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Like James Madison's home, Montpelier, the museum went through a very lengthy major renovation the last two years. Unlike Montpelier, which reduced its size by two-thirds, the art museum EXPANDED by more than a third.
BUT, one thing hasn't changed. It's still FREE (although donations are always welcome).
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| One of the museum's beautiful Faberge eggs. |
My favorite part was actually quite small. It was a special room dedicated to their collection of stunning Faberge eggs and other artifacts by Peter Carl Faberge (it was one of the largest permanent collections of Faberge eggs and artifacts outside Russia).
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| This colorful sculpture is in the new foyer. |
The highlight was four Imperial Easter eggs, which were created by Faberge specifically for the last Russian czar, Nicholas II, to give to his wife, Czarina Alexandra, at Easter. All Imperial Easter eggs come on a stand and have a surprise: for example, the Red Cross Egg, so-called because it is white with a red cross to symbolize the international Red Cross, opens up to reveal miniature frames with portraits of the Czarina, two of his daughters, and other family members in nursing uniforms.
While the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Egyptian and Asian collection has always been small, they have a good collection of European and American oils and watercolors, as well as a modern art section (I’m not a modern art fan, so I usually skip this section). If you are a modern art fan, be prepared to be amazed by the new addition, where modern art plays a starring role.
Here are a few highlights (and tips):
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| Don't miss this cool sand sculpture featuring ant tunnels! |
- The Art Deco and Art Nouveau exhibits, full of truly fantastic furniture out of a dream (or nightmare)
- Be sure to pick up a Family Fun Guide which sends kids on a one-hour scavenger hunt for seven art pieces
- The huge $1 bill-inspired colored sand painting (the artist made the painting, put it behind glass, and then had ants build tunnels throughout it). It’s your chance to see George Washington crumbling.
- A really cool (but pricey gift shop) with one of a kind gifts, like a flash drive that looks like Legos
- Not one, but two gourmet cafes
- The Faberge Collection, featuring Faberge eggs and objets d’art (see if you can spot the fakes)
- Take a free audio tour, either by borrowing one of their audio phones or through your cell phone – get details near the front entrance
The VMFA Cafes
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| A very striking sculpture from the modern art section. |
Off the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' marbled foyer, they have a nice gift shop, and a rather elegant little café featuring sandwiches, light entrees, espressos, and desserts. (They also have kids fare like grilled cheese and PBJ.) The Best Café is open 10 am-5 pm, and until 8 pm Thursdays and Fridays. If you want to bring your own lunch, you are welcome to eat it in the Best Café, or in the patios outside.
For fine dining, the Amuse Restaurant is open daily 11:30 am-5 pm (open til 9 pm Thurs & Fri). I haven't tried it, but I looked at the menu and it looked very gourmet. It was also packed (on a Monday no less) with lots of people in business attire, so it seems to be the new "in" spot to dine.
Admission, Hours, and How to Get Free Parking
As I mentioned, admission to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is free (okay, a suggested donation), which makes it a perfect spot for a family vacation getaway.
Visiting exhibitions, which have included paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec, a Tiffany exhibit, and selections from the private collection of Queen Elizabeth II, range from $8-$15 per adult.
Parking is $3 per day in the VMFA Parking Deck. If you go on a Monday, you may be able to find free parking in the Virginia Historical Society lot next door (they’re closed on Mondays). For other things to do and see in Richmond, like Maymont and the Science Museum of Virginia, click here.
Location: 2800 Grove Avenue, 804-367-0844
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