The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts revealed preliminary architectural designs for its planned expansion and renovation, showcasing what the museum may look like after its transformative project.

“Both functionally and aesthetically, this project reflects our values of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration,” said Alex Nyerges, VMFA’s Director and CEO. “Expanding the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts increases our capacity to build access and share more of our world-class collection with our visitors.”

The design is being led by SmithGroup, an international integrated design firm. VMFA began the discovery and design phase of the project in the summer of 2021, with the support of the governor and the General Assembly.

A new wing, covering approximately 173,000 square feet, will be added to the museum’s south and west sides, with minimal impact on the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden.

Renderings show views from the west and north sides of the museum, highlighting the expansion’s openness.

“The exterior will have a unique surface that plays with natural light, changing throughout the day,” said Dayton Schroeter, SmithGroup’s lead designer for the project. “It reflects our past while anticipating the future.”

SmithGroup’s Cultural Practice Director Jamē Anderson added, “Our design blurs the boundary between the museum’s interior and the outside world, embodying VMFA’s mission to be a place where art welcomes all.”

Community input played a role in shaping the project. Over the past two years, VMFA held listening sessions and gathered feedback from more than 3,500 survey participants. Suggestions for improved accessibility, enhanced indoor-outdoor connectivity and preservation of the sculpture garden have been integrated into the design.

This expansion is the largest in the museum’s history.

The new McGlothlin Wing II will feature expanded galleries for American, African and contemporary art, as well as a special events space, meeting rooms, a café and bar and an additional gallery for rotating exhibitions.

In addition to the new wing, approximately 45,000 square feet of existing gallery space will be renovated. This includes expanded galleries for European art, new spaces for photography and works on paper and conservation areas.

Final architectural renderings are expected by early 2025, with construction slated to begin later that year. The project, managed by Gilbane Building Company, is estimated to cost $261 million, funded through a combination of public and private sources.

Despite the ongoing work, VMFA will remain open to visitors throughout the construction process. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2028.

For updates on the project, visit www.VMFA.museum.