Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Museum

Since 1839, the Virginia Military Institute has helped shape the history of America. The museum traces the amazing civilian and military careers of many alumni.

Founded in 1845, the VMI Museum was the first public museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VMI Museum collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits the heritage of VMI as recorded in the 20,000-artifact collection. Many items in the collection have been presented by the individuals who used them (“One of my VMI web belts Mama kept” reads a handwritten note penned by WWII Gen. George Patton, VMI Class of 1907).

Special exhibits include, the seven Medals of Honor awarded to VMI alumni, an exhibit on the career of Gen. George C. Marshall, VMI Class of 1901, known as the “Architect of Victory” during WWII and author of the “Marshall Plan,” and the world-class Stewart Firearms Collection are featured in the museum.

Be sure to browse the VMI Museum store for unique, exclusive designs and local artisan-crafted keepsakes. Many items are available online for purchase at museumstore.vmi.edu.

Cadet Guided Tours

Arrange your visit to the VMI Museum before or following a cadet-led walking tour of the historic VMI post. The tour is free and is offered daily while classes are in session, but subject to cadet availability. The tour begins at 12:15 p.m. in the VMI Museum lobby located on the 2^nd floor of Memorial Hall and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Reservations are only required for groups larger than 15. Please call 540-464-7334 to arrange group reservations.