Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (must see)

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), located in Richmond, represents a significant cultural institution in the American South, supported by a unique combination of state funds, private donations, and endowments. As one of the first museums in the region to be funded by state resources, the VMFA underscores the Commonwealth of Virginia's commitment to public access to the arts, with free admission for all visitors.

Established from the foundational donation of 50 paintings by Judge John Barton Payne in 1919, the museum has grown through a series of collaborations and support mechanisms. Payne's initiative, combined with the backing of Virginia Governor John Garland Pollard and the Federal Works Projects Administration, facilitated the federal and state funding that brought the museum to life. By 1932, a prime location was selected on Richmond's Boulevard, situated on a six-block tract previously occupied by an American Civil War veterans' home.

The architectural design of the VMFA, executed by Peebles and Ferguson Architects of Norfolk, showcases elements of Georgian Revival and English Renaissance styles, drawing inspiration from notable architects like Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren. Despite original plans for two wings, only the central part of the museum was constructed. The building process commenced in 1934, culminating in the museum's grand opening on January 16, 1936.

Today, the VMFA stands as a beacon of artistic and cultural heritage, continuously supported by a blend of public engagement and private generosity, ensuring its ongoing role as a pivotal art institution in Virginia.