Gotta Catch ‘Em All: Pokémon GO at VMFA

Noticed a lot of new faces around the museum lately? It might be because of Pokémon!

Almost overnight, VMFA has become a hotspot for players of the newly released Pokémon Go, a wildly popular augmented-reality app that allows players capture and train virtual creatures by exploring the real world. The game tracks the user’s location through GPS, enabling players to visit “PokéStops” and battle other players for control of “Gyms” at various locations around their community.

So, how does the museum factor in? It’s all explained in the game’s press release

“Explore cities and towns around where you live and even around the globe to capture as many Pokémon as you can. Also look for PokéStops located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers, and monuments, where you can collect more Poké Balls and other items.”

That’s right! Pokémon Go is driving players to visit historical sites, art galleries, and museums–often for the first time. VMFA boasts no less than eight PokéStops on its grounds, as well as one hotly contested Gym. Pokémon have even been spotted roaming through our galleries. Turns out they love art just as much as we do!

Are you training to become the next Pokémon Master? We’d love to see you at VMFA! Please remember to be respectful of other museumgoers, but feel free to show off your #VMFA photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Good luck!