A dedicated home for the literature, art, and history of the fantastical imagination.
Five galleries. Centuries of fantasy brought to life.
If your brain has been constructing an illusory model of the world since birth, favoring fiction over accuracy, what is this world you call “reality”? The National Fantasy Museum helps you examine cultural stories throughout history that have shaped your (interests), illuminate your personal fantasies effect upon reality, and map all those patterns for you to develop cutting-edge creativity and critical thinking, writing and the arts so you can close the gap between who you are today and who you're meant to be.
“Reconciled Mentality Unto Redemptive Reality”
— Lauren Lael, Founder of National Fantasy Museum
Five exhibitions, each exploring a distinct world of the fantastical imagination.
What makes a story last the test of time — and what effect does fantasy have on the human mind from a psychological, neurological, and symbolic perspective? How do stories shape our worldviews, our mindset, and the choices we make in our day to day lives?
Portals, Passages & Parallel Worlds — A History of Literature's Greatest Gateways.
Where Horror Meets the Fantastical — A History of Fear, Darkness & the Uncanny.
Coming Soon (Fall, 2026)...
Our curators lead intimate groups through the galleries, sharing the stories, history, and meaning behind each work. Tours available daily at morning, afternoon, and evening sessions.
Qualified researchers may apply for supervised access to our archives, reference library, and conservation collection for academic study.
Exclusive after-hours access for patrons and their guests. Curated refreshments, live chamber music, and candlelit gallery walks.
Curated screenings of landmark fantasy films, independent animations, and short works by emerging visual storytellers — hosted in our dedicated screening room.
Monthly evenings featuring tabletop roleplaying games, fantasy-inspired board games, and live musical performances from folk, orchestral, and world music artists.
Hands-on arts apprenticeships led by visiting fantasy artists. Learn illustration, world-building, concept art, and storytelling craft directly from working professionals in the field.
The National Fantasy Museum is currently a traveling exhibition based in Richmond, Virginia. Follow us on social media or join our mailing list to find out when we're coming to your city.
Every exhibition we bring to a new city is a step toward a permanent home. Our goal is to purchase the National Fantasy Museum's first building in Richmond: a space of roughly 22,000 square feet with room for galleries, a fine arts studio, an animation workshop, and a hall for speakers and screenings. Proceeds from our education programs, together with donations, memberships, and sponsorships, go directly toward that building fund.