VMFA unveils new renderings for major multi-million dollar expansion, renovation
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) released new renderings of its multi-million dollar expansion project on Wednesday morning.
The museum released a series of architectural design renders of the largest expansion and renovation project in its history on Wednesday, Jan. 21, with illustrations showing exterior and interior views of the planned transformation.
The expansion and renovation will support VMFA's commitment to the visitor experience, VMFA officials said.
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
(Photo Courtesy of VMFA)
“The new look of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will reflect our commitment to openness and community engagement,” said director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “The expansion’s architecture and design are expressions of our ongoing intention to be a welcoming space for all. We want all visitors to see themselves here.”
The new 173,000-square-foot McGlothlin Wing II -- which is scheduled to open to the public in 2029 -- will be added to the south and west sides of the existing building, with the museum also planning to expand upward to add a fifth floor. The $261 million expansion will make the VMFA the fifth-largest art museum in the U.S. once completed.
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Renderings include expanded galleries for African, American, Indigenous American, and 20th- and 21st-century art in the McGlothlin Wing II, as well as renovated gallery spaces for European art and photography in the existing building.
Museum officials also said renderings show how visitors will move between floors on suspended staircases.
VMFA also said additional spaces in the new wing for special exhibitions, events and a cafe-bar will help welcome more visitors and provide enjoyment through blockbuster special exhibitions, public programs, performances and increased dining options.
The museum's campus is being prepared for construction, with groundbreaking for the expansion anticipated in summer 2026.
The museum will remain open to visitors during this construction period.
VMFA is inviting the Richmond community to learn more about the expansion at a special event on April 12, kicking off the "See Yourself Here: The Campaign for VMFA."
