
Sat Sep 21 11:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Embarks on Major Expansion
**Richmond, VA -** The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), a cornerstone of Richmond’s cultural landscape, is set to undergo a major expansion and renovation project. The $261 million project will add 173,000 square feet of new gallery space and renovate existing areas, including the Leslie Cheek Theater.
The expansion, which is slated to begin in late 2025, will house the new McGlothlin Wing II, expected to open to the public in the fall of 2028. The project aims to further the museum’s mission of understanding other cultures, traditions, and history.
“Our goal is to be in the top three (museums) in the world when it comes to African American art,” said VMFA director Alex Nyerges, highlighting the museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives.
The VMFA has a long history of enriching Richmond’s cultural scene since its opening in 1936. It has hosted renowned exhibitions, including Kehinde Wiley’s “Rumors of War,” and boasts a vast collection spanning global art history.
This latest expansion signals the VMFA’s ongoing dedication to expanding its reach and impact within the community and beyond. It promises to further establish the museum as a global leader in art and cultural education.