Featured Exhibits

Operating Hours

Open Monday through Saturday

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed
Sundays and major holidays

Admission is free.

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Contact

Main: (304) 558-0220
TDD: (304) 558-3562

The Culture Center
Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305-0300

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Museum Events

Importance of Arts to Our Cultural History

When we talk about the value of arts and culture to society, we always start with its intrinsic value: how arts and culture can illuminate our inner lives and enrich our emotional world. This activity encompasses a broad range of disciplines that ranges from performing arts production and presentation, to visual arts exhibition, to arts education and arts in healthcare, to preservation and interpretation of our collective heritage. This is what we cherish.

However, we also understand that arts and culture have a wider, more measurable impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society, and education. It is important we also recognize this impact to help people think of our arts and culture for what they are: a strategic national resource.

Essentially, life without the collective resources of our arts communities would be static and sterile—no creative arguments about the past, no diverse and stimulating present and no dreams of the future.

For more information about our current, upcoming or past exhibitions, contact Sidney Duncan, Exhibits Coordinator for the department at (304) 558-0220 or Sidney.L.Duncan@wv.gov.

Current Exhibitions

Founders Exhibit

Explore the newest interactive experience in the Great Hall of the Culture Center as you learn about major events and reveal the fascinating stories of our Founding Fathers and some of the most integral ladies of the Revolution as you spin each display box. Don’t forget to bring your smartphone or device! Scan each panel’s QR code to dive into even more interactive fun. This exhibit is proudly presented in partnership with the White House and Freedom 250 initiative.

Blenko’s West Virginia Birthday Glass

Celebrate West Virginia Day at the Culture Center and marvel at the more than forty years of Blenko Glass Company’s West Virginia pieces. Ranging widely in both shape and color, each year’s limited edition design celebrates the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Mountain State. This exhibit is on display in the Balcony Gallery of the Culture Center.

2026 Governor’s Art Exhibition

Governor Patrick Morrisey and the West Virginia Department of Tourism announced an open invitation for local students to participate in the annual Governor’s Art Exhibition. Designed to showcase student creativity and the arts, this year’s exhibition was a call for one-of-a-kind designs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation and the many contributions of West Virginia. The contest was open to all West Virginia students in grades Kindergarten through 12th, including public, private, and homeschool students. All designs are on display for public viewing in the State Capitol. 

Upcoming Exhibits

The Inspired Series

Now on exhibit in the Commissioner’s Gallery of the West Virginia State Museum, this exhibit features past acquisitions from the Inspired series in a celebration of the Mountain State’s breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, historic figures, and architecture.

2027 Congressional Art Competition

West Virginia high schoolers across the state are invited to participate in the 2027 Congressional Art Competition as we continue our tradition of honoring Youth Art Month at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex in 2027.

Each March, Youth Art Month is celebrated by displaying outstanding, original works of art from our young artists across the state. The winner from each congressional district will have their artwork displayed at the United States Capitol for one year in the Congressional Art Competition, as well as receive a $100 Blick Art Materials gift card. The first place winners will be framed by the Department of Tourism for display at the United States Capitol. Second place winners will also be awarded a $50 Blick Art Materials gift card.

The exhibit is scheduled to open February 26, 2027 at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex. The workshop will begin at 9 AM and will be followed by an awards ceremony at 1 PM. Details regarding the workshop will be announced at a later date.

For more information and to download the submission form, please click here.

50 Years of the Culture Center

Join us for a special exhibition celebrating the Culture Center’s 50th anniversary. More information to come soon!

Past Exhibits

Click here to view current and past West Virginia Department of Tourism exhibits and exhibitions. The West Virginia Department of Tourism youth programs exhibits can be viewed here.