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Virginia Museum of Fine Arts once again grows its world class reputation

January 27, 2026

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The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is undertaking the largest expansion and renovation in its history, an ambitious, $261 million project that cements Greater Richmond’s reputation as one of the East Coast’s most vibrant cultural destinations. The museum recently unveiled new architectural renderings showcasing a dramatic transformation designed to elevate the visitor’s experience and strengthen the region’s arts ecosystem.

At the heart of the project is the new 173,000‑square‑foot McGlothlin Wing II, slated to rise along the museum’s south and west sides and open to the public in 2029. The addition introduces expansive galleries for African, American, Indigenous American, contemporary and 20th–21st century art. These spaces will place several of VMFA’s collections among the largest of their kind in the nation. The museum will also add a fifth floor and renovate approximately 45,000 square feet of existing galleries to enhance European art, photography and works‑on‑paper installations.

Renderings highlight sweeping glass façades, suspended staircases, and indoor–outdoor connectivity that embraces views of the sculpture garden. Community‑oriented amenities, including a new café‑bar, expanded dining options and flexible spaces for events and public programs will help the museum welcome more visitors than ever before. Construction is expected to break ground in summer 2026, with the museum remaining fully open throughout the process.

The VMFA expansion signals that the Richmond Region’s community is deeply invested in expanding our quality of life through a world‑class art museum and exhibits. As the region’s fine arts scene gains global significance, it boosts the area’s cultural appeal, enriches its public programming and reinforces the Museum District as one of the region’s most desirable neighborhoods.

The project reinforces what many residents already know: Greater Richmond isn’t just a great place to live… it’s a place where arts, culture and community engagement continue to grow.