VMFA announces special exhibitions for 2026 season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) has announced its schedule of special exhibitions for 2026.

On Jan. 22, the VMFA shared the special exhibitions that will be coming to Richmond for the 2026 season, including contemporary art, French impressionism, a commemoration of the nation’s founding and objects from India’s Mughal Empire.

“We are delighted to provide our visitors with access to remarkable works of art from around the world and from a broad span of time,” said director and CEO of VMFA, Alex Nyerges, in a press release. “This year, the museum’s must-see exhibitions range from displays of powerful contemporary art, the radical origins and legacy of French Impressionism, a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and stunning objects from the golden age of India’s Mughal empire. We welcome everyone to experience these exciting exhibitions at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.”

The VMFA's schedule includes:

'Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys'

• Open Nov. 22, 2025 through March 1
• This exhibit shows the importance that Black artists have made and continue to make in contemporary art. Originally organized by the Brooklyn Museum, it has around 130 paintings, art installations, photographs and sculptures by 40 different artists
• Tickets are on sale for $12 for adults, $10 for seniors ages 65+ and $8 for ages 7–17 and college students with identification

'Titus Kaphar and Junius Brutus Stearns: Pictures More Famous than the Truth'

• Open Feb. 14 through July 26
• This exhibit features a juxtapositions from George Washington's life by painter Junius Brutus Stearns and contemporary portraits and sculptures by Black artists Titus Kapher, which features a more modern take on Washington. Stearns' artwork helped shape Washington's role in history. Kaphar's art adds to the traditional artworks of Washington, featuring enslaved individuals who were excluded from the original story.
• Admission is free and does not require a ticket

'India’s Great Mughals: Art, Power, and Opulence'

• Open from May 9 through Aug. 23
• This exhibit features dazzling jewels, fascinating paintings, exquisite textiles and furniture. Originally organized in London's Victoria & Albert Museum, it will also feature original works from the VMFA's collection. It will focus on the golden age of the Mughal court, featuring some of the most famous emperors such as Akbar, Jahangir and Shan Jahan.
• Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors ages 65+ and $8 for ages 7–17 and college students with identification
• Pre-sale tickets for VMFA members go on sale Feb. 9 and March 9 for the general public

'Fine Arts & Flowers 2026'

• Open Oct. 8 through Oct. 11
• It is a museum-wide exhibit that features floral designs that are inspired by artwork in the VMFA's permanent collection, according to the release.
• Admission is free and does not require a ticket

'The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art'

• Open Nov. 14 through March 14, 2027
• This exhibit will open two years after the 150th anniversary of the very first impressionist art exhibition. It will feature independent artists known as the impressionists and how they affected modern art. Guests will view the origins of it from 1874 and its impacts in the early 20th century, and witness artworks made by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. These pieces will be seen along with other artists, including Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian and Henri Matisse.
• Pre-sale tickets for VMFA members go on sale Aug. 17 and Sept. 14 for the general public
• Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 65+ and $10 for ages 7–17 and college students with identification

To learn more about the VMFA and its exhibitions, visit their website here.