The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) has received approval for a $261 million expansion, adding 173,000 square feet of gallery space. The project, which will take three years to complete, is expected to begin construction in late 2025 and open in 2028.
The expansion was approved by the Art and Architectural Review Board after a lengthy review process. The board initially denied the proposal last month, citing concerns about the scale of the project. However, after the VMFA's design team made minor adjustments, the board granted approval.
The new McGlothlin Wing II will primarily focus on American art and will allow the museum to host two concurrent special exhibitions. It will also include a café and bar.
The expansion is the largest in the museum's history and will be funded through a combination of public and private funds. The VMFA's director and CEO, Alex Nyerges, stated that the expansion is a significant step in the museum's mission to showcase American art and provide a world-class cultural experience.