Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Virginia
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), located in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest art museums in North America by exhibition space. Established in 1936, it is owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and supported by private donations and endowments. The museum features an extensive collection that spans ancient art, African art, American art, British sporting art, Himalayan art, and decorative arts, notably holding the largest public display of Fabergé eggs outside Russia with five eggs in its collection. The museum is situated in the Museum District of Richmond, anchoring the area alongside the Virginia Historical Society. Architecturally, the main building reflects Georgian Revival and English Renaissance influences, inspired by architects Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren. The VMFA also includes the Leslie Cheek Theater, a performing arts venue that hosts a variety of live performances following its renovation and reopening in 2011. The museum offers free general admission year-round, making art accessible to a broad audience. Temporary gallery closures may occur due to ongoing expansion and renovation projects.
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Tip: Plan your visit during weekdays or outside peak hours to enjoy a quieter experience. General admission is always free, but consider checking for special exhibitions that may require tickets. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for special exhibits to avoid queues. The museum is open every day of the year, but some galleries might be temporarily closed due to renovation. Take advantage of free admission to explore diverse collections and attend live performances at the Leslie Cheek Theater.
Interesting facts
- •VMFA houses the largest public collection of Fabergé eggs outside of Russia, owning five exquisite eggs.
- •The museum was among the first in the American South to be operated by state funds, offering free general admission.
- •In 1953, VMFA introduced the world's first "Artmobile," a mobile exhibition that brought art to rural communities.
- •Leslie Cheek, Jr., director from 1948 to 1968, was instrumental in expanding the museum's national reputation and innovations like night hours.
- •The Leslie Cheek Theater, part of VMFA, has hosted nationally recognized theater productions and was renovated to support live performances again in 2011.
History
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts originated from a 1919 donation of 50 paintings by Judge John Barton Payne to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Established officially in 1936 with funding from the Works Projects Administration during the Great Depression, the museum was built on Richmond's Boulevard with a design inspired by Georgian Revival and English Renaissance styles.
In 1947, the museum acquired the Lillian Thomas Pratt collection, including the largest public display of Fabergé eggs outside Russia.
The museum expanded its collection and influence under director Leslie Cheek, Jr.
from 1948 to 1968, who introduced innovations such as the first mobile art exhibition "Artmobile" and night hours, transforming VMFA into a nationally recognized cultural institution.
Place Guide
Main Building and Galleries1936
The central portion of the museum, designed in Georgian Revival and English Renaissance styles, houses extensive art collections including ancient, African, American, British sporting, and Himalayan art, as well as decorative arts like Fabergé eggs.
Fabergé Collection1947
This gallery features the Lillian Thomas Pratt collection, showcasing some 150 jeweled objects including five Fabergé eggs, the largest public display outside Russia.
Leslie Cheek Theater1955
A 500-seat performing arts venue within the museum, originally built in 1955, hosting theater, dance, film, and music performances. After financial closure in 2002, it was renovated and reopened in 2011 to support diverse live events.
Contact
Phone: (804) 340-1400