The VMFA is gearing up for the largest expansion in its history. The museum released new renderings of the $261 million project, which it expects to break ground on in late 2025.

Planning for the expansion began in 2021 with a discovery and design phase. The museum's collection has nearly doubled in size in the last 14 years, now totaling more than 50,000 works of art.

The McGlothlin Wing II should open to the public in 2028. | Rendering courtesy of SmithGroup

What will change?

The most significant aspect of the expansion will be the addition of a new wing, called the McGlothlin Wing II. It will be home to 173,000 sqft of gallery space for American, African, and contemporary art collections.

The new wing will also include a special events space that seats 500, a cafe and bar, meeting rooms, and a second special exhibition gallery suite. That addition could allow for more visiting exhibitions or locally organized temporary exhibitions.

Also included in the plans are renovations to around 45,000 sqft of existing gallery space. The work will make room for new space for photography as well as the Raysor Center for Works on Paper.

The hill portion of the sculpture garden is currently closed for renovations, but should reopen in late November. | Photo by RICtoday

What's the timeline?

Final architectural renderings should be complete in early 2025. Those will need to be approved by the state, putting a potential groundbreaking in late 2025.

The McGlothlin Wing II is expected to open in 2028.

Want more VMFA in the meantime? Check out our preview of two special exhibitions that recently opened and mark your calendar for this spring's Frida Kahlo show.