Amazement Square | Lynchburg

Amazement Square is an award-winning, hands-on children's museum located in the heart of historic downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. Situated at 27 Ninth Street, the museum occupies the J.W. Wood Building, a Civil War-era warehouse that has been meticulously restored to serve as a dynamic educational space for children and families. Since its opening in 2001, Amazement Square has become a cornerstone of the community, offering a blend of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.

🏛️ History and Architecture

The J.W. Wood Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally constructed in the mid-19th century. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including as an infirmary for the Confederate Army and a wholesale grocery warehouse. In 1995, the building was acquired to house Amazement Square, and after extensive renovations, it opened its doors as a children's museum in 2001. The restoration preserved the building's historic features, such as its cast-iron façade and heavy timber framing, while adapting the interior to accommodate the museum's interactive exhibits .

🧭 Exhibits and Attractions

Amazement Square spans four floors, each offering unique, hands-on exhibits designed to engage children in learning through play. The museum houses ten permanent exhibitions and a changing gallery, covering a wide range of topics from science and history to art and culture.

Amazement Tower: One of the tallest indoor climbing structures in the nation, the Amazement Tower extends through all four floors of the museum, offering slides, ladders, tunnels, and a zip-line that connects the rooftop to the first floor .

Native American Gallery: This exhibit explores the housing, daily life, and arts of the Monacan, Lakota, and Pueblo peoples. Visitors can experience life in a tipi, gather food from the "Three Sisters" crops, and try their hand at a Pueblo weaving loom .

On The James: A journey down the James River with a miniature batteau boat, this exhibit allows children to navigate using locks and canals and observe the effects of a simulated rainstorm on downtown Lynchburg .

Once Upon a Building: In this exhibit, children can pretend to be architects, urban planners, or construction workers, learning how buildings are constructed and operating a larger-than-life crane to build structures from around the world .

Shipwreck Cove: A pirate-themed play area featuring an interactive table, a coral reef, and a low-stimulation zone for children who may feel overwhelmed by the museum environment .

Centra Gallery: League of Healthy Heroes: This gallery promotes healthy lifestyle choices through interactive displays and activities .

Raceways & Voltageville: An exhibit that brings science to life by allowing children to explore concepts like gravity, inertia, velocity, and electricity through interactive play .

Big Red Barn: A farm-themed play area where children can engage in activities related to agriculture and rural life .

Changing Gallery: A rotating exhibit space that features temporary exhibitions on various topics, providing fresh and engaging content for repeat visitors .

🕒 Hours and Admission

Amazement Square is open during the following hours:

Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Closed on Monday and Tuesday .

Admission prices are as follows:

Adults and children over 12 months: $13.00

Seniors: $7.00

Children under 12 months: Free

Adults must be accompanied by a child unless a pre-arranged tour has been scheduled .

Members receive free unlimited visits. Online ticket purchases offer a $3 discount per adult.

♿ Accessibility and Inclusivity

Amazement Square is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all visitors. It is the only museum in Virginia to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. The museum has implemented various measures to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities, including designated quiet spaces, sensory guides, and staff trained to assist visitors on the autism spectrum .

Additional accessibility features include:

Stroller parking: Available at the front desk.

Child carriers: Available for free with the exchange of a license or car key.

Nursing room: Located on the second floor in the Big Red Barn Exhibition.

Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible stalls and changing tables are available on all floors, except for the single stall restroom on the first floor.

Service animals: Welcome, though emotional support or comfort animals are not accommodated .

🌿 Sustainability Initiatives

Amazement Square is dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. In 2022, the museum became a Virginia Green Tourism partner, committing to waste reduction, energy conservation, and sustainable tourism practices. Initiatives include:

Pollinator and educational garden: Promoting biodiversity and environmental education.

Recycling and upcycling: Repurposing materials for exhibits and educational programs.

Rainwater harvesting: Using collected rainwater for irrigation needs .

🎓 Educational Programs and Community Outreach

Amazement Square offers a variety of educational programs designed to engage children and families in learning experiences that extend beyond the museum walls. These programs include:

School programs: Collaborations with local schools to provide hands-on learning opportunities.

Outreach initiatives: Programs aimed at reaching underserved communities and promoting STEM education.

Workshops and camps: Offering seasonal programs that focus on various educational themes .

The museum's commitment to education and community engagement has made it a vital resource for families in Lynchburg and the surrounding areas.

📍 Location and Parking

Amazement Square is located at 27 Ninth Street in Lynchburg, Virginia. Free parking is available in the Canal Lot behind the museum, adjacent to the James River. Additionally, two-hour parking spaces are available on Jefferson Street and Ninth Street .

Amazement Square stands as a testament to the power of interactive learning and community engagement. Through its innovative exhibits, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to sustainability, the museum continues to inspire and educate visitors of all ages.