The Campaign for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Since reopening in 2010, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has flourished in every aspect of its mission: major acquisitions have enriched its encyclopedic collection; world-class exhibitions attract visitors and critical acclaim; educational programs touch every corner of the Commonwealth; a commitment to being free and open 365 days a year has set a new standard for accessibility among art museums. To continue this momentum, VMFA has embarked upon a comprehensive campaign to expand the museum’s footprint and strengthen its endowment. Through the generosity of early investors and the Commonwealth of Virginia, $239 million has been raised as of May 31, 2022. Every gift over the next several years—including gifts toward membership and the Annual Fund, exhibition sponsorships, and planned gifts—will be considered a contribution to the three-part campaign.

With your support, this effort will ensure that VMFA has the resources and infrastructure to fulfill its tremendous potential as a beacon for the arts in Virginia and a leader among American museums.

Expansion & Renovation
A new wing extending from the southwest corner of the museum will provide additional galleries for the permanent collections, a second major exhibition suite, and a hospitality space for special events. A reimagined Evans Court will display Italian Renaissance art and the adjacent European galleries will be reconfigured to create a more cohesive narrative flowing into the Mellon suite. Other museum spaces, such as the original 1936 entrance and the Frank Raysor Center for Works on Paper, will also be renovated to better serve visitors. The Commonwealth will contribute $125 million toward these capital improvements as a 2:1 match, meaning that for every dollar raised from private sources the state will provide two dollars.

Endowments
With the exception of funds for art acquisitions, VMFA’s endowment lags behind its peers. To truly thrive, the museum must ensure long-term funding for three areas critical to its mission: Exhibitions, Conservation, Education and Statewide.

Operating Expenses
VMFA’s educational programs, statewide programs, and exhibitions will need continued support during the campaign.

To learn more about the Campaign for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, please contact Jasmonn Coleman, Assistant Deputy Director of Development, at campaign@VMFA.musuem or 804.340.5529.