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Blog | 7 min read
Greater Richmond arts take center stage
April 14, 2025
From top ranking exhibits to world-class performing arts groups, the Richmond Region offers a rich cultural experience for both locals and visitors.
Premier exhibits
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) ranks No. 11 among the nation’s top art museums in 2024 according to The Washington Post. It houses more than 50,000 works spanning 6,000 years. Highlights include the largest public Fabergé collection outside of Russia, renowned African and South Asian art and a growing contemporary collection. In 2025, the museum will begin its largest expansion to date with the construction of the McGlothlin Wing II, set to open in 2028. This $261 million project will make the museum the fourth largest in the United States.
The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University presents thought-provoking exhibitions and serves as an incubator for dialogue and collaboration. As a non-collecting institution, the ICA is dedicated to showcasing experimental and socially relevant contemporary art. Its rotating exhibitions feature works by emerging and established artists from around the world, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
The Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond hosts performances, exhibitions and lectures in its state-of-the-art venues and galleries. The center not only features internationally renowned artists, but it also provides a creative space for student productions and academic exploration. The Richmond Region has smaller local galleries such as the Crossroads Art Center, Quirk Gallery, 1708 Gallery, The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen and Bella Arte Gallery, each offering unique opportunities to experience and engage with the arts.
Arts in the Park and Culture Works both strengthen Richmond’s creative scene. Arts in the Park draws thousands of attendees to Byrd Park each year to enjoy work from over 400 artists, while Culture Works supports artists year-round through funding, partnerships, and access to resources. Together, they help make art accessible and impactful across the region.
VCU’s School of the Arts
VCU’s School of the Arts (VCUarts) plays a major role in shaping the region’s dynamic creative scene, attracting students from across the country to one of the nation’s top-ranked art schools. The program offers 18 bachelor’s and six master’s degrees across 16 departments, with standout areas including art education, craft and material studies, fashion design, graphic design, and sculpture and extended media. Sculpture and extended media has been ranked the No. 1 program of its kind in the nation. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse community of peers and faculty, which fosters a strong foundation for professional growth. Many graduates choose to stay in Greater Richmond, drawn by the city’s supportive creative economy and job market.
Performing arts
The Richmond Ballet has captivated audiences since 1957. Recognized as the State Ballet of Virginia, the company performs a dynamic repertoire including classical masterpieces and innovative contemporary works. Hailed by Dance/USA as “a jewel among U.S. dance companies” and recognized by The Washington Post as “a company to which dance fans everywhere ought to pay attention,” Richmond Ballet continues to earn national acclaim. The ballet’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the stage with a strong emphasis on education and community engagement. The acclaimed School of Richmond Ballet nurtures young talent while the Minds in Motion program introduces dance to thousands of elementary school students each year.
Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony is a cultural cornerstone. As the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia, the symphony brings music to diverse audiences through its innovative programming and community outreach. The symphony features more than 70 professional musicians, a 150-voice chorus and a youth orchestra program to nurture young talent. Collaborations with local arts institutions including the Richmond Ballet and Virginia Opera create immersive experiences. Additionally, the symphony’s educational initiatives reach thousands of students annually, fostering a lifelong appreciation for orchestral music
The Virginia Commission for the Arts awarded a $45,000 grant over three years to Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony for their collaboration on the opera “Loving v. Virginia”. As the official opera company of the commonwealth, Virginia Opera delivers world-class productions through statewide performances. Founded in 1974, the opera has built a national reputation for artistic excellence and innovation.
The region’s music scene
With genres ranging from classical and jazz to hip-hop, R&B, folk and metal, the region supports a broad musical spectrum. The region’s music scene has produced notable artists such as GWAR, D’Angelo, Avail, Lamb of God, Lucy Dacus, Jason Mraz and No BS! Brass.
The National, a historic theater built in 1923, regularly hosts big-name performers while The Broadberry features a mix of Richmond-based musicians and regional touring acts. Larger venues such as the Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center draw national headliners, while smaller intimate spots like The Camel, The Canal Club, Hippodrome, Gallery5 and Get Tight Lounge provide platforms for emerging artists.
Richmond Music Week celebrates the local scene while Friday Cheers brings live music to Brown’s Island during the summer. The annual Richmond Jazz and Music Festival in August draws nationally known jazz, soul and R&B performers while the Richmond Folk Festival in October attracts more than 220,000 attendees with its global lineup.
Visual art on every corner
Greater Richmond’s dynamic street art scene turns the city into an open-air gallery, showcasing powerful murals and public art projects that spark creativity and unite the community. Named the No. 1 Best Town to Visit in 2024, the region thrives with a vibrant arts scene, rich history, and dynamic culture.
The Richmond Mural Project and The RVA Street Art Festival have brought together national and international artists that have created more than 100 murals since their inception in 2012. The artworks range from abstract to hyper-realistic, offering a visual feast for art lovers and urban explorers. The mural collection transformed the city into a globally recognized art destination, but it has also boosted downtown foot traffic, fueling economic growth and community engagement with local businesses. Greater Richmond ranked No. 2 in 2024 in the nation for public art, according to USA Today’s Best List.
A groundbreaking public art project called Mending Walls RVA was created by local artist Hamilton Glass, fostering empathy and connection through art. The project brought together 30 artists from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and perspectives to engage in meaningful discussions about their lived experiences. Through these conversations, they created powerful, thought-provoking murals across Greater Richmond. What began as a local public art initiative grew into a podcast, an Emmy-winning PBS documentary and more.
Richmond, Va., ranked in the top 10 best cities for art lovers in the U.S., thanks to its strong creative community supported by VCU’s renowned School of the Arts. As Departures Magazine put it, “The most interesting arts attraction in Richmond has become the city itself,” after naming RVA one of “The Most Inspiring Art Cities in America.”
A bright future for the arts
Greater Richmond’s arts and culture scene continues to thrive and evolve. Since 2020, the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has grown by more than 40,200 residents, driving 48 percent of Virginia’s total population increase. New quality-of-life developments, such as entertainment hubs like the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, have further boosted the city’s appeal, attracting even more residents and visitors. Set to feature a seating capacity of 7,500, the venue will host concerts, festivals and community events, enhancing the city’s cultural and social landscape.
