The best museums in Portsmouth in September 2025

These are the top 5 best museums in Portsmouth, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Portsmouth, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Portsmouth.

Looking for the best museums in Portsmouth? These are the best ones:

  1. Lightship Portsmouth Museum1

    Lightship Portsmouth Museum

     Portsmouth, VA
    The United States Lightship 101, now known as Portsmouth (LV-101), is a museum ship that was first stationed at Cape Charles in Virginia. Today, it is a significant part of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in Portsmouth, Virginia. This historic ship offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region and serves as a fascinating attraction for visitors.
  2. Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum2

    Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum

     Portsmouth, VA
    The Portsmouth Community Library, also known as the Portsmouth Colored Community Library, is a historic library building situated in Portsmouth, Virginia. Constructed in 1945, the library is located at 804 South Street. This one-story, three-bay, brick building with a hipped roof was built to cater to the reading needs of Portsmouth's African Americans.
  3. Children's Museum of Virginia3

    Children's Museum of Virginia

     Portsmouth, VA
    The Children's Museum of Virginia, situated in Olde Town Portsmouth at 221 High Street, is recognized as the largest children's museum in the state. This location is not only significant for its size but also for its historical and cultural relevance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  4. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum4

    Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

     Portsmouth, VA
    The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, along with the associated Lightship Museum, is situated on the downtown waterfront of Portsmouth, Virginia, in the United States. These museums offer a unique insight into the rich maritime history of the region and are easily accessible due to their central location.
  5. 5

    Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center

     Portsmouth, VA

All museums in Portsmouth