When is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts open?
VMFA is open 365 days a year, during a
fixed daily hours schedule.
Where is VMFA?
How much is admission?
Admission to the museum’s permanent collection is
always free. Tickets to the
special exhibitions are available for an extra fee.
Where can I park?
VMFA has its own convenient
parking deck for visitors. Parking is $6 for nonmembers. Designated accessible parking is available on the first level of our parking deck and each level of the deck is accessible by elevator. There are also accessible parking spaces available adjacent to Robinson House, free of charge.
Changes in the parking deck
VMFA has made some upgrades to the Parking Deck. New parking gates and automated parking machines allow for wider entry and exit lanes for better access and less wait time when entering the Parking Deck. Guests will take a ticket upon entry and pay in the exit lane when departing, using credit card only. If you are unable to pay by credit card, please go to the Visitor Services desk while in the museum.
Members: Members can now scan their barcoded membership card or digital membership card to gain access to the Parking deck. Here are some tips:
Be prepared to scan your physical or digital barcoded membership card upon entry and exit from the deck. Scanning the card triggers the gate to open.
If you do not have your membership card or if your membership has expired and you plan to renew on site, don’t worry! Simply take a ticket from the machine when you enter the deck and visit the member services desk when you come into the museum. Member Services can validate your parking and issue a temporary membership card if needed.
To order new membership cards, email membership@vmfa.museum or phone 804.304.1520
Visitor Questions
Does the museum provide wheelchairs or strollers for visitors to use?
Yes, wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge at the Coat Check on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations).
Is there any place to store my coat/bag/umbrella inside the museum?
Visitors may check materials at the Coat Check, free of charge.
Are there places to eat inside the museum?
Yes, VMFA has both a casual bistro,
Best Café, and a formal dining room,
Amuse.
What can kids do at the Museum?
There are family gallery hunts available at the Visitor Services desk and
online. VMFA’s art education wing offers numerous opportunities for kids to participate in creative, hands-on art projects as well as interactive exhibitions. Check out our early childhood, kids’, family, and teen programs for more information.
Membership Questions
How can I become a VMFA member?
Memberships are available for purchase
online and at the museum’s Visitor Services desk.
What are the benefits of becoming a Member of VMFA?
Membership benefits include free admission to
special exhibitions, free parking in the parking deck, discounts at the VMFA Shop and restaurants, discounts on educational programs, and many other exciting opportunities.
What should I do if I lose my membership card?
Members can receive a replacement card by calling Member Services at 804.340.1520. Temporary cards can be obtained at the Visitor Services desk inside the museum.
Have more questions about membership? See Frequently Asked Questions about Membership.
Tour Questions
When can I take a guided tour?
Walk-In Tours require no reservations and operate on a fixed daily schedule.
Group tours or
student tours must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance.
Can I take an audio guided tour?
Special exhibitions often feature an audio guided tour which can be rented on-site or downloaded. There are also audio and virtual tours of the permanent collection available
online.
Are tours available in languages other than English?
At this time, none of our regular tours are available in languages other than English.
Accommodations for Individuals or Groups with Disabilities Questions
Where are the parking and entrances for visitors with disabilities located?
Parking for visitors with disabilities is available on the north side of the main building, adjacent to the Robinson House, and inside the VMFA parking deck. The walkway at the middle level of the parking deck is flat, and can be reached via elevator from the upper or lower levels.
Does the museum provide wheelchairs for visitors to use?
Yes, manual wheelchairs and one motorized scooter are available free of charge at the Coat Check on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does the museum offer specialized tours for visitors with accessibility concerns?
Curatorial Questions
Can I donate artwork that I own to the museum?
All donations must first be considered by the VMFA
Department of Collections.
Can I have a piece of artwork that I own appraised by the museum?
VMFA cannot provide either monetary appraisals or authentication of art works. A list of resources can be found on our
collections page.
Best Café Questions
Can I reserve a table?
Due to the “fast-casual” format of the Café, we do not take reservations for tables. You are welcome to hold a single table while you wait for your other guests. We ask that no more than two tables be pushed together. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amuse Restaurant, located on the third floor, takes reservations and accepts walk-ins. For Amuse reservations, please call 804.340.1580.
Can I bring my own food and beverages to eat inside the Café?
No. We offer an array of lunch items, snacks, pastries, and beverages and hope that you’ll find something you like! If you bring food items to the museum, you are welcome to enjoy them outside in the Robins Sculpture Garden or on the benches in the Atrium.
Is Wi-Fi available inside the Café?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum, including the Café, and Sculpture Garden. No password is required; however, you will be required to accept the policies and guidelines prior to gaining access.
Can I bring balloons, flowers, or other decorations into the Café?
Balloons, live plants, and glitter, among other items, are not allowed inside VMFA or the Best Café. You can bring cut flowers into the Café. Other simple decorations are also generally acceptable. Please contact the Café Manager at 804.340. 1576 with any questions regarding decorations.
Why are the doors to the terrace locked sometimes?
The doors that lead to the terrace are sensitive to wind. Wind gusts over 7 mph are capable of blowing the doors open. In the interest of the safety of our guests, the Café Manager and/or VMFA security personnel will make the decision to lock the doors in the case of wind or other inclement weather conditions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!
Food and Beverage Service:
Can I bring my own cake or cupcakes into the Café?
No. If you are planning a celebration, we are able to specially order cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries from one of the local bakeries that supply our pastry case. There are many options available. Please call the Café Manager at 804.340.1576 to discuss your needs.
Can I take my coffee out of the Café?
Yes. We offer to-go cups for guests who wish to take their coffee with them and you can enjoy your beverages in Atrium. However, no food or beverages are permitted in the galleries or exhibition spaces.
Can I purchase a bottle of wine in the Café and drink it in Amuse?
No. Food and beverages cannot be taken between the two restaurants.
I purchased a bottle of wine, but I can’t finish it. Can I take it with me?
Yes. However, due to ABC regulations, any bottles of wine purchased in the Best Café or Amuse must be opened, then re-corked and bagged before being taken out of the museum.
Do you serve any vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free items?
Yes. Our menu changes daily, but we typically offer a few items that are suitable for our vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free guests. If you have specific dietary needs, please call the Café ahead at 804.340.5524 to ask about the day’s menu.
Groups:
Can I bring my school group or adult group into the Café?
Yes! We love having groups visit the Café. However, if your group includes more than 20 people, please alert the Café Manager at 804.340.1576 to ensure proper staffing and food quantities. Remember that seating is first-come, first-served and outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Café.
My school group wants to bring bagged lunches. Where can we eat?
Conference rooms are available on a limited basis and should be reserved in advance. Please contact the Events Scheduler at 804.340.1590 to reserve a room for your group. Guests are always welcome to eat in the Robins Sculpture Garden.
Can I order boxed lunches for my group?
Yes. If you plan to eat inside the Café, boxed lunches are available for groups of 20 or more guests. Boxed lunches typically include a sandwich, bag of chips, cookie, and beverage. Prices vary depending upon your needs. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call the Museum Scheduler at 804.340.1590 to order boxed lunches for your group.
Products:
I love the coffee you serve! What is it? Where can I buy it?
The Best Café proudly serves Blanchard’s coffee. Blanchard’s Coffee Co. is an independent, family-owned coffee roaster located in the Historic Manchester District of Richmond, VA.
Find out more about Blanchard’s and where to buy their coffee.
What local products do you offer?
The Best Café continually strives to offer Virginia-made products. Our list is ever-growing, and we currently support: WPA Bakery, Route 11 Potato Chips, Homestead Creamery, Blanchard’s Coffee Co., Libbie Market, Nightingale Ice Cream, Hardywood Brewery, Stone Brewery, Lickinghole Creek Brewery, Ardent Brewery, Three Notch’d Brewery, Buskey Cidery and Michael Shaps Wineworks VMFA Brand Wines.
Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Contact Visitor Services at 804.340.1405 or info@vmfa.museum.