Exchange Building museum
One of America's original "seats of Commerce", the Exchange Building was created in 1839 by a group of Petersburg businessmen as a meeting place where locally produced wares, predominantly tobacco and cotton, could be sold. It is a rare example of High-style Greek Revival architecture and is one of the nation's least-altered structures of a market building. The Exchange Building - Museum, is also the Petersburg Visitors Center location and "mini" history hallway. Our restored Rotunda Gallery houses "The Four Pillars of Commerce" exhibit and the newly installed "Civil Rights in Petersburg" exhibit in the West Gallery shows a snapshot of the Civil Rights movement in Petersburg in the pivotal 1950's & 1960's era. An exhibit is planned in the East Gallery to interpret the Artisans of Petersburg and the Women of Petersburg and their contributions to the vibrant economy that made Petersburg one of the wealthiest trading cities in the South. Stop into our Visitors Center and get to know Petersburg, we have information on local activities, dining and tourist attractions in the area.
Petersburg....400 Years Down the Road!
The Civil Rights Movement in Petersburg
Petersburg was closely involved in the Civil Rights early struggle. Our new exhibit, in the Exchange Building Museum, documents Petersburg's involvement with the movement from 1956 to 1965...come learn about the civic and religious leaders who were integral to Dr. Martin Luther King during his frequent visits to Petersburg, Virginia. Our interactive exhibit of local citizens' experiences during this critical time in U.S. history includes a video produced by local film makers, Brian Skillen & Daniel Jones.
The Exchange Building Museum
15 W. Bank Street
Petersburg, VA
Exhibit Times listed below