There’s something inherently satisfying about a locked-room mystery. The kind where you, a detective by necessity, not by choice, are thrown into a puzzle that demands observation, deduction, and maybe a little alcohol. Richmond, being Richmond, doesn’t quite have that—but what it does have is Science on Tap! at the Science Museum of Virginia, where you can channel your inner Hercule Poirot (or at least Velma from Scooby-Doo) while mildly buzzed and poking at forensic evidence.
This year’s edition is called Mystery at the Museum, an evening of science, drinks, and puzzles for adults who still secretly wish they were kids—because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t? There will be a crime to solve, actors playing suspects, and just enough scientific accuracy to make you believe you’re competent at fingerprint analysis after a single night.
ed. note: We want to thank the Science Museum of Virginia for partnering with us on this event and we currently have a giveaway for a pair of tickets for those that want to go but want to try their luck! You can find that HERE.
How This All Happened (and Who to Blame for It)
Like most good ideas, this one started over lunch. A handful of staffers at the Science Museum were tossing around ideas for their next event, and—perhaps emboldened by caffeine or the general absurdity of working in a place where Tesla coils go off at random—someone said, Clue. Someone else said, Scooby-Doo. Then Agatha Christie entered the mix.
“We thought, this would make an amazing adult event,” said Timshal Purdum, Virginia C. Ellett Deputy Director of Education. “Forensics is such a fascinating science. A lot of people love learning how crimes are solved, so we thought, why not bring that to life?”
And so it was decided: a night where Richmonders could dress in detective-core, wander the halls of the Science Museum, and attempt to solve a heist before their second drink kicked in.
The Night’s Agenda: Booze, Blood Typing, and a Museum Heist
The event is designed to make you feel like you’ve walked into an interactive whodunit—without the pressure of actually having to figure out who did it. There will be actors. Puzzles. A mini escape room. And for those who want to embrace the science side of things, forensic demos featuring:
- Blood typing and fingerprinting (because nothing says date night like analyzing hemoglobin)
- Cryptids and conspiracy theories (courtesy of a forensic science professor from VCU, because Bigfoot and forensic skepticism go hand in hand)
- Astronomical mysteries in the museum’s massive dome, led by their in-house astronomer
- Miracle berries, which alter taste perception, proving that reality is an illusion and your taste buds are liars
- Sketch artist training, where you and your friends can attempt to describe a criminal’s face and see if you collectively remember what eyes look like
- DIY disguise kits—because what detective doesn’t need a good fake mustache?
Oh, and in case you thought this was just some casual gathering, know this: the Science Museum staff wants you to dress up. If you’ve got a trench coat lying around, now’s the time. “I’m really hoping they let me dress up as Madeline Kahn from Clue so I can walk around saying, ‘Flames… flames on the side of my face,’” Purdum admitted.
The Food, the Booze, and the Real Reason You’re Coming
If you’re the type of person who requires sustenance while unraveling a crime, the museum has you covered with some of Richmond’s finest food truck offerings:
- Funnel Cake Recess (because deep-fried dough never disappoints)
- Shake Down Eats (for the kind of food that’s best eaten standing up)
- BIGWIFE’S Mac n’ Cheese (self-explanatory, and necessary)
There will also be adult beverages. No specific brewery partners this time, but rest assured, if you need liquid courage before interrogating an actor pretending to be a museum thief, you’ll have options.
Why This Event Exists
For Miles McQuiggan, Communications Coordinator, this event is more than just a well-themed night out. It’s an opportunity for adults to experience the kind of wonder and curiosity that’s usually reserved for kids in field-trip T-shirts.
“A lot of what we do at the museum is designed for all ages,” McQuiggan said. “Science on Tap! gives us the opportunity to create something just for adults—something that we’d love to attend ourselves.”
They also recognize that people absorb information better when it’s wrapped in entertainment. “If you’re not having fun with science, you’re doing it wrong,” Purdum added.
Which is exactly why Science on Tap! is so much more than just another night at the museum—it’s a cleverly disguised excuse to learn something under the cover of cocktails and costumed roleplay.
And honestly? That’s a mystery worth solving.
Event Details:
📍 Where: Science Museum of Virginia
📅 When: Friday February 21, 6–10 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: Available HERE.
So, grab your trench coat, channel your inner Agatha Christie, and come prepared to solve a crime—or at least pretend to, before getting distracted by mac and cheese.
Main image is a promotion photo from the cult classic movie Clue.
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