Protest Signs

Signs of Protest: Photographs from the Civil Rights Era

Signs and protests were inseparable in the 1960s, with words painted or printed large scale to produce maximum impact when photographed or filmed by the media. Like a visual bullhorn, they both amplified and unified the voices fighting injustice. Ninety percent of the works featured in Signs of Protest: Photographs from the Civil Rights Era were acquired by VMFA in the past three years and emphasize the museum’s commitment to diversifying its photography collection.

Ken Ramsay, Susan Taylor, as Model, c. 1970s

Race, Place & Identity: Richmond Organizations Highlight Civil Rights and Social Justice

Starting in January 2014, eight Richmond-based arts and cultural organizations will partner to facilitate community-wide conversations inspired by their respective exhibitions and programs. Participating institutions include Candela Books + Gallery, Anderson Gallery VCUarts, Black Iris, 1708 Gallery, Elegba Folklore Society, Reynolds Gallery, the Valentine Richmond History Center, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Leighton Painting

Special Exhibitions & Gallery Installations

With an exciting lineup of special exhibitions, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts brings the world to Virginia in the form of great art representing the span of world cultures. VMFA is internationally recognized for its ambitious special exhibitions drawn from the world’s finest public and private art collections as well as the museum’s permanent collection. Exhibitions are subject to change. For the latest information please visit vmfa.museum/exhibitions. General admission is always free. Some special exhibitions require an admission fee.

Shop Glasses

VMFA Pop-Up Opens Columbus Day

Three retail outlets serve holiday shoppers this year 2013-10-09 The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Shop announces its first off-site retail presence in the Richmond region. The VMFA Pop-Up shop, will open on Columbus Day, October 15, and remain open seven days a w

Six Dancers

Exploring Cinematic Art through Costume

VMFA’s fall exhibition, Hollywood Costume, celebrates a century of costume design and its contribution to cinematic history in American culture. Visitors will step behind the scenes to explore the collaborations between directors, actors and costume designers that bring to life some of the most unforgettable and beloved screen characters. Hollywood Costume is on view November 9, 2013 – February 17, 2014.

Dark Knight Rises, The

Hollywood Costumes Span a Century

VMFA’s fall exhibition includes an infusion of more than 100 of the most recognizable costumes designed for unforgettable cinema characters covering a century of film-making. Opening November 9, Hollywood Costume brings the rich and uniquely American history of film to life through these iconic costumes. Movies are a key aspect of national and global culture, and not only will Virginians have the opportunity to see them in person, but they will also be able to personally engage with the Present a Hollywood Costume program.

Dorothy and the late Herb Vogel

Exhibition Showcases Major Donation

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ summer exhibition includes 50 contemporary works donated by Dorothy and Herbert Vogel. A librarian and a postal clerk respectively, the fabled art collectors amassed 5,000 [not sure where this number comes from?] works while living in a one-bedroom New York apartment. Primarily a collection of drawings, the Vogels’ collection also includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints by more than 170 contemporary artists, mainly working in the United States.