Returning to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Napoleon and More

As our blog regulars are aware, Kim and kids E and G made a trip to see a special exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts this spring, taking in Terracotta Warriors.  While this exhibit has moved on, the VFMA is still a great day trip for anyone visiting Richmond or within driving distance to it. 

As part of our anniversary celebration, Kim and Justin took on the museum as adults with a highlight being the summer special exhibit Napoleon: Power and Splendor.  It closes September 3--so if you are still looking for something to do this weekend, here's a great idea!  It's headed to Kansas City, MO, next.  In Richmond, the exhibit is in an immersive space and will occupy serious museum goers as long as you'd like in multiple galleries.  There is plenty to ponder by way of the ways both wealth and visuals affect the way we perceive power, and you'll enjoy portraiture, sculpture, and decorative arts.  We were delighted to find teachers were admitted free to this special exhibit, a tradition continuing from Terracotta.

As always, the VFMA main galleries have free admission. Host to a large collection, the museum is definitely a place you can spend a day.  On this visit, we particularly appreciated opportunity to spend time in the area devoted to Russian art, including the Faberge Eggs.  The collection of older pieces, including items truly from the ancient world, is simply pretty amazing.  Their website features an interactive map that will help you focus on art from particular areas of the world if you wish.  You can also eat on site with two quality options.  We chose Best Cafe--a little stop with clear references to the former Best department stores.

If you go, allow time to be outside on the grounds if at all possible. There are interesting sculptures, and we found a Civil War commemorative chapel to explore unexpectedly.  Lots of Richmonders seem to walk, work, and generally relax here, which is lovely. Also consider taking in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.  We were disappointed that their admission structure had changed, but we still had a great time and particularly enjoyed the work of folk artist Queena Stovall of Lynchburg, on display now til October 14.