The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond will present the exhibition “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” from November 22, 2025, through March 1, 2026. The exhibition focuses on the significant contributions of Black artists to contemporary art.
“At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, we strive to showcase impactful exhibitions that are relevant to all of our communities,” said Director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “Giants, which highlights exceptional works of art by contemporary Black artists, is significant and timely. We are delighted to share works from the Deans’ important collection with our community and with visitors beyond Virginia.”
Richmond and Virginia have played important roles in African American history. The VMFA has a record of supporting African American, African, and African diaspora artists.
The exhibition will feature about 130 objects by nearly 40 well-known Black artists. The works span from established names in the field to younger artists continuing their legacies. According to organizers, these selections reflect both historical influence and ongoing impact within contemporary art.
The Dean Collection reflects Swizz Beatz’s and Alicia Keys’ approach to collecting art over more than two decades. Their aim has been to support living artists while building community among creators—especially those who are people of color.
The title “Giants” refers both to the stature of featured artists as well as some large-scale pieces included in the show. It aims to celebrate excellence and highlight qualities such as resilience and connection within global communities.
“In a moment when there is an attempt to suppress diverse narratives in art and culture, Giants underscores the significance of artists to tell their stories, celebrate life, build upon our creative vitality and resist erasure,” said Valerie Cassel Oliver, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at VMFA.
Alongside paintings, photographs, and sculptures by figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley, Gordon Parks, Amy Sherald, Mickalene Thomas, Lorna Simpson, Derrick Adams, Esther Mahlangu and others—the exhibition also includes items reflecting early interests of Swizz Beatz such as albums or BMX bikes.
Themes explored include honoring elder figures (“On the Shoulders of Giants”), social critique (“Giant Conversations”), and large-scale artistic statements (“Giant Presence”). Works by several featured artists can also be found in VMFA’s permanent collection; some will be shown concurrently in its 21st-century gallery during this special exhibit.
Tickets for “Giants” became available for museum members on August 24; public sales start September 8. Admission prices range from $8–$12 depending on age or status; members receive free admission. Discounted tickets are offered through programs like Museums for All (for EBT cardholders) or Blue Star Museums (free for military personnel).
A catalogue published by Phaidon accompanies the exhibition with contributions from Brooklyn Museum Director Anne Pasternak as well as interviews with participating artists.
“Giants” was organized by Kimberli Gant (Curator) and Indira A. Abiskaroon (Assistant Curator) at Brooklyn Museum where it debuted before coming to Richmond under coordination by Valerie Cassel Oliver at VMFA. Sponsors include foundations such as Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Exhibition Endowment along with individual donors.
VMFA opened in 1936 as one of the largest comprehensive art museums in America. Its collections span more than 50,000 artworks across cultures including notable holdings in Fabergé objects outside Russia [https://www.vmfa.museum/collections/], Art Nouveau outside Paris [https://www.vmfa.museum/collections/], American art [https://www.vmfa.museum/collections/american-art/], Chinese art [https://www.vmfa.museum/collections/east-asian-art/chinese-art-collection/], English silver [https://www.vmfa.museum/collections/decorative-arts-design/british-silver-collection/] French Impressionist work [https://www.vmfa.museum/collections/european-art/french-impressionist-and-post-impressionist-paintings/] modern/contemporary art [https://www.vmfa.museum/exhibitions/exhibitions-at-vmfa/] South Asian/Himalayan/African material [https://www.vmfa.museum/exhibitions/exhibitions-at-vmfa/south-asian-art-gallery-opening-2021/] . An expansion planned for completion in 2028 will make it among America’s four largest comprehensive museums.
Recently ranked eleventh among U.S. museums by The Washington Post [https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/best-museums-us-travel-guide/] , VMFA remains open every day year-round with free general admission.
