The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) launched the public phase of its See Yourself Here: The Campaign for VMFA during a community celebration on April 12. The event marked the museum’s 90th anniversary and brought together more than 7,000 people, including members, donors, civic leaders, and visitors.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and support for VMFA’s largest expansion project in its history. The museum has already raised nearly $410 million toward an overall goal of $471 million. Director and CEO Alex Nyerges said, “This celebration is just the beginning. We are building something that belongs to everyone in the Commonwealth, and we invite the entire community to see themselves here at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.”
The planned expansion will add approximately 173,000 square feet to VMFA’s campus—making it about 25% larger—and includes new gallery spaces for American art, African art, contemporary art, special events space seating up to 500 people, meeting rooms, a café and bar. Once completed in 2029 with an anticipated groundbreaking in fall 2026, VMFA will become the fourth-largest comprehensive art museum in the United States. Governor Abigail Spanberger said: “Virginians value VMFA as a cultural hub where community, creativity, inclusivity and opportunity intersect. Investing in the museum’s expansion is an investment in the future of the Commonwealth.”
A recent study found that VMFA had a statewide economic impact of nearly $194 million during fiscal year 2025 and supported over 1,700 jobs; every dollar invested yields $5.50 for Virginia according to Chmura Economics & Analytics.
Community input has played a significant role in shaping plans for accessibility improvements throughout this project through surveys and listening sessions held across Virginia.
VMFA provides free admission every day as well as educational initiatives designed to foster engagement with global art collections according to its official website. The institution features permanent galleries alongside rotating exhibitions according to its official website and maintains over 50,000 works spanning six millennia according to its official website. Through these extensive collections and programs—including outreach across Virginia—the museum seeks broad accessibility according to its official website.
Senator Lamont Bagby said: “VMFA is an invaluable resource for Virginia educators and learners of all ages thanks to free school visits… I am proud to support expanded access.”
As construction begins later this year with continued fundraising efforts underway until completion in 2029, Nyerges said: “With momentum and excitement building…the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts looks ahead to reaching our full campaign goal and breaking ground soon.”
