Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, 490,000 Square Feet of Fine Art

The Virginia General Assembly authorized the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in 1934. Since that time, the museum has continually grown and changed into the popular and important art museum that it is today.

One of the earliest donations, in fact, continues to be among the most popular. In 1947, some jeweled objects created by Peter Carl Faberge, including five Faberge eggs, were donated. Between the donations and the acquisition program, which was funded entirely by private donations, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts had to undergo several expansion projects over the years in order to house its ever increasing collection. This growth continues today.

The museum was 380,000 square feet before an expansion project that began in 2005. By its completion in early 2010, the museum will be 490,000 square feet. Right from the beginning, donations of important pieces are artwork have been a driving force behind the success of the museum.

The museum, located at 200 North Boulevard, is home to more than 20,000 pieces of art. Some of the continuing exhibits are listed below.

Faberge

The items in this exhibit were donated by the estate of Lillian Thomas Pratt. Included is the Imperial Peter the Great Easter Egg and four other eggs.

Noble Silver: The Jerome and Rita Gans Collection of English Silver

This collection includes more than 100 pieces of silver, some dating to the 17th century. The collection, which is the largest of its kind in the world, includes pieces from well-known silversmiths such as Paul Storr and Benjamin Pyne. The collection was originally loaned to the museum in the late 1980's and then donated by Rita Gans in 1996.

European Art in the Great Hall

The Great Hall is a large space in which paintings that are substantial in size are displayed. Some of the important works in the collection include Venus and Cupid by woman artist Artemisia Gentinleschi (1593-1652) and Adoration of the Shepherds painted in 1712 by Paolo de'Matteis (1662-1728).

In addition to the continuing exhibits, the museum also hosts changing exhibits. These have included LABOR AND LEISURE: Works byAfrican-American Artists from the Permanent Collection of the VirginiaMuseum of Fine Arts and SHENANDOAH: Views of our NationalPark: Photographs by Hullihen Williams Moore .

Visitors enjoy the variety found in the exhibits. One visitor said, "Unless there's a special exhibit going on, admission is free. We especially enjoyed the outdoor sculpture and the diversity of exhibits. It's easy to find and parking is free also.''

As was mentioned, admission to the museum is free unless there is a special exhibit for with the museum may need to charge admission. It is important to keep in mind that while some exhibits are continuing, others are often changed. Check for current exhibit information when planning a visit.