The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) has launched a major redesign of its website, VMFA.museum, marking the first significant update to its digital platform in 12 years.
“At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, we believe that art has the power to enrich the lives of all people. With our new website, we seek to turn that mission into an even more dynamic, meaningful digital experience,” said VMFA’s Director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “This launch is a big step toward making our digital presence as open and inspiring as the museum itself.”
The overhaul began over two years ago and comes as VMFA prepares for physical expansion. The museum receives more than 1.5 million online visitors annually.
“The museum’s expansion project will physically transform VMFA and welcome a new generation of visitors, which is why now is the perfect time to expand and reimagine the museum’s digital presence, too,” said Deputy Director for Communications and Marketing Jan Hatchette. “We hope our visitors will find the user experience more intuitive and accessible.”
Input for the redesign was gathered from board members, donors, staff, members, educators, and the public. AREA 17, a branding and design firm with clients such as the Art Institute of Chicago and Getty Museum, led efforts to create a site that emphasizes art while improving navigation.
Features of the new site include an updated calendar interface for easier access to events and programs. The redesigned platform consolidates articles, videos, and resources for both casual users and researchers.
“The resulting new website inspires curiosity and offers its users a seamless, intuitive experience where they can easily explore the museum’s vast art collection, learn more about exhibitions and engage in all that the museum has to offer,” said Emily Bosket, VMFA’s Director of Marketing.
Accessibility was prioritized in development to ensure usability for all visitors. The redesign reflects VMFA’s focus on openness and connection within its community.
The museum remains open daily with free general admission. More information about visiting or exploring online resources can be found at https://vmfa.museum/.
VMFA opened in 1936 in Richmond as one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the country. Its permanent collection contains over 50,000 works spanning more than 6,000 years from cultures worldwide. Notable holdings include extensive Fabergé pieces outside Russia and significant collections of Art Nouveau outside Paris.
A new expansion—the McGlothlin Wing II—is scheduled for completion in 2028; it will add over 170,000 square feet to make VMFA one of America’s four largest comprehensive art museums.
Recently ranked by The Washington Post as one of America’s top art museums (https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/06/01/best-art-museums-usa/), VMFA remains unique among U.S. institutions by being open every day year-round without charging general admission.
