Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Unveils Historic $261 Million Expansion

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond has announced a $261 million expansion and renovation project, the largest in its nearly 100-year history. Scheduled to begin in late 2025 and conclude in 2028, the project aims to enhance the museum's facilities and visitor experience while maintaining its longstanding policy of free general admission.

The expansion, named McGlothlin Wing II, will add approximately 173,000 square feet to the museum's west and south facades, facing Grove Avenue and the Robins Sculpture Garden. This new wing will house expanded galleries for American, African, and contemporary art collections, a special events space accommodating up to 500 guests, meeting rooms, a café and bar, and a second suite of special exhibition galleries. Additionally, the project includes renovations to 45,000 square feet of existing space, enhancing galleries for European art from the Medieval period to Impressionism, and creating new spaces for photography and works on paper.

The design phase is expected to conclude in early 2025, with final architectural renderings pending approval by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Groundbreaking is scheduled for late 2025, and the new wing is anticipated to open to the public in 2028. Throughout the construction period, VMFA plans to remain open 365 days a year, ensuring continued access to its collections and exhibitions.

The project is funded through a combination of public and private sources. The Commonwealth of Virginia will contribute $125 million, matching private donations on a 2:1 basis. The international architecture firm SmithGroup, known for its work on cultural institutions such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, has been selected to design the expansion.

VMFA has actively engaged the community throughout the planning process, conducting multiple listening sessions and surveys to gather input from over 3,500 participants. Feedback emphasized the importance of accessibility, connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the preservation of the Robins Sculpture Garden. The museum aims to reflect these priorities in the final design.

Despite the scale and cost of the expansion, VMFA remains committed to offering free general admission to its permanent collection, a policy it has upheld since its opening in 1936. This decision stands in contrast to a national trend where many art museums are increasing admission fees, with some exceeding $20. For example, the Denver Art Museum recently raised its ticket prices by over 20%.

The expansion is expected to have significant social and cultural impacts:

• Enhanced Accessibility: By maintaining free admission and expanding its facilities, VMFA continues to make art accessible to a broader audience, fostering inclusivity and community engagement.

• Economic Impact: The project is likely to boost local employment during construction and attract more visitors to Richmond, benefiting the local economy.

• Cultural Enrichment: The expanded galleries will allow VMFA to showcase a more diverse range of artworks, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

This expansion marks the fifth in VMFA's history since its opening in 1936. The most recent was the 2010 addition of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Wing, a $150 million project that significantly increased the museum's exhibition space. The upcoming expansion continues this trajectory of growth and commitment to art accessibility.

As many art institutions nationwide grapple with rising operational costs leading to increased admission fees, VMFA's commitment to free access amidst a significant expansion underscores its dedication to inclusivity and community engagement. This project not only enhances the museum's physical space but also reinforces its mission to make art accessible to all.