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Richmond may be one of the most historically significant cities in the United States, but its free-spirited creative scene is what keeps it firmly planted in the modern era. From its eclectic art galleries housed in antebellum buildings to its annual schedule of arts-filled festivals and events, the city seems to run on creative energy. Ready to get inspired? Here’s how to explore the cultural side of Virginia’s dynamic capital.
Tour the Museum District (and beyond)
From its sculpture garden to its expansive facility featuring thousands of works of art, VMFA is Richmond’s hub for art lovers.
Courtesy of Visit Richmond.
Richmond has a strong museum culture, and the city even has an area called the Museum District. Located in the city’s historic center, this area is home to some of the best museums, surrounded by tree-lined streets and colorful Victorian houses.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a local favorite because admission is free 365 days a year. It is also one of the largest art museums in Japan, with a collection of over 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of history. Highlights include the most extensive public collection of Fabergé and Russian decorative arts in the United States, as well as an incredible collection of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and contemporary American art.
Next door, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture tells the story of our state’s evolving state through fascinating exhibits. The Lego-inspired transportation exhibition will coincide with the toy company’s new local manufacturing plant and will run from October 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Un/Bound, an exploration of free black Virginians before the Civil War, opens on June 14, 2025. Lasts until July 5, 2026.
The Science Museum of Virginia is housed in a vast neoclassical building that was once a train station and offers fun, interactive exhibits, giant-screen dome shows, laboratories, maker spaces, and more. It’s also home to the world’s largest kugel ball (a spherical stone sculpture floating on a thin film of water), the 29-ton Grand Kugel.
Outside of the Museum District are the Virginia Black History Museum and Cultural Center, Valentine, American Civil War Museum, Poe Museum, and Virginia Holocaust Museum, to name a few. The Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, the Hanover Museum of History and Culture, and Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield are located nearby outside the city limits.
tour the gallery
Richmond’s passion for the visual arts is proudly on display, with more than 150 murals by local and international street artists making the city feel like a living canvas. Use this map to create your own walking or bike tour of Richmond’s murals.
The RVA First Friday Art Walk is the ideal opportunity to get a feel for the city’s artistic talent while absorbing the youthful energy of the creative community. The event is held the first Friday of each month in the Downtown Arts District near Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), consistently ranked among the top art schools in the country, and its ultra-modern Institute of Contemporary Art .
Many of Richmond’s more than 70 galleries are contemporary, including Ada Gallery, Quirk Gallery, and artist-led nonprofit gallery 1708 Gallery. Other reliable stops include Anderson, an exhibition space for VCU’s up-and-coming students and faculty, and Gallery 5, a visual and performing arts hub housed in a 19th-century former fire station.
Discover Richmond’s premier performing arts scene
The LGBTQ-friendly Triangle Players supports the growth of queer arts in Richmond.
Courtesy of Visit Richmond.
You don’t have to leave town to see Broadway-quality shows, comedy headliners, and dramatic productions. All take place in the city’s theaters, concert halls, and cultural centers. Known for its mosque-like architecture, the historic Altria Theater hosts performances by some of the city’s biggest names, from touring musicals like The Book of Mormon to concerts of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix featuring the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. will be done.
For a more local feel, Triangle Players is an LGBTQ-friendly theater company that produces programming rooted in queer experiences. Virginia Repertory Theater presents everything from comedies and dramas to musicals and family-friendly shows.
Glen Allen’s Cultural Arts Center on the city’s west side hosts cultural events such as outdoor concerts, film screenings, plays, performances by the likes of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Gaelic Storm, maker markets, and visual arts exhibits. Head north of town for live performances, concerts, and movies at the Ashland Theater.
attend a music festival
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival features top musicians each summer.
Courtesy of Visit Richmond.
From bluegrass and brass bands to chamber concerts and raucous house shows, the rich lineup of music festivals in the Richmond area offers something for every type of music lover. The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival features summer acts such as St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Herbie Hancock, and The Roots.
In the fall, the Richmond Folk Festival is held along the river, attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers with an impressive schedule of free outdoor concerts and events. The Second Street Festival, also free, celebrates the Jackson Ward District’s vibrant history with jazz, blues and hip-hop performances. Ongoing series like Music at Maymont, Friday Cheers, and Pocahontas Premiere keep you entertained year-round with a diverse lineup of acts performing in outdoor venues that showcase Richmond’s pleasant climate and stunning natural beauty. Masu.
