Learn about the Culture of Beckley-Raleigh County

Museums

Dedicated to stimulating young minds, The Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia offers a kaleidoscope of exhibits normally available only in large cities. Built of rail cars in Beckley's New River Park, the museum also houses a planetarium.

Wildwood House, former home of Alfred Beckley, tells the story of this pioneer engineer's mission to build a town in the wilderness. Off South Kanawha Street, the museum is one mile south of uptown Beckley.

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine at New River Park is, for some people, a once in a lifetime experience, and for others a way of life. Tours beneath the city journey through the history of the mining industry's early years.

The Arts

Tamarack, "The Best of West Virginia" showcases all that is West Virginia.  Tamarack is the nation's first statewide collection of handmade craft, art and cuisine showcasing The Best of West Virginia. From furniture to glass, or pottery to Appalachian quilts, Tamarack features West Virginia's best handcrafts, regional specialty foods, live performances, craft demonstrations and theater. Our Taste of West Virginia food court, managed by The Greenbrier, serves delectable meals and desserts.  Tamarack  preserves the Mountain State’s rich heritage by supporting artisans and selling their handcrafts.  If you plan to visit West Virginia, please include Tamarack in your travel plans.  However, if you can’t visit in person, visit our virtual Tamarack and enjoy on-line shopping.  

Theatre West Virginia, the state performing arts company, entertains thousands each summer at the outdoor dramas "Honey in the Rock" and "Hatfields and McCoys" and through other intermittent musicals.

Soldier's Memorial Theatre & Arts Centre was recently established in uptown Beckley as a center for public performance and exhibition and provides art education.

Galleries and small performance spaces are found throughout the county at libraries, schools, and in other public buildings. Beckley Newspapers and Tamarack run continuous exhibits of local art.

Private art courses are available through many sources, and a well-rounded arts program is available through the public school system.