If you can only visit one museum in all of Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is the place to be. One of the first things that caught my attention about the VMFA is its commitment to inclusivity. It is the only art museum in America that offers free admission 365 days a year, inviting locals and travelers alike to soak in the rich artistic heritage. And if that’s not enough to entice you, envision jazz melodies weaving through the air every Wednesday, another free activity that brings together the community.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts stands proudly as one of the United States’ largest and most comprehensive art museums. Established in 1936, this cultural gem has evolved into a sprawling 600,000-square-foot space dedicated to the celebration of art. The museum has undergone significant expansions and renovations over the years, guided by renowned architects like Rick Mather, ensuring that it not only preserves its past but embraces the pulse of contemporary art.
As you step into the VMFA, you’re not just entering a museum; you’re embarking on a global exploration through the ages. It offers visitors an immersive journey through the annals of art, presenting a diverse collection that spans over 6,000 years of creative expression. With nearly 50,000 artworks in its permanent holdings, the VMFA stands as a cultural beacon, housing the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, a testament to the museum’s global reach. Additionally, the institution boasts the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris, positioning itself as a curator of exquisite beauty. The VMFA also takes pride in being home to one of the nation’s most distinguished collections of American art. The museum’s commitment to global representation is further underscored by important collections of Chinese art, English silver, and a stellar assembly of French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British sporting, and modern and contemporary art, as well as South Asian, Himalayan, and African art, cementing its status as a comprehensive and inclusive guardian of artistic heritage.
Helpful Tip: With such an expansive and broad collection of art, I highly recommend planning out what you want to see at the VMFA before visiting. They have a great interactive feature on their website that lets you explore their art by geographic region or by collection.
In addition to its permanent collections, the VFMA also has a rotating series of special exhibitions. These dynamic showcases offer visitors an ever-changing and thrilling perspective on the world of art. From cutting-edge contemporary installations to retrospectives of groundbreaking artists, the rotating special exhibitions at VMFA infuse the museum with a sense of excitement and discovery. They are a reminder that art has always been exciting and provocative and thought-provoking. These temporary exhibits serve as a platform for experimentation, exploration, and dialogue.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is not merely a museum; it’s a cultural oasis inviting travelers to lose themselves in a world of artistic wonders. Truth be told, the VMFA is the best art museum I have ever visited in America. So, fellow traveler, make it a point to add the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to your itinerary – an unmissable stop for anyone seeking to be captivated by the magic of art and history.
