VMFA marks 90th anniversary with special event April 12th

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) will host a free museum-wide public event, See Yourself Here: VMFA Community Celebration, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

“We’re inviting everyone in the Commonwealth to help us mark the 90th anniversary of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This fun-filled celebration of the museum’s past, present and future will kick off the public phase of The Campaign for VMFA, raising awareness and support for our expansion,” said Director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “As the museum embarks on the largest expansion and renovation project in its history, we urge you to see yourself here! We are thrilled to continue creating meaningful cultural experiences for all Virginians.”

This family-friendly event offers live music, performances, activities, food trucks and more. The festivities will take place inside the museum and outdoors in the Robins Sculpture Garden. In the event of inclement weather, all performances and activities will take place indoors.

VMFA tote bags will be given to the first 2,000 attendees. Complimentary treats and bottled water will be available to all visitors.

Performers include Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe, Counterpoint featuring Wayne “Big Pat” Patterson and presented by the Richmond Jazz Society, DJ Ray-Ray, Ezibu Muntu African Dance, hip-hop line dancing with Kemel Patton, The Outcasts Big Band, and Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band.

Inside the Leslie Cheek Theater, Nyerges will introduce The Campaign for VMFA and the museum’s exciting next chapter. Visitors will be invited to learn more about the museum’s 90-year history, expansion project –– the largest in its history –– and The Campaign for VMFA at stations and an informative display in the Cochrane Atrium.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy fun interactive art activities, which will include creating a print inspired by the work of contemporary artist Ryan McGinness, making an Ethiopian black-maned lion collage, designing hearts that will become part of a collaborative display, and an architecture building challenge.

“What’s New” gallery tours will be offered throughout the event. Visitors can document their own stories about VMFA on video. Children ages 6 months through 6 years can participate in interactive parachute play, singing and movement activities in the museum’s Early Childhood Classroom.

The museum’s Artmobile, VMFA on the Road, featuring the special exhibition Virginia as America: Navigating Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, will be open to visitors.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at local food trucks and at Best Café, Floris at VMFA and Amuse Restaurant. Guests aged 21 and older with IDs may purchase adult beverages at the event.

To see the complete schedule for the See Yourself Here: VMFA Community Celebration, to learn more about VMFA’s expansion and renovation project, and to contribute to The Campaign for VMFA, visit www.VMFA.museum.