The Perks of a VMFA Membership
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The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a premier art museum featuring expansive permanent collections as well as special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. General admission to the museum is always free, but did you know the museum offers dozens of special events, classes, previews, and more? An annual membership (only $70!) lets you make the most of everything the museum offers while saving you tons of money.
What is a General Membership?
A general membership is an annual membership to the museum that includes wonderful benefits like free admission and member previews to special exhibitions (general ticket pricing for non-members varies), free parking in the parking deck ($6 for non-members), invitations to member-only events, discounts on purchases at the VMFA Shop, in the museum’s restaurants, and on classes, programs, and performances, and more! A general membership is $70 for the year (less than $6 per month — it costs non-members more to park!). That sounds like a no-brainer, right?
For a limited time, the Richmond Experience community can use code “YPA” to receive a free gift of a VMFA baseball cap PLUS two additional months of membership! Valid through June 20, 2023.
Here’s why a membership is so worth it:
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Unlimited free admission for all ticketed special exhibitions
Admission to permanent collection galleries is always free, but the cost for special exhibitions and programs varies. Members enjoy unlimited free admission to all exhibitions. Meaning you can visit as many times as you’d like (for free!) while the exhibition is running.
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Previews of major exhibitions
Excited about a particular exhibition? Members get access to exclusive previews before ticketing opens to the general public. Be the first to experience exhibitions in an intimate setting provided for members only. What a perk!
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Discounts and early registration for museum classes and programs
The VMFA offers countless classes and programs to enhance and expand art experiences for everyone, regardless of age. With a VMFA Membership, you’ll receive a discount on dozens of exciting classes and programs for the entire family. Plus, early registration is available for members only, so you’re much more likely to get a spot!
Here’s a brief overview of the classes and programs offered throughout the year at the museum:
Early childhood — In VMFA’s Early Childhood Education programs, infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children discover the world around them through playing, singing, exploring, and creating. Held throughout VMFA’s campus, these programs support a child’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity and promote self-expression and social development.
Family — Open Studio Sundays (free art projects offered in the studio every first Sunday of the month between noon and 3 pm featuring a new project inspired by work from their world-renowned collection) and Family Days are wonderful opportunities to bring the whole family together for creative activities, celebrations, and learning.
Teens — Expand creativity and artistic awareness, build a portfolio for college, or simply enjoy spending time with peers and professional artists through Teen Studio Classes related to VMFA’s world-renowned art collection. Enrollment is limited to provide individual instruction and accommodate teens (ages 13–17) of all skill levels.
College — VMFA offers programs tailored to college students and faculty, including internships, visual art fellowships, and group visits for college students.
Adults — Adult programming includes studio classes, talks, gallery programs, films, art history classes, and group visits for adults ages 16 and older.
Educators — Explore a variety of SOL-based educator experiences at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The museum’s comprehensive selection of programs helps teachers incorporate art into their curricula (and earn recertification points) while giving students the opportunity to experience art through guided or self-directed tours.
Check out their full list of classes and programs here.
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10% discount in the VMFA Shop, Amuse Restaurant, and Best Café
Best Cafe — Located on the first floor, this spacious, light-filled café offers casual fare with local flavors. A wall of windows and a terrace overlook the reflecting pool and the Robins Sculpture Garden. The menu includes a rotating selection of family-friendly options, including sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, a selection of pastries, and more. The cafe also offers a coffee bar, along with beer and wine options. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
VMFA Shop — The VMFA Shop provides a diverse selection of unique jewelry, home accessories, toys, stationery, and books, focusing on merchandise related to the museum’s collections and exhibitions, as well as educational items and work from Virginia artists.
Amuse Restaurant — Amuse is a seasonal, farm-to-table driven restaurant located on the museum's third floor. Dining options include the main dining room, full-service bar, and private dining room, each offering sweeping views of the Robins Sculpture Garden and the museum’s Cochrane Atrium. The ever-changing menu is inspired by the art-filled surroundings, current exhibitions, and seasonality while also carefully selecting only the finest ingredients from local vendors, artisans, and farmers.
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Members-only hours in the museum
Special exhibits close to the general public during member-only hours, which vary by exhibit. These exclusive events often allow members to bring a guest (or two) to explore the museum.
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Other benefits
Free, unlimited parking in the deck ($6 for non-members)
A subscription to VMFA magazine
Member-only travel opportunities
Memberships are fully tax-deductible
Available discounts
Teachers and Out of Town Residents (60 miles outside of Richmond) may receive a $10 discount on any membership level except the student level (one discount per membership).
Commonwealth of Virginia Employees and Active-Duty Military are eligible for a special $60 Dual or Family membership.
A yearlong VMFA Family Membership for a household comprising one or two adults and children who are all under age 18 will cost $5 for Museums for All participants and will include the same member benefits as those listed under the museum’s General membership levels.
Discounts and offers are limited to one per transaction and cannot be combined. Memberships cannot be refunded or transferred.
Membership dues provide vital funding for educational programs, exhibitions, art conservation, and the daily operating expenses that allow parts of the VMFA to remain free and open 365 days a year. What a beautiful gift your membership gives to our community!
So, whether you’re looking for ways to engage with the arts, opportunities to blend social and cultural interests, or a chance to support one of the top museums in the country, when you become a member, you embark on a whole new journey with the museum!
For a limited time, the Richmond Experience community can use code “YPA” to receive a free gift of a VMFA baseball cap PLUS two additional months of membership! Valid through June 20, 2023.
