The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

RICHMOND MUSEUM

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

An expansive, free-to-enter art museum where works from around the world span more than 6,000 years.

Location
Richmond, Virginia

Address
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond

General admission
Free

Hours
Open daily; check current hours and gallery access before visiting

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a major stop for art lovers in Richmond, Virginia—and an approachable one, since general admission is free. Its collection includes more than 50,000 works spanning 6,000 years, with strengths ranging from American and European art to African, South Asian, Himalayan, and East Asian collections. The museum is open year-round, but galleries and hours can change, so check the official visitor information before setting out.

A visit can be as brief as a look at a few standout galleries or long enough to explore the museum’s broad collection, sculpture garden, and café. The museum is also in the city’s Museum District, near the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and within reach of other Richmond destinations. If you have a particular gallery in mind, check whether it is open: VMFA’s expansion and renovation work may affect which collections are on view.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Places to stay

Compare hotels and accommodations for your trip.

Expedia

Affiliate disclosure: Virginia.wiki may earn a commission when you book or purchase through some links on this page, at no additional cost to you.

Why visit VMFA?

VMFA offers a wide-ranging introduction to art across cultures and centuries, rather than focusing on one period or region. Its permanent collection includes paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and other media; the museum also presents temporary exhibitions and public programs. Free general admission makes it easy to build a visit around a few galleries—or return for more.

The museum’s grounds add breathing room between galleries. The Robins Sculpture Garden provides an outdoor setting for sculpture and a pause in the visit, while on-site dining makes it possible to stay longer without leaving the campus.

Start here

First-time visitors can begin with the museum’s highlights tour, when available, or choose a few collections that match their interests. A highlights tour is designed as an introduction to the permanent collection; tour availability and schedules can vary, so confirm current offerings before your visit.

If you prefer to explore independently, check the museum’s current floor map and collection pages before arriving. Galleries may be temporarily closed or rearranged during expansion and renovation work.

What to see and do

Fabergé and Russian decorative arts

Look for the museum’s notable Fabergé holdings, including imperial Easter eggs. Check the current gallery information before visiting, as displays and access may change.

African art

Explore works including figures, masks, textiles, regalia, and ritual objects representing cultures across the continent. Confirm which galleries are currently open.

South Asian and Himalayan art

Give time to the museum’s collections of art from South Asia and the Himalayan region, among VMFA’s significant areas of strength.

American and European art

See works from a range of periods and movements, including American art and French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist holdings.

Robins Sculpture Garden

Step outside to view sculpture in the museum’s landscaped grounds. The garden is also near the Pauley Center, home to Floris at VMFA.

Temporary exhibitions

Check the museum’s exhibition calendar for changing shows, special events, and programs. Some exhibitions may require separate admission or reservations.

History and significance

VMFA opened in Richmond in 1936. It is a state agency and privately endowed educational institution, established to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art and encourage the study of the arts.

Over time, the museum has built a broad collection that connects Virginia visitors with art from many parts of the world. Its Fabergé collection grew significantly through a gift from Lillian Thomas Pratt in 1947; the museum describes its public Fabergé collection as the largest outside Russia.

Planning a visit

VMFA is at 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond. General admission is free, and the museum’s published visitor information lists it as open 365 days a year. Hours vary by day, and temporary gallery closures or other changes may affect what is available; confirm hours, exhibitions, and access details on the official site before you go.

Allow time for the galleries as well as the grounds. On-site dining options include Best Café, Amuse Restaurant, and Floris at VMFA; offerings, hours, and reservations differ, so check the current dining information if you plan to eat there.

Parking and visitor services can change. Review VMFA’s official plan-ahead information for current parking, accessibility, bag, photography, and gallery policies. For a broader day in the city, pair the museum with nearby cultural stops or explore Things to do in Richmond.

Nearby attractions

Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Explore Virginia history at a museum close to VMFA in Richmond’s Museum District.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
A large botanical garden in Richmond, with themed gardens and conservatory displays.

Maymont
Visit a historic Richmond estate with gardens, grounds, and exhibits.

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Discover exhibitions and stories about Black history and culture in Virginia.

Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

References

External links

• Official Virginia Museum of Fine Arts website
• Official visitor planning information