varied perspectives on an event of importance to any and all Americans.

Me
Review №63

Great Historical Records and Memorabilia

Sr
Review №64

It will be good if this Museum provides some Free Days for Richmond Residence..

Br
Review №65

This museum is well organized and takes you through the war, year by year. There are interactive boards as well as personal stories told through artifacts, which are fascinating. I learned a lot more about the war than I thought possible.

Ri
Review №66

Not bad and has lot of history.

Ly
Review №67

Great museum and the grounds are beautiful! Be sure to have a back up plan for parking. The lot is small and on nice days very crowded. We have to park and walk about 10 minutes to get to the museum.

Da
Review №68

This museum is fantastic. It is perfect to spend a few hours, and I would definitely add it to any Jamestown or Williamsburg vacation. If you are interested in the Civil War, it will deepen your knowledge. If you know nothing, it is easy to absorb. It is very well done, newer and low-key. We like it a LOT more than the Washington D.C. museums. I am lucky enough to live in the area now, but if I was planning a trip nearby I would definitely recommend making a stop.

Co
Review №69

Its a very well put together museum in a nice modern building. I thought there would be more exhibits, but overall I was impressed.

Ch
Review №70

This place is awesome. Lots of knowledge that the youth and young adults need today. The one that forgot why the civil war was fought. The staff were great and very helpful.

Sh
Review №71

Very nice gallery. Polite and informative personnel.

Jo
Review №72

Fantastic look at destruction of Richmond during the civil war. Alot of great displays and information on both sides of fight.

Ma
Review №73

A beautiful museum built in a building that breathes historical significance.

Fr
Review №74

For being in a capital city, I felt this museum was a bit on the small side. Beautiful historic area, though

Sh
Review №75

Great place to visit for kids and adults. Staff very knowledgeable. Great outdoor spaces to explore and beautiful indoor museum.

Go
Review №76

Should be the National abolitionist museum or the history of slavery museum. If you are true Civil War buff, this is not the place for you. More focus on causes (from their view) than the actual war. You can pick up the political correctnesstone they have. I would not recommend and will not be back. Museums jobs are not to take away history or even interpret history. It’s purpose is to be a custodian and guardian of ALL history. I wouldn’t waste my money.

Al
Review №77

Great place to run

Ro
Review №78

A great overview of the Civil War and Richmond. Very informative and interesting even for younger children.

Br
Review №79

Today was the grand opening of the new location, amazingly done.

Ll
Review №80

If I could give zero stars I would! Well, civil war museum in Richmond formally The Museum of the Confederacy today mind you I thought i was prepared for the changes but i wasnt, Im am totally disgusted with what they did.the displays were horrible, they had union artifacts mixed in with Confederate artifacts and of course everything was about slavery or colored troops in the union. They even had a black trooper behind the suit president Davis wore if you looked at it you wouldnt even know it was his suit until you read the fine print. And to top it off the last thing you see as you leave the the so called museum is a KKK hood .every Confederate family that donated artifacts should demand them back! Fake history what is disgrace of Richmond and the Southern Soldiers!

an
Review №81

Very interesting overview of the civil war, with lots of information

Vi
Review №82

This is a great place to visit, especially if one is a history buff. There are couple of free short films to watch; one is about Tredgar Iron Works and the other film is about Richmond during the Civil War. Also, there are a lot of neat exhibits from weaponry to clothes.

Ge
Review №83

Dont waste $12 going through the museum . Do the free part in the Ironwork building and consider donating for its upkeep. The older building seems to have knowledgeable national park employees who are very helpful. The new building has rude, clueless ticket takers who find it amusing that you got screwed outta $12 bucks.

Ha
Review №84

Great visit and very friendly staff.

Ma
Review №85

Was there for my Uncles funeral reception and they did a great job with the handling of it . My Uncles name is Buford Scott. He will be missed by all.

Br
Review №86

This is a decent museum to check out in the Richmond area. Situated in a great spot downtown, no trouble to get to or find parking. Plenty of free things to see and learn about, which kept me busy while I was there. The shop had some interesting items, including several books which looked to be a great read. Watched a couple of documentaries in a fairly comfortable theatre and perused many historical items on display, with plenty of information on each. Staff was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. Spent several hours here and did not see everything available.

Ke
Review №87

Fun! I really enjoyed it

Ke
Review №88

Awsome museum!

Pa
Review №89

This museum, along with its companion, the Tredegar Iron Works, is one of the finest museums of the Civil War era in existence. The history is presented in a very objective way, offering points of view from both sides, so to speak. I found it to be very historically accurate. Definitely a must do when in Richmond!

Wi
Review №90

An amazing museum. A highlight of this visit to Richmond.

Mi
Review №91

Do the free museum next door. The who complex makes it worthwhile

Pa
Review №92

This museum is truly something special. The stories of the Civil War that youve never hear await. Stories of African Americans, stories of women, stories of children...make sure you have plenty of time to really take it all in. The new building is so well done and I look forward to what rotating exhibits are to come!

Da
Review №93

This place was well done and it truly was very impressed I must see

Ra
Review №94

Lots of information and pieces of history. I would have liked to look at the historic building outside but it was 95 degrees out.

An
Review №95

Nice museum, well set up

Ro
Review №96

Very professional,knew their history!

Sh
Review №97

Really thought this museum gave some interesting info on the civil war! Super text heavy though. You had to read a ton - the biggest exhibit is a time line which details the causes and happenings of the war. I still learned some things I didn’t know. And would overall recommend a visit!

Ch
Review №98

A lot of history here good exhibits. Dont forget the Tredegar Iron works next door.

Pa
Review №99

Its was great and definitely worth the 90 minute drive

Mi
Review №100

Unique displays. Cant have a war without cannon balls.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:480 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
  • Site:http://acwm.org/
  • Phone:+1 804-649-1861
Categories
  • History museum
  • Event venue
  • Historical landmark
  • Museum
  • Tourist attraction
  • War museum
Working hours
  • Monday:10am–4pm
  • Tuesday:10am–4pm
  • Wednesday:10am–4pm
  • Thursday:10am–4pm
  • Friday:10am–4pm
  • Saturday:10am–4pm
  • Sunday:10am–4pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Toilets:Yes
  • Restaurant:No
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