and West Virginia State Museum
The Cultural Center, West Virginia's official showcase for the arts, houses the West Virginia State Museum, the West Virginia State Theater and the West Virginia State Archives. This beautiful facility in the State Capitol Complex is an important stop for any visitor to the Mountain State. The Museum traces the state's history from Native American migration to the early 20th century. Highlights include a settler's cabin, a turn-of-the-century general store and a Civil War exhibition. Changing exhibition galleries showcase contemporary art and special collections, including the prestigious biennial West Virginia Juried Exhibition, and an exciting schedule of hands-on activities for school groups and families brings thousands of enthusiastic participants to Museum programs each year. The Center's State Theater regularly features West Virginia's outstanding performing artists, whether musical, theatrical, literary, classical, popular or experimental. The best starting point for scholarly or genealogical research in West Virginia is the State Archives. The library's vast collection features state documents, census records, family histories, maps and newspapers. All materials are available and easily accessible to the public. Friendly, personal research assistance is available. The Cultural Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. The State Archives is closed on Sunday. The facility is closed on major holidays. The Museum level will be closed for renovations during part of 2001-2002. Please call before visiting. || Order your FREE West Virginia Magazine | Request FREE regional travel information | Locator Map | Back to the top | Take me home || site by WVAgency