Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), located in Richmond, Virginia, is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art to enrich the lives of the Commonwealth's citizens.

Established in 1934 and opened in 1936, VMFA has grown into one of the largest comprehensive art museums in North America. It houses a permanent collection of over 50,000 works spanning more than 6,000 years of human history from around the world.

Collections

VMFA's diverse collections include African, American, British sporting, Fabergé, and Himalayan art. Notably, the museum holds the largest public collection of Fabergé objects outside Russia.

This collection features five Imperial Easter Eggs: the Rock Crystal Egg (1896), Pelican Egg (1898), Peter the Great Egg (1903), Tsarevich Egg (1912), and Red Cross with Imperial Portraits Egg (1915).

Admission and Exhibitions

The museum's commitment to accessibility is evident in its policy of offering free general admission 365 days a year, making it the only art museum in the United States to do so.

VMFA hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events. For instance, from April 5 to September 28, 2025, it is showcasing "Frida: Beyond the Myth," featuring rarely seen works by the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Expansion Project

To enhance its facilities, VMFA is undertaking a significant expansion project named McGlothlin Wing II. This $261 million development will add approximately 173,000 square feet to the museum over a three-year period.

The expansion includes:

• New galleries and spaces
• A new café and bar, bringing total dining options to four
• Reconfiguration of existing galleries to create 5,500 square feet of new space for photography
• Larger galleries for Medieval to Impressionist European art

Education and Outreach

VMFA's dedication to education is evident through its Office of Statewide Partnerships, which delivers programs and exhibitions throughout Virginia via a network of over 350 nonprofit institutions.

These initiatives include curated exhibitions, arts-related audiovisual programs, symposia, lectures, conferences, and workshops by visual and performing artists.

Location

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is based in Richmond, VA, USA. It has multiple locations within Richmond, supporting its role as a cultural beacon in the city.

Summary

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts stands as a vital institution for art and culture in Virginia. Its extensive collections, commitment to accessibility, diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and ongoing expansion highlight its importance to the community and visitors alike.