The Valentine

Where History, Culture and Cuisine Meet!

About:

MISSION & HISTORY 

The mission of the Valentine is to engage, educate, and challenge a diverse audience by collecting, preserving, and interpreting Richmond’s history.  

Richmond’s long and complex history is a resource that few cities have. The Valentine has a long tradition of using our unique historic buildings and vast collections to expand and deepen our understanding of the central role that Richmond plays in the larger American story, and we are committed to telling our stories in creative, engaging, and inclusive ways. 

The Valentine’s story begins with Mann S. Valentine II, the museum’s founder, who made his fortune with the creation and production of Valentine’s Meat Juice, a health tonic made from pure beef juice. Like many wealthy men of his era, Mann collected artifacts, eventually assembling a large collection or art, archival, ethnographic, and history objects that he displayed in his home at 11th and Clay streets. Mann Valentine died in 1892, leaving his collection, the Wickham House and an endowment of $50,000 for the establishment of a public museum that ultimately opened in 1898. 

Over time, the Valentine has evolved from a general art and history museum to one focusing on the life and history of Richmond, Virginia. For 125 years, the Valentine has collected, preserved and interpreted the materials of Richmond’s life and history. Through our collections, exhibitions and programs, the Valentine reflects the broad issues and diverse communities that define the history of the Richmond region. 

Indoor Items

Amount

Measurements

Round Folding Tables - 4 ft.

5

Round Folding Tables - 5 ft.

8

6 ft Folding Tables

10

30" by 6'

Narrow 6 ft folding Tables

7

18" by 6'

Padded Banquet Chairs

88

High-Top Tables- 24" Round top

4

High-Top Tables -30" Round top

4

High Top Table tall poles

7

High Top Table short poles

8

High Top Table feet

8

Black Mesh Folding Chairs

73

Wood Tables

5

60" x 30" x 29"

Black Mesh Stacking Chairs w/Wheels

23

Video Screen Adjustable

1

Small Rolling Podium

1

Large Wood Podium

1

Outdoor/Garden Items

Amount

Measurements

Wrought Iron patio tables- 42"

12

Wrought Iron patio tables- 30"

4

Wrought Iron patio chairs with arms

72

  • Street Parking
  • Parking is available in the MCV Visitor Parking Deck at 529 N. 12th Street. 

Why book with us

OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM will work with you to ensure your special day is seamlessly executed. You and your guests can experience the full footprint of what both locations have to offer through exhibitions and displays highlighting Virginia’s history. Whether it’s an executive leadership retreat, offsite corporate meeting, wedding reception or other celebratory event, both BHMVA and The Valentine are just the place.