Step onto a boardwalk in front of a crowded beach scene and enter the eighteenth century during the birth of seaside leisure when trendsetters flocked to ocean spa resorts. Vintage suits coupled with period images reveal how unrevealing head-to-toe bathing costumes were at that time. You'll see a full-scale replica of a bathing machine-used in the 1800s by bathers wanting privacy when changing into their suits. The Museum partnered with Jantzen to create a visual timeline of designs, fabrics and fashion that evolved into what we know and see today.

During the tour, you'll see nineteenth-century images of people enjoying their time in the surf and sun pop off exhibition walls when you put on your 3-D glasses.

Watch memorable scenes from beach movies in our cabana such as Beach Blanket Bingo and hear a selection of beach music, such as The Beach Boys. Pictures, postcards and posters throughout the exhibit give you a glimpse inside local Virginia Beach destinations and international seaside getaways. You can also learn about the health aspects of the beach as well as environmental and safety.
Near the end of the exhibit you'll be met with a large "wave wall," complete with a "surfer talk" interactive and a brief historical look at the evolution of surfing and recreational activities at the beach windsurfing, parasailing, surf fishing and body boarding.

Bring in your beach vacation photo to put on the back of the wave wall for everyone to see and get $1 off of your Museum admission.

 
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