Featured Events

How does the human form stand as a durable yet flexible icon across cultures, places, and periods? What happens when bodies are compelled to symbolize dynamic political, social, and mythological narratives? This research symposium, co-organized with the School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech, explores these questions through fresh interpretations of objects in the permanent collection. Students in…

What do you see? A duck or rabbit? A vase or a profile of a man? Take a closer look at the work of Jasper Johns and make art inspired by his use of ambiguous images. We’re hosting this pop up event on our December First Friday event in the Atrium so enjoy live performances…

Have you missed VMFA’s Fabergé and Russian Decorative Arts gallery? After returning from their world tour, the objects in this collection will be back on view beginning in October 2016. The new, expanded installation features a number of objects that have rarely been on view, as well as a significant new acquisition. Resources for teaching…

Inspired by bold color, textures, and all things vintage since her childhood, Gloria Armentrout extended her interior design practice and sewing capabilities to a whole new art form. Her one-of-a-kind handbag creations, made from New York fabric or vintage family heirlooms, serve as both functional and funky pieces of wearable art. Join us in the…

The VMFA Shop is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Cynthia Gale New York! Join us for a trunk show featuring Cynthia’s exclusive new jewelry line inspired by VMFA’s renowned Fabergé collection. A former model, cultured entrepreneur, and trendsetting designer from the start of her 20-year career, Cynthia Gale has combined her fast-paced, eclectic New York City lifestyle with…

Early in her career, artist Valerie Sanson worked as a fashion coordinator for Richmond’s famed Thalhimer department stores. The retail experience she gained there, coupled with her own creative bent, later drove her to open one of the most imaginative home accessory and gift boutiques in Richmond: Lane Sanson. Her love of fashion soon inspired…

The master jewelers of Artel replicate the timeless tradition of Carl Fabergé, whose masterpieces were sought by tsars and nobility and are still treasured today. Objects include Fabergé-inspired pendants, Russian lacquer boxes and dolls, carved Russian Santas, and more! Made of sterling silver, 24k gold vermeil, and enhanced by Swarovski crystals, fine Italian enamels, and semi-precious stones,…

One of our favorite artists returns to VMFA Shop! Gabriel Ofiesh, a graduate of UVA and Charlottesville resident, is bringing his complete collection to VMFA just in time for the holidays. His signature jewelry design is both contemporary and sophisticated, using a mixture of 18k gold, sterling silver, precious and semi-precious stones in non-traditional ways.…

Winner of the 2016 Art in Literature: Mary Lynn Kotz Award Join us for a talk by this year’s winning author. Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award is given jointly by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Library of Virginia. This year’s winner is Portraits at an Exhibition, a novel about a…

Great changes took place in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many traditional, agrarian-based communities were giving way to urban centers largely controlled by industrial corporations. Captains of industry, including John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Andrew Carnegie, amassed fortunes through their interests in steel production, shipping and railroads, and…