Must-See Art Museums in Virginia Worth Exploring
Virginia, a state steeped in history and rich in culture, is home to a diverse array of art museums that cater to a wide range of artistic tastes and interests. Here, we take a tour of some of the most highly regarded museums in the state, each with its unique focus and visitor experience.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond)
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond is a premier art museum with an expansive collection spanning over 5,000 years of human creativity. Renowned for its diverse, extensive collection, VMFA offers free admission and includes a cafe and gift shop. Highlights of the collection include an exceptional array of Fabergé eggs, one of the largest collections outside Russia, and an impressive suite of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by renowned artists such as Monet, Degas, and Cézanne. Beyond its remarkable exhibitions, VMFA is dedicated to community engagement and education, offering a range of programs and an Art Education Center for children and adults.
Chrysler Museum of Art (Norfolk)
The Chrysler Museum of Art, located in Norfolk, is renowned for its impressive collections, innovative exhibitions, and vibrant community programs. Famous for its glass collection, the museum boasts over 3,000 years of glass art, featuring everything from ancient Roman pieces to contemporary glass sculptures. Aside from glass, the museum's permanent collection includes over 2,000 works, emphasizing 19th- and early 20th-century American art, as well as modern and contemporary pieces. Admission to the museum is complimentary for Alexandria residents, reflecting the museum's commitment to serving its local community.
Taubman Museum of Art (Roanoke)
The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke stands as a beacon of creativity and culture. With a contemporary building designed by architect Randall Stout, the museum hosts a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and events. Recent exhibitions have showcased the works of French-Senegalese artist Delphine Diallo and explored themes ranging from the American railroad experience to contemporary African art. The museum's unique focus is on American art with an emphasis on regional and contemporary works.
The Fralin Museum of Art (Charlottesville)
The Fralin Museum of Art, located on the campus of the University of Virginia, is a university-affiliated museum with a notable collection of diverse and international artworks. The museum's collection strengths include European and American paintings, photography, works on paper, African art, and Native American artifacts. As an academic institution, the Fralin integrates art into the academic life of the university, offering programs that engage students, faculty, and the broader community.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia Beach)
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VMoCA) is a smaller but influential museum dedicated to contemporary art that frequently rotates exhibits. Known for its interactive and community-focused approach, VMoCA includes innovative displays like smoke effects and outdoor sculptures. The museum's mission is to inspire, educate, and engage the community through contemporary art.
Southwest Virginia Museum (Big Stone Gap)
Located in a historic 1890s Victorian mansion, the Southwest Virginia Museum houses over 60,000 artifacts. The museum's unique focus is on regional history and culture, including the coal boom era, pioneer history, and Victorian-era artifacts. Beyond its permanent collection, the museum offers educational programs and special events.
Each of these museums is distinguished by its collection focus and visitor experience — from broad, classical collections at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to the regional and contemporary emphasis at the Taubman and Virginia MOCA, and historical artifacts at the Southwest Virginia Museum. This diversity across Virginia’s art museums provides a rich cultural landscape that appeals to varied artistic tastes and interests.
- For those with a keen interest in home-and-garden artifacts, a trip to the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap would be enlightening, as it houses over 60,000 artifacts focused on regional history and culture.
- For travelers seeking a diverse, extensive collection spanning over 5,000 years of human creativity, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond is an ideal destination, offering free admission, a café, and gift shop, and featuring exhibitions of Fabergé eggs, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, and more.
