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Inside the $261 million VMFA expansion
The exterior of the new wing will have a surface that plays with natural light, giving different effects throughout the day. | Rendering courtesy of SmithGroup
The VMFA is gearing up for the largest expansion in its history. The museum released new renderings of the $261 million project, which it expects to break ground on in late 2025.
Planning for the expansion began in 2021 with a discovery and design phase. The museum’s collection has nearly doubled in size in the last 14 years, now totaling more than 50,000 works of art.
The McGlothlin Wing II should open to the public in 2028.
Rendering courtesy of SmithGroup
What will change?
The most significant aspect of the expansion will be the addition of a new wing, called the McGlothlin Wing II. It will be home to 173,000 sqft of gallery space for American, African, and contemporary art collections.
The new wing will also include a special events space that seats 500, a cafe and bar, meeting rooms, and a second special exhibition gallery suite. That addition could allow for more visiting exhibitions or locally organized temporary exhibitions.
Also included in the plans are renovations to around 45,000 sqft of existing gallery space. The work will make room for new space for photography as well as the Raysor Center for Works on Paper.
The hill portion of the sculpture garden is currently closed for renovations, but should reopen in late November.
Photo by RICtoday
What’s the timeline?
Final architectural renderings should be complete in early 2025. Those will need to be approved by the state, putting a potential groundbreaking in late 2025.
The McGlothlin Wing II is expected to open in 2028.
Want more VMFA in the meantime? Check out our preview of two special exhibitions that recently opened and mark your calendar for this spring’s Frida Kahlo show.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 17
Flowers After 5 | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $20 | Spend an evening in the Garden with folk fusion trio Palmyra.
Friday, Oct. 18
Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20 | 3-6 p.m. | DoubleTree Midlothian | $25 | 150 international tattoo artists will come to the River City for this convention about all things ink.
“The Lost Boys” | Friday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | Creatures of the night will flock to the Byrd for a screening of this Joel Schumacher film.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Midlothian Village Day Festival & Craft Fair | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Midlothian Middle School | Free entry | Bring the family for fall fun including inflatables, face painting, raffles, a craft fair, and food trucks.
Artist Talk and Open House | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Crossroads Art Center | Free | Artists Robin Caspari and Tsveti Sowers will each discuss their current shows at the center.
Oregon Hill Fall Block Party | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Oregon Hill | Free entry | Be ready for art, music, merch, vendors, food for sale, raffles, costume contests, and plenty of games at this neighborhood fest.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Spooky Sundays | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield | $10 | Bring the kids to get an inside peek at the life of mammals from their skeletal system.
Kaitlin Butts | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall | $20 | The singer is on the Roadrunner Tour with Caleb Mitchell.
Bonus: Winery representatives will share details on their vineyards + tasting notes, and Marshall Scheetz from Jamestown Cooperage will give a live barrel-making demonstration.
Ruby Scoops is opening in its new space up the street on Brookland Park Boulevard this weekend. The grand re-opening weekend will feature free caricatures, several food trucks, build-your-own bouquets, and more. Fun fact: The new ice cream shop is four times larger than the original spot.
Coming Soon
The former Slingshot Social Game Club space in Scott’s Addition will soon be home to Scotty’s Taphouse. The new spot will have a similar “eatertainment” model with duckpin bowling and live music while still operating as a full-service restaurant. (Richmond BizSense)
Eat
A new Chick-fil-A opens today near the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Laburnum Avenue in Henrico. It will be owned and operated by Greg Williams, who has been the local owner of the White Oak Village Chick-fil-A since 2008.
Civic
Your last chance to hear from all the mayoral candidates will be on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. Over 30 community organizations are coming together to host Richmond Mayorathon at the VMHC. RSVP for the event and check out our voter guide to get your election questions answered.
Drink
Brewers at Hardywood and Starr Hill were among the medalists at this year’s Great American Beer Festival. Nine Virginia craft breweries were honored, earning a total of four gold, three silver, and six bronze medals.
Film
If you’re looking to get in the Halloween spirit, mark your calendar for a free showing of “Dawn of the Dead” at Pizza Bones on Monday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Want more spooky screenings? Look no further than our fall activities guide.
Edu
Do you love your kid’s principal? The R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership will recognize one principal each in Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the city for going above and beyond for local students. Submit your nomination before the Thursday, Nov. 7 deadline.
Holiday
Calling all artists — The Branch is hosting a holiday card design contest. The winner will get $500 and their design will be the museum’s official card this season. Work should be based on the theme Goodwill and Cheer. The deadline to submit is Sunday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m.
Category
Development
What bands will play the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront?
The Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, under construction in June. | Photo by RICtoday
With the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront set to open in summer 2025 and the first visiting acts yet to be announced, we’re looking into our crystal ball to try and predict who will visit the new venue. Who’s gonna play opening night?
The first acts should be announced in the coming weeks. As for the type of bands to expect, Live Nation VP Matt Rogers said acts like indie jam band Goose and Texas rock group Whiskey Myers. The amphitheater’s size is also comparable to venues like Ascend in Nashville and Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Nashville, so looking at those schedules could give you some helpful clues.
If you’re ready to go no matter who’s playing, you can already inquire about season tickets on the amphitheater website. It appears that packages will include premium season passes, partial season seats, some kind of membership program, and group rates.
Let us know — which of the artists below would you put money on performing night one at the Allianz Amphitheater?
Asked
Asked
Who do you think will play opening night at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront?
A. Dave Matthews Band B. Chris Stapleton C. Rainbow Kitten Surprise D. Other — give your guess
This Tommy Hilfiger men’s faux leather jacket — it’s a warm layering option perfect for date nights + evening get togethers during the changing seasons.
Many of my friends and family know that after the amphitheater project was announced, I had a vivid dream of seeing multi-platinum pop icon Enrique Iglesias perform there. It might not be the most realistic guess, but if he ever comes to the River City you know I’ll be front row. Bailamos, Richmond.
I stopped by the new Ruby Scoops yesterday — highly recommend the “dirt and worms” flavor.
