The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announced on Mar. 24 that it will host a free public event, See Yourself Here: VMFA Community Celebration, on Sunday, April 12 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at the museum and in the Robins Sculpture Garden.
The celebration marks the museum’s 90th anniversary and launches the public phase of The Campaign for VMFA, which aims to raise awareness and support for a major expansion project. Director and CEO Alex Nyerges said, “We’re inviting everyone in the Commonwealth to help us mark the 90th anniversary of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This fun-filled celebration of the museum’s past, present and future will kick off the public phase of The Campaign for VMFA, raising awareness and support for our expansion.” Nyerges added, “As the museum embarks on the largest expansion and renovation project in its history, we urge you to see yourself here! We are thrilled to continue creating meaningful cultural experiences for all Virginians.”
Attendees can expect live music, performances by groups such as Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe and Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band, art activities for all ages including printmaking inspired by Ryan McGinness’s work, food trucks with local vendors, interactive gallery tours, and special giveaways like tote bags for early arrivals. In case of inclement weather, activities will move indoors.
Nyerges will introduce The Campaign for VMFA inside Leslie Cheek Theater during the event. Visitors can learn about both VMFA’s history and its upcoming expansion—the largest since opening in 1936—which includes a new McGlothlin Wing II with expanded galleries dedicated to American art (30,000 square feet), African art (8,600 square feet), contemporary art (12,400 square feet), new spaces for events and exhibitions as well as renovations throughout existing wings.
The $261 million project is funded through public and private sources. Construction is set to begin in fall 2026 with completion expected by 2029; however designs or dates may change as planning continues.
Community input has shaped plans emphasizing accessibility improvements throughout campus design after feedback from listening sessions with over 3,500 survey participants across Virginia. According to the official website, these efforts align with VMFA’s mission to provide free admission every day while fostering engagement through educational initiatives that make global art accessible.
The museum maintains more than fifty thousand works spanning six thousand years according to the official website. Its influence extends beyond Richmond through programs reaching communities statewide according to the official website.
