VMFA temporarily closes galleries ahead of construction as part of major expansion

To prepare for the largest expansion and renovation project in its history, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) announced that some of its art collections impacted by or adjacent to the construction area will be taken off view and select galleries will be temporarily closed.

“Following the completion of the final design phase, groundbreaking for the museum’s expansion and renovation project is expected to begin in late 2025,” said Director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “I am delighted to announce that throughout this project, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will remain open 365 days a year, and our robust schedule of programs, events, performances and incredible blockbuster exhibitions will continue.”

“The Lewis Collection Mid to Late 20th-Century Art Galleries and the Lewis Collection Art Deco and Art Nouveau Galleries will be closed for the duration of the museum’s expansion project,” said Artistic Director and Chief Curator Dr. Michael Taylor. “The two renowned collections will travel internationally, beginning with the Auckland Art Gallery in New Zealand. The temporary departure of works near the construction area will ensure their continued safety and make way for the museum’s transformation to begin.”

VMFA’s last major expansion of the museum was in 2010, when a new wing named for the museum’s longstanding American art patrons James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin was added.

Currently VMFA, one of the top ten comprehensive art museums in the U.S., comprises 718,831 square feet. The newly planned McGlothlin Wing II will comprise approximately 173,000 square feet of new gallery spaces for American and Indigenous American art (approximately 30,000 square feet), contemporary art (approximately 12,400 square feet), African art (approximately 8,600 square feet) and a special exhibition gallery suite (approximately 12,000 square feet). The new wing also will also include a special events space that will seat 500 people, meeting rooms, and a café and bar.

The project will also renovate approximately 45,000 square feet of existing gallery space in the 1936, 1970 and 2010 wings, highlighted by approximately 5,500 square feet of new gallery space for photography and approximately 7,000 square feet for the Raysor Center for Works on Paper. Visitors can also look forward to expanded galleries for European art from Medieval to Impressionism.

Funded through public and private sources, the museum’s expansion and renovation project is expected to be complete by late 2028. As with any expansion and renovation project, designs and dates are subject to change. More information about VMFA’s expansion and renovation project can be found at www.VMFA.museum.