Science Museum of Virginia ranks top three for STEM institutions in the nation

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Science Museum of Virginia was ranked top three STEM institutions across the nation, according to Newsweek.

Ranking in third place, the Science Museum of Virginia was recognized as one of 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Award for STEM-focused institutions across the nation.

“We are honored to be included on a list of the top science museums in the nation,” said chief wonder officer Rich Conti. “We get to see the positive impact of our work everyday; it’s gratifying to have others recognize what we do. We are delighted to receive this national accolade and will continue working hard to enrich the lives of all Virginians.”

Featured panelists and contributors from Newsweek selected nominees from over 400 science museums all over the U.S., making the Science Museum the only finalist chosen in the entire Mid-Atlantic Region.

Below are the nation's top 10 recognized STEM institutions in the nation:

1. Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff
2. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland
3. Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond
4. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
5. Field Museum in Chicago
6. Science Museum of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City
7. American Museum of Natural History in New York
8. NASA Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island
9. Exploratorium of San Francisco in San Francisco
10. California Academy of Science in San Francisco