Things to Do at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Complete Guide to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond
About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
What to See & Do
Fabergé Collection
The museum's crown jewel features five imperial Easter eggs and over 200 decorative objects. It's genuinely impressive - the craftsmanship is almost impossibly intricate, and you'll find yourself leaning in to catch details you missed on first glance.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco Galleries
One of the finest collections of its kind, featuring works by Tiffany, Lalique, and other masters of decorative arts. The jewelry collection alone is worth the visit, with pieces that blur the line between art and adornment.
Contemporary and Modern Art
Strong holdings in post-war American and European art, including works by Picasso, Monet, and Warhol. The contemporary galleries rotate frequently, so there's usually something new to discover even for repeat visitors.
Ancient Art Collections
Impressive Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts that rival those at much larger institutions. The Egyptian collection includes beautifully preserved sarcophagi and the kind of everyday objects that make ancient life feel surprisingly relatable.
McGlothlin Collection of American Art
Comprehensive survey of American painting and sculpture from colonial times to the present. You'll find both the big names you'd expect and lesser-known artists who deserve wider recognition.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Closed Mondays except for some holiday Mondays - worth checking their website before you go.
Tickets & Pricing
General admission is free, which is honestly remarkable for a museum of this caliber. Special exhibitions typically charge $12-20 for adults. Parking is free on weekends, $6 on weekdays.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. Saturday afternoons can get busy with families, but the energy is nice. Thursday evenings offer a more relaxed, adult atmosphere.
Suggested Duration
Plan on 3-4 hours for a thorough visit, though you could easily spend a full day here. If you're short on time, 2 hours will give you a good taste of the highlights.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
A gorgeous 100-acre Victorian estate with gardens, wildlife exhibits, and mansion tours. It's about a 10-minute drive and makes for a perfect outdoor complement to your museum visit.
Richmond's quirky shopping district with local boutiques, restaurants, and the historic Byrd Theatre. It's walkable from the museum and great for lunch or post-museum browsing.
One of America's most beautiful historic cemeteries, where presidents Monroe and Tyler are buried. Sounds morbid, but it's actually quite peaceful and the views over the James River are lovely.
Housed in a striking old train station, it's particularly good if you're traveling with kids. The IMAX dome theater is worth experiencing even if science museums aren't usually your thing.